Turnaround Triumph

My relationship with the hospital I now own began when I was a relief veterinarian six years prior to purchase. On one of my relief stints I met an Entlebucher Mountain Dog puppy. He was happy on his first visit, received a typical first-visit exam, vaccines, and preventives. As the puppy got older, he became more fearful and difficult to handle, with red flags all over his medical record. When he injured a cruciate ligament and required surgery, the practice owner refused to do the surgery as she would not hospitalize or handle this patient because of his aggression issues. After I purchased the practice, the owners asked to return with this dog who displayed significant fear and aggression at the veterinary hospital, whom we had been previously unsuccessful managing. I agreed but under the condition that we try a different approach. With his mom’s consent and buy-in, we used Fear Free techniques and watched him respond and grow emotionally in response to considerate approach and gentle control. This dog now drags his mother through the front door of the hospital to check himself in at the reception counter to receive his first of many “payments” of string cheese, cookies, and a tennis ball.  He comes for all of his required visits and gives us permission to examine him, draw blood, and vaccinate. He has even had surgery and stayed overnight. He no longer receives PVPs and no longer requires a basket muzzle.

We have had many success stories with both our dog and cat clients to the point that I’m getting a reputation for people who have difficult pets to bring them to our hospital. For those pet parents willing to listen and give us a try, the majority of the time we have been successful with making even small strides with each “fearful” pet. It takes time and patience, and unfortunately not all pet parents will afford us these opportunities, but for those who do, they are amazed and pleased with their pets’ response.

Jayme Motler, DVM, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Pleasant Valley Animal Hospital, Pleasant Valley, New York

Spreading the Word

As a behavior-only specialty veterinary facility, we are seeing a greater awareness of FAS by referring veterinarians and pet owners. Fear Free has boosted our tools and resources for addressing FAS with veterinary care. We have developed plans that include educating the pet owner about Fear Free terminology and techniques. It has allowed us to provide better care and services for our patients.

Debbie Martin, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, LVT, Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Veterinary Behavior Consultations and TEAM Education in Animal Behavior, Spicewood, Texas

Nail Trim for the Win!

Lily was a Labrador Retriever who came to us after multiple failed attempts for nail trimming at other veterinary facilities and groomers. The owner was referred to us by a client whose pet had recently been seen for wellness visit where our staff used some of our recently learned techniques in identifying and decreasing FAS. Lily’s owner was frustrated and concerned Lily might injure herself due to her long nail growth. Lily demonstrated level 1 FAS on examination and took treats readily. However, on approaching her paws, her FAS level quickly jumped to a level 3. After discussion with her owner and recommendations for using PVP, Lily was prescribed trazodone and another appointment was made for the nail trim. When Lily arrived for her second appointment, she was immediately escorted to an exam room with dog pheromones in use and calming music playing in the background. A comfy blanket was placed on the floor. Lily’s owner gently encouraged Lily to lie on the blanket while our staff fed her yummy treats (Peanut butter was her favorite). While the owner distracted her with petting and a staff member fed her treats, a second assistant gently approached her paws. NO REACTION! All were thrilled. We proceeded slowly and quietly and reassessed her after each nail for signs of FAS.  Nail trimming complete, Lily jumped up and expressed her appreciation by licking our staff repeatedly. (Okay, in honesty, it was probably the peanut butter). Lily’s owner was so happy she had tears in her eyes. She could not stop thanking us for making the experience enjoyable for Lily. This was our first Fear Free Victory! All staff members were smiling the rest of the day.

Teresa Bracy, DVM, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Indian River Veterinary Hospital, Virginia Beach, Virginia

New Perspective

Fear Free has changed my outlook on veterinary medicine in many ways. It is extremely satisfying to see the Fear Free techniques work in practical situations and not just on video. We use a moderate amount of PVPs, and owners and patients are extremely happy with them. The best is when we have an active but nervous dog in the room, and owners are looking at you and saying to themselves, “You will never get them to stay still to examine or give vaccines.” Then we spray a line of cheese on the floor, the dog goes right to it and is occupied with the cheese, I am touching the dog only lightly to examine and listen to the lungs and heart, and am able to give vaccines with no other restraints. The owners are so amazed and happy. That is a great visit.

Howard Asher, DVM, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Beaver Brook Animal Hospital, Wethersfield, Connecticut

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Kim Campbell Thornton is content manager for Fear Free Pets and is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional. She has been writing about dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life since 1985.