Dr. Tom Sholseth Mobile Veterinary Service

Its time for me to establish some policy on one very special service i provide, thats the tough topic of euthanasia. euthanasia is clearly a very difficult and emotional decision. and unfortunately i find theres so much information and so many questions that need to be investigated by owners that i feel veterinarians would do better to have a preparatory meeting with a client struggling with this decision. whens the right time? is my pet suffering? how to tell if theyre in p...ain? does my pet have time left? should i have done this earlier? should children be present? what is the process? see there are lots of things to become clear about.....and i dont feel i can do a good job with this on first meeting a client.....and then with covid it makes it even more difficult (can i hold my pet while this happens, can i be there, can you come in the house and do it on his favorite spot on the couch....What if its not appropriate to do this, then what, how much time do we have and what to do in the meantime? what if my pet has cancer versus old age, are the issues different ?.........the list goes on.... so for this reason i'm separating this process into 2 visits: first we schedule a meeting where all the owners questions are identified and discussed, we allow time for consultation with family, we sleep on it....we do this early enough in the process (if possible) so its not a drama, emotionally charged event. we prescribe tranquilizers for the pet so that there's less stress on that final day, when ever it will be. we will also discuss the 'funeral' arrangements. then finally, there is the next visit, when its time....this is never easy but much less traumatic when thought out with the help of a veterinary health professional. this is such an important decision, it deserves a little extra time spent. i know for myself, having been both the pet owner and the veterinarian on duty at the same time.....hardest thing i ever do and gets harder all the time......that's why i'm so committed to doing this with these priorities in order: 1) well being and relief of suffering for the pet. 2) clear thinking, honesty and support for the owner and family. thanks for reading this drtom

Things are getting a bit back to normal.....we’re starting earlier per usual with the sun up at 4:30 am! I’m very fortunate to have such great clients .....their pets, which I consider all mine (I just have great folks taking care of them) are the best as always. The mobile unit is due for its 6 month checkup and early July is the time to do it....so, the mobile unit will be out of service July 1-5.....I will still field calls, schedule and we’ll still be making refill rx deliveries.... Thanks , drtom

Most know that if I can and it’s convenient for the client I sometimes see if I can come early to an appointment...I always book more time than usually needed so I sometimes can come early . What I do with that extra time is see those clients that call me that day with urgent care issues ....that said being mobile I can run late a bit 20-30 minutes and will always call if I can...but I recommend clients have a window of 30 minutes or so either way ....it’s appreciated ...(.and my urgent care clients often ask me to thank folks who had to wait so I could see their pet in distress. ....)

Just an update, I’m only booking appointments by phone. I can’t manage 3 forms of social media and texts and phone calls all at the same time and do a good job...I clear my phone messages twice daily. Thanks for understanding.

Things are getting a bit back to normal.....were starting earlier per usual with the sun up at 4:30 am! Im very fortunate to have such great clients .....their pets, which I consider all mine (I just have great folks taking care of them) are the best as always. The mobile unit is due for its 6 month checkup and early July is the time to do it....so, the mobile unit will be out of service July 1-5.....I will still field calls, schedule and well still be making refill rx deliveries.... Thanks , drtom

Most know that if I can and its convenient for the client I sometimes see if I can come early to an appointment...I always book more time than usually needed so I sometimes can come early . What I do with that extra time is see those clients that call me that day with urgent care issues ....that said being mobile I can run late a bit 20-30 minutes and will always call if I can...but I recommend clients have a window of 30 minutes or so either way ....its appreciated ...(.and my urgent care clients often ask me to thank folks who had to wait so I could see their pet in distress. ....)

As one can imagine it’s hard keeping up with multiple communication channels leading to an appointment schedule not to mention being mobile and allocating driving times! So that everyone knows, top appointment priority goes to those that call and leave a message. Then when I can I check In order: texts, messenger, Facebook mobile vet service page, pidgeon air mail, jungle drums, stagecoach mail, candy grams, psychic readings and hydro glyphs.

I have been seeing some supply issues happening....I have always listened to what my clients ‘need and want’ instead of what I think they should ‘Need and want’. I’d be interested in what my clients rely on the most for their fur babies (other than food and water) as far as things we vets provide for....for example: flea products etc.....

Just an update, Im only booking appointments by phone. I cant manage 3 forms of social media and texts and phone calls all at the same time and do a good job...I clear my phone messages twice daily. Thanks for understanding.

A few reasons why mobile vet med is ideal for these times.... https://www.erinbromage.com//the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

Thought i would go over how i do house calls with covid 19..... One advantage of the mobile unit is that its totally unnecessary to go into a clients home/space and the entire visit can be/is totally contact free while maintaining social distancing. Usually i will call once i reach the clients home, we go over the history of the pet and the issue at hand. For pets small enough, they are placed in a crate and placed just outside the clients door. Sometimes the owner will co...me out to the van, especially with big dogs and well chat: Im sitting on my table side exam stool, the client is about 10-15 feet away outside (and under the large awning in wet weather). i either take hold of the midsection of a long leash, or the crate or leash tied up and take the pet into the mobile unit. i examine the pet once inside with the slider closed. After the exam or treatment given, i return the pet to the owner via crate, long leash or secure them accessible to the owner. Paperwork, signing, is done at distance with a clipboard the owner doesnt touch with their own pen. Card numbers are taken on the phone, or tapped on the reader or pins are pressed in with a disposable baggie over the pin pad. Prescriptions are placed on an extendable so the client can maintain distance. If treatments require assistance i have my tech allison assist me. Allison lives on our farm and is only in contact with myself and wife liz (and the goats, donkey, dogs and chickens). Allison also does Rx deliveries which are prepaid by card over the phone and dropped on doorsteps without client contact. If needed blood samples and X-rays are scheduled when i have allison assisting me. New gloves are donned and any contact areas (if any - i watch) are disinfected. And when i reach my net destination i alcohol spray my new gloves and repeat. I may have missed something but i can amend it. (i have also developed a protocol for euthanasias that allow the owner to be present but not at risk. Feel free to contact me about this) thanks Drtom

Good morning pet people!! Back in operation. I’m following the college of vet med in BC’s guidelines for covid 19 so we’ll talk about how to not have/minimize personal contact and still get our fur family managed. Fortunately the mobile unit is ideal for these times and I’m working on the website that will address these points specifically....in the meantime calls are better than texts for initial contact...250 816 8387.....

As one can imagine its hard keeping up with multiple communication channels leading to an appointment schedule not to mention being mobile and allocating driving times! So that everyone knows, top appointment priority goes to those that call and leave a message. Then when I can I check In order: texts, messenger, Facebook mobile vet service page, pidgeon air mail, jungle drums, stagecoach mail, candy grams, psychic readings and hydro glyphs.

I have been seeing some supply issues happening....I have always listened to what my clients need and want instead of what I think they should Need and want. Id be interested in what my clients rely on the most for their fur babies (other than food and water) as far as things we vets provide for....for example: flea products etc.....

Bats are being culled in mass number due to misinformation about covid 19. Our increase in calls about wildlife reportedly with Covid 19, from raccoons to squir...rels, and comments about them has increased. These animals should not be persecuted when there is no concrete evidence to show that they were the source of this disease and if they were, information points to there being an intermediate host between the bats and humans. There are over 1400 bat species in the world, many of whom have cohabitated with humans for thousands of years and do not pose a threat. The disease is being transmitted from human to human. We are not worried about this disease at all in our wildlife patients so neither should you! It is unfair to use these amazing creatures as a scapegoat!!! They need to be spoken up for to continue to protect them and end the wrongful persecution of them! @turtlerescueofthehamptons See more

Good morning pet people!! Back in operation. Im following the college of vet med in BCs guidelines for covid 19 so well talk about how to not have/minimize personal contact and still get our fur family managed. Fortunately the mobile unit is ideal for these times and Im working on the website that will address these points specifically....in the meantime calls are better than texts for initial contact...250 816 8387.....

Back in operation-island ford did a good job! The mobile unit will be out of service tomorrow and Thursday. Having an engine leak managed at island ford and they need it 2 days. Hopefully Ill have it Friday am. Thanks Drtom

So encouraging news from Bonnie Henry md, rates looks like slowing .... Im driving down the highway and this hit me, if Im coming to your place to see a pet and you need me to pick something up (on my way, makes sense etc) let me know and Ill do it. Obviously no charge....itll save one trip by someone and reduce potential contacts for that client. And 2) all health care workers get 10% off for hazard pay.....you all need help and maybe this helps....my wife Liz is a health care worker and I get it. Thats all for now Drtom out

https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/coronavirus-covid-19

Please give us 3 days lead time for refills and special orders.... Thanks The management

Some tips for current issues with covid 19...A few operational suggestions are now in place: all calls/cases are triaged. Pets are seen in the mobile unit as its a disinfectable controlled space.....that allows distancing....cats in carriers are best....when it comes to vaccinations-puppy series timing is important, adult vaccination has more leeway. For gastrointestinal cases -dont wait....early treatment is effective. You all know I text....Im more than willing to help with text if I can....call early for prescription delivery....pre-pay by ccard if you can and then we can group our deliveries and drop off with out physical contact. Mobile practice is very adaptable in these uncharted waters...

http://www.bccdc.ca//diseases/covid-19/about-covid-19/pets

Best explanation of whats going on https://medium.com//coronavirus-act-today-or-people-will-d

Theres no clear evidence that pets can get or spread covid 19. There are corona viruses pets can get but not the ones that infect humans. This may be an article people will hear about. This dogs owner was positive for covid 19 and the dog had weak positive swabs.....(owners probably a dog kisser as I know NONE of my clients kiss their dogs!! ). I kiss my fur babies all the time....but I cant recommend it but thats for later.... heres the article https://time.com/5792150/coronavirus-dog/

Update: as this covid 19 situation unfolds, Im making adjustments to help clients reduce risk of viral contact. Due to the design of the mobile unit (designed after mobile field hospitals), all surfaces are disinfected daily and contact surfaces are disinfected after each visit. I will glove and mask if requested and where appropriate. A great thing about mobile practice Is that it reduces exposure by avoiding high density situations and helps less mobile clients.

Bats are good! Holy white nose (fungus) syndrome..

https://www.fda.gov//fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinaria

Youll hear a lot about the corona virus this weekend....FYI there is no evidence it can be spread to dogs.....everyone stay calm and wash your hands! :)

Dont know if I should say this....just reflecting on making a tricky diagnosis today vs 30 years ago. Thirty years ago it was exciting to have called that diagnosis from watching the patient walk in and then proving it on the X-ray. Today, although its reassuring I was correct, my heart saddened with the confirmation on the X-ray a few minutes later. My solace Was that I know I saved that big boy a lot of stress and discomfort having just sweet talked him into laying on the floor of the mobile unit and getting the X-ray done in 50 seconds...Hes on the just Chillin meds now.

As veterinary doctors, were required to maintain our continuing education. Ive found the best conference with the Most diverse and current topics is the western veterinary medical conference in Las Vegas....(dont gamble etc so I get lots of Lecture time in). Ill be there feb 15-20 learning new tips for treating our furry family.....Ill see if I cant post some interesting items along the way!

Back home in one piece! Back to work in the am!

Going skiing this weekend...Ill be back to work Tuesday am. If you have an emergency try the central island vet emergency on metral drive across from Home Depot. Gotta stay in shape! Take good care of my fur patients! Drtom

I didnt know there was a Weiner dog Wednesday!

https://whdh.com//fda-announces-dog-food-brands-that-cou/

https://www.nbcnews.com//it-s-not-going-away-vets-still-se

Upgrades and maintenance underway....digital radiology in, ultrasound coming any day now. Generator serviced, console switches for rear heat and a/c for patients installed (finally), finishing up the X-ray and anesthesia cozy s next (think tea pot cozy).

Holiday schedule: the mobile unit will be in upgrades and repairs dec 24 at noon until 8am January 2. Check your prescriptions now, suppliers shipping is sketchy during the holidays. Im not out of town, but cant do much if my trusty ride is non operative. Have a great holiday everyone....

Its how we want to be

Sometimes i cant get to messages to me posted on this page so remember always best to call me for appointments....thats the best, most efficient way for me to come see your pet or discuss a case... call 250 816 8387 thanks

Getting pretty excited ..........the mobile unit will be fitted for digital radiographic status this Saturday nov 23 through Monday nov 25. Pictures to follow....

Sometimes Im asked what are your hours?...which is a reasonable question...so i will explain. Bear in mind my wife has been admonishing me for working too much.... i like what i do, it makes me feel good, useful and Ive just always wanted to be a vet since i was 5. That said, even when i try to not overdo it, i still work 50+ hours a week....but i need to pace myself....my goal is to be doing this when Im 80. Im 67 now but a young 67 :) ! i take time off when my schedul...e allows....if i can block off a half a day here or there, i try to do that. i do block off time to fly fish and need to do more of that here locally, but my multi day flyfishing trips are known in advance and i post them here and I change my voice mail to reflect that. My tech allison is here if Im gone and we can get med refills to clients when Im on a trip. But sometimes i just need an afternoon or day off, preferably when liz is off too....its fortunate we have a couple of emergency clinics around to manage emergency cases and that procedure is addressed in my voice message. Our local veterinary community has changed in recent past with no one taking emergency cases (or calls). i Itry to do as many as i can (where appropriate) for my practice. But Im just one vet and i dont have multiple associate drs working for me (as Ive had in the past) so if i dont get back to you relatively soon after your message and you think you may have an emergency, you need to call the central island vet emergency hospital at 6550 metral dr in nanaimo (250 933 0913) asap. i appreciate your understanding on this..... i have to remind myself that this is a long course swim and not a sprint (hopefully!). Thanks DrTom Sholseth DVM MPVM

Monday November 25 is a big day....well be getting mobile digital X-ray capability for general and dental imaging! I have been a bit nostalgic about the whole darkroom developing thing but radiographs in seconds is pretty cool.... www.nuonimaging.ca