03/16/2020
I just emailed everyone, but in case some didn't go through, thought I'd share it here:
Metro East Vet in this Corona-crazy world
With everything topsy-turvy about the Coronavirus, closings, quarantines, and random hoarding, I wanted to touch base and give you an update.
Here's what you need to know:
1 - We are still making house calls
As long as no humans involved in the appointment are sick, we'll still come. If someone in the home is sick, or has been exposed to a known infected person, please speak up PRIOR to our visit! We may reschedule, or get creative about how we see your pet (backyard, driveway, etc). We'll also have telemedicine as an option again - soon!
2 - The clinic is still open
If you've been here before, you know we typically have you and your pet go straight into an exam room. No waiting room crowd! That said, If someone in your home is sick, or has been exposed to a known infected person, please speak up PRIOR to your visit. We may conduct your visit in our "sick room," or simply have you reschedule... or offer a telemedicine consult once we have it...
3 - We are working on a new telemedicine platform.
We have had the Medici app for about a year, but I am searching for a different but similar application. (Medici keeps changing the rules on me!) My goal is to be able to substitute appropriate in-person appointments (house call or clinic) with telemedicine consults. This will allow us to talk "directly" and will be priced cheaper than a clinic visit. Stay tuned!!
4 - We can mail medications and also do no-contact pick-ups.
As you may already know, we often mail medication. Don't want to come to the clinic? Just ask and we can mail most things! We also have a white box outside for after hours pick-ups, if you'd like to avoid mailing, but not see other humans. If you are using the pick-up box, please be sure you are taking the medication with YOUR pet's name, not someone else's. I wish I was kidding.
5 - Dogs and cats can't get this stuff. Seriously.
The news outlets and social media have done a great job of thoroughly confusing people. Dogs and cats have had their own coronaviruses for centuries. They keep to themselves and do not cross species. But wait - you're thinking about the dog that the news reported tested positive, right? The dog did not HAVE the virus. The dog was WEARING the virus. If you have a virus and are in your house coughing away, anything in the house, if swabbed and tested, is likely to be positive. Your chair, your refrigerator, your fish tank, your pets. I have a blog article I wrote previously and posted in the last newsletter about coronavirus in dogs and cats.
6 - Tell us if you're sick or think you might be... for reals.
Yes, I said this twice. If you love animals more than people, put the pets first by helping me and my staff avoid getting sick! If we get sick, we cannot help the dogs and cats that need it. We need to continue providing timely, peaceful euthanasia in their homes. We need to stop pain, relieve itching, and treat upset tummies, to name a few. So a healthy, functional veterinary team is important - help us stay that way!
7 - Questions? Want to reschedule just 'cuz? Just ask!
We are being as flexible as we can during this mess, and are sticking to our motto of "just roll with it." Just don't ask us for extra toilet paper. ;)
Now stay chill, and stay healthy!
Karen Louis DVM, MS, cVMA
Owner, MetroEast Home Vet Care
