It’s All about Rescue: A Pittston Veteranarian, an NBC Environmentalist, and Pets Owned by AIDS Patients
AREA VETERINARIAN EARNS NATIONAL HEADLINES FOR MID-EAST ANIMAL CARE. Local veterinarian Dr. Inayat Kathio not only cares for Pittston pets but oversees seven low-cost veterinary clinics in Pakistan. The Pakistan-American veterinarian was the object of a recent story in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and is known as a strong advocate for low-cost spay/neuter surgery at his small animal Pittston clinic
Kathio is a fellow with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and says it is imperative to get food and medical supplies to the animals in Pakistan immediately. According to veterinarians working there, “Livestock in the country are the poor people’s ATM”. Approximately 200,000 cows, sheep, goats and other animals are presumed dead from the recent floods, with poultry stocks often wiped out entirely. Kathio may be reached at 570-655-2412. His appointment cards not only have cats and dogs printed on them but rabbits, snakes and parrots.
OIL AND ANIMALS. Jeff Corwin, animal biologist and NBC environmental consultant showed his audience a 5-foot long 40-pound lizard that had been rescued from Trenton, N.J. streets after escaping from an owner who burned its neck. His message to veterinarians–”these exotic pets are your patients too”. Abandonment and improper care are big problems for many endangered species living in American homes–and still unfortunately in small roadside zoos. A wildlife spokesman, Corwin says habitat is the secret to preserving wildlife. Habitat must be maintained and kept clean if we are to preserve wildlife. (Corwin is currently working with the sea turtles affected by the Gulf oil spill– wonder what effect the search for oil in Pennsylvania will have on our wildlife and their homes!)
The third veterinarian, Dr. Kenneth Gorczyea, works in rescue, helping AIDS patients keep their pets. He has worked to educate health professionals and the public about the minimal risk of contacting HIV/AIDS from pets. He helped establish PETS ARE WONDERFUL, an organization that provides supplies and care for pets belonging to low-income people who have AIDS or other disabilities and to senior citizens. A video showing this organization at work is available. Call me.
MIXED BREED MAKEOVERS. The newest grooming techniques turn a mixed-breed dog into a purebred of your choice–at least a breed look-alike! Wonder when this will be a feature on “Animal Planet” or even Good Morning America”? A Poodle is a Poodle is not!
STUDY ON DECLINE IN VETERINARY VISITS. Bayer Animal Health has launched a study to determine why there is a decline in veterinary visits. The study results should be known by Thanksgiving. Dog owners are averaging 1.5 vet visits with their dogs compared to 1.9– while cats dropped to less than one visit yearly. The EPA is also seeking comments on pharmaceutical disposals in the water. Veterinary clinics, hospitals and physician’s offices are among those targeted toward developing guidelines for pharmaceutical disposal–especially down drains. How do we pet owners dispose of unused pet medications?
Nov 22, 2010 | | Uncategorized