A Memoir Of Travels To AustraliaJune 25, 2008HEARD IN AN AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY SURGERY: Hey Doc, I’ve got a problem with my moggy. I’ve been taking her to a different vet for yonks but I don’t think he’s much chop. He’s always been in real good nick but now he’s bloody crook. I think he’s cactus . . . TRANSLATION: Please Doctor, I have a problem with my domestic shorthair cat. I have been taking her to a different vet for quite some time, however, I am starting to have doubts as to his abilities. The cat has always been in good body condition, but is now extremely unwell. I am concerned she may not be able to be saved. The above comments are not unusual. Australians use slang like we Americans use acronyms. Last year, with Seminars at Sea, we spent two weeks going from Sydney to Auckland, including 12 exotic ports of call in Australia and New Zealand, with participants from three OZ (Australian) practices, two Kiwi (New Zealand) practices and about a dozen American practices. Sharing medical and surgical paradigms was an amazing experience, and having Dennis …
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Substance Abuse: A Culture Of DenialJune 20, 2008Veterinary Practice News Managing Editor Somyr McLean contributed to this report. Veterinary medicine is the only U.S. medical profession that does not have a national monitoring program for substance abuse and mental health issues. Considering that medical professionals in general have a statistically higher incidence of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, many who are passionate about veterinary wellness are asking why DVMs are excluded. Authorities say they’re concerned not only for the health of those in the veterinary profession, but for the animals they treat as well. Even basic questions on the issue go unanswered, as no comprehensive, large-scale study of veterinarians and substance abuse has ever been conducted in the U.S. “Veterinarians in need of assistance fear losing their license and the stigma attached to suffering from an addiction or mental issue,” said Jeff Hall, DVM, a self-described recovering addict who formerly chaired the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Wellness Committee. “There isn’t an updated national support database of veterinarians, there isn’t a hotline. There isn’t a catalog of animals harmed by a compromised veterinarian or technician, there’s no statistic that shows veterinarians or staff who succumb to addictions or depression,” Dr. Hall said. “No one is expressing an interest …
