Gateway Veterinary Services COVID-19 Response

While health officials across the world are working hard to combat COVID-19, the veterinary community is also performing its own essential work during the pandemic.

The doors at Gateway Veterinary Services in Melfort have been locked for several weeks, but executive director Janine Kernaleguen said clients are still receiving care, albeit in a new way of delivery that takes social distancing and other safety protocols into consideration.

“We are not allowing clientele into the building, so we are doing ‘owner free appointments’ where the owner arrives at the front of the clinic and calls to let us know they have arrived. We come out and take the animal from the vehicle and do the exam or treatments,” said Kernaleguen. “We speak with clients over the phone or video chat to get consent or take payment and then we bring the animals and any supplies or medications they need and place them back in the vehicle. This way we can keep our team and our clients safe.”

Large animal needs don’t stop in the face of a pandemic either, especially during the middle of calving and semen testing season for livestock producers. Fortunately, those services take place outside or in a well-ventilated large air space. Even so, Kernaleguen said they still screen clientele and limit contact to as few people as possible while maintaining social distancing measures.

Normally, Gateway Veterinary Services sees between 350 and 500 appointments per month for things like spay and neuters for puppies and kittens, small animal preventative care, and vaccinations for large and small animals – all of which can still be offered.

“COVID-19 definitely affects the efficiency at which we can service client and patients as everything takes a little bit longer, so we thank everyone for their patience and working with us to keep everyone as safe as possible through this time,” she said.

In addition to the owner-free appointments, curbside pickup and consulting with clients through text or over the phone, Gateway Veterinary Services also has a telemedicine video conference platform set up if the need arises and they’ve enhanced their already stringent cleaning routines.

While the exact vulnerability of animals to the COVID-19 virus isn’t known yet, there have been a few reported cases of animals testing positive. One case that attracted a lot of attention was a Tiger at the Bronx Zoo. Scientists believe it was infected by a zoo worker who wasn’t displaying any symptoms of the virus

Since cats have always been susceptible to certain human influenza, Kernaleguen said there are some symptoms to watch for in felines. They include a cough and minor respiratory distress – similar to human symptoms. She said dogs cannot get sick from COVID-19 but they can potentially carry the virus.

Still, it appears transmission of the virus from human to animal is low and there is no evidence yet that a cat or dog can transmit COVID-19 to humans.

As far as protecting your pets from the coronavirus the same precautions you take for yourself apply.

“There is no need to panic. Just follow the recommendations of the CDC and veterinary officials that if you are sick use social distancing and proper hygiene with your pets too,” she said. “We are constantly following COVID-19 updates in Canada and worldwide to stay on top of what is happening and do our best to keep people informed.”

Each pet is unique in their needs and environment, so they are assessed on a case by case basis. Kernaleguen said if in doubt, don’t be afraid to call your vet and ask.

“What might not seem to be emergent today, could be if not done for many more weeks.”

For more information or to book an appointment, call or text Gateway Veterinary Services at 306-752-7387. Visit their website at www.gatewayvet.ca.