Feline unwell? 60% of owners believe their pets should have access to the same healthcare treatment options as humans
Most pet owners will seek veterinary care for their animals at some point.
But instead of standard dental extractions, spays and neuters, most owners now believe their pets should have the same treatment options as humans for more complicated problems, a survey has found.
A survey of pet owners in Britain, Austria and Denmark found that almost two-thirds believe their pets should have access to things like chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
Although these are already available at some practices, advanced veterinary care is normally characterized by higher costs, advanced skills, state-of-the-art techniques and equipment.
The study comes as Love Island’s Kady McDermott was criticized for creating a ‘pointless debate’ that pet owners should have the same rights as parents Good morning Great Britain.
Most pet owners will seek veterinary care for their animals at some point. But instead of standard dental extractions, spays and neuters, most owners now believe their pets should have the same treatment options as humans for more complicated problems, a survey shows (stock image)
Half of owners surveyed also expected advanced diagnostic tests, including endoscopies – where a long, thin tube containing the tiny camera is passed into the body – as well as CT and MRI scans.
These are usually only available at larger veterinary practices or universities.
The survey of 4,610 people also found that neither income nor ownership of pet insurance predicted whether owners thought their pet should receive advanced veterinary care.
The factor most strongly associated with attitudes that pets should have access to the same treatment options as human patients was the level of emotional attachment owners had to their animals.
The team, including researchers from the University of Glasgow, published their findings in the journal Plos One.
They wrote: ‘As a result of advanced veterinary care, many animals that previously would have suffered, died or euthanized as a result of diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease or cancer can now be successfully managed in primary care practice by veterinarians using a wide range of to animals. range of medications and life-saving procedures such as dialysis, blood transfusions and chemotherapy.
A survey of pet owners in Britain, Austria and Denmark found that almost two-thirds believe their pets should have access to things like chemotherapy and blood transfusions (stock image)
‘Veterinary patients with more complex diseases or who require advanced investigations or treatments may, like humans, be referred by their GP to colleagues who specialize in areas such as orthopedics, oncology and intensive care, for advanced imaging or treatments such as radiation therapy, joint or heart valve replacements.
‘While the availability of such care brings clear benefits, there are also challenges: advanced veterinary care is only available to pets whose owners can afford it, potentially creating moral and financial strain for financially constrained owners.
‘There may also be negative consequences if owners with strong emotional bonds to their pets pursue treatments that significantly reduce the animal’s quality of life while attempting to prolong life.’