Although veterinary hospitals are considered essential businesses and remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, pet owners are turning to remote veterinary care for some of their pets' healthcare needs. Being able to consult with a veterinarian from the comfort of your home is not only safe and convenient, but it can also allow for less stressful veterinary exams and quicker care for your pet. Your regular veterinarian might offer
telehealth
services over the phone or via email, text messaging, video conferencing, or an integrated platform. If your vet has examined your pet in the clinic recently, they can provide virtual consultations, offer diagnoses and treatment options, and prescribe all medications your pet may need. Independent virtual veterinary teleservices are also available to pet owners. These services connect you with licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or other pet experts, and are usually offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How can virtual veterinary services help? Simple questions about your pet's health are often easily answered without requiring an in-office visit. Virtual veterinarians can counsel pet owners about parasite prevention, diet, grooming, exercise, behavioral issues, and other topics. You may also wonder if your pet's medical condition is an emergency or if you can take a wait-and-see approach; a virtual veterinarian can advise whether your pet needs to be seen immediately. What isn't covered by virtual veterinary services? Virtual veterinary services are not a replacement for face-to-face care. In the US, federal and state requirements mandate that veterinarians physically examine animal patients prior to conducting virtual consultations and prescribing medications. To establish the veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), a hands-on exam of your pet must have been conducted "recently," a definition that varies among agencies. Without an established VCPR, virtual veterinarians cannot diagnose or treat your pet or prescribe medications. However, they can answer your questions, offer advice about your pet's medical or behavioral issues, and tell you if they believe your pet should be examined or treated in person. During the coronavirus pandemic, the FDA has temporarily suspended some federal VCPR requirements. However, individual states have their own restrictions, and even if a state does not have specific laws regarding the VCPR, the state's veterinary regulatory board might require it. When should you seek immediate in-office or emergency veterinary care? Virtual services should never be used for emergencies. Always contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital if your pet is acting very sick or has been injured. Seek immediate in-person veterinary attention if your pet is displaying any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing/rapid breathing, pale or bluish gum, seizures, unconsciousness, collapse/can't walk or stand, uncontrolled bleeding, swollen abdomen and nonproductive vomiting, persistent or bloody vomiting or diarrhea, straining to urinate, inability to urinate, or pain.
