Page 20 - Winter 19-20

Personalising Healthcare by Ilse Pedler, UK
I attended the London Vet Show in November and as always it was a fascinating snapshot of the profession as a whole. As well as six small animal lecture streams, three equine and 2 farm animal, there were also dedicated nursing, business and specialist streams all set inside a huge exhibition space in the Excel centre crammed with trade and business stands. Everything was here from the latest surgical instruments and endoscopes to dog toys, nutraceuticals and accountancy services.
I listened to world experts in their fields and new vets starting out on their journey and what struck me was the enthusiasm and curiosity of the delegates and their openness to new ideas and learning. If only we could divert some of that enthusiasm and curiosity towards complementary therapies and allow vets to feel valued if they studied them, we would have a whole new generation out there spreading the message! It was obvious that some therapies were becoming more widely accepted. Acupuncture was mentioned in several lectures and has become a standard option in integrated pain management protocols. On talking to one of the acupuncture associations, it transpired that they have approximately 800 UK veterinary members, how amazing is that? Neutraceuticals were also referred to frequently and the UK Cannabis Clinic had a stand in the exhibition hall which I understand generated a lot of interest.
Of course, there had to be some negativity and I specifically attended a lecture entitled ‘The rise of the anti- vaxxers’: how should vets respond?’ to see if there was a mention of the ‘H word’. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised. The lecture was by Pru Hobson-West a social scientist
who had funding to work with Nottingham Vet school. She had carried out previous research on human vaccination and was primarily concerned with opinions about vaccination both pro and anti. She started the talk by saying she wasn’t a vet and was just going to present her research as to why pet owners may not want their animals vaccinated and what the possible reasons for this could be and how could vets respond. She also said that she thought the title of the lecture, which hadn’t been her choice, wasn’t helpful as using language like ‘anti-vaxxer’ was unnecessarily inflammatory.
It was a generally balanced and informative talk and she had used a variety of sources for her research from the Vet Times to Catharine O’Driscoll’s books and the CHC website. What was interesting for me however, was her central point, that for the last few years animal owners and indeed human patients have been encouraged to take control of their own and their animals’ healthcare. For example, there are a range of diets and people are encouraged to think about what is suitable for their particular animal, consultations have evolved away from a paternalistic model into more of a collaborative process, options are discussed and owners are encouraged to make choices. Vaccination is perceived by a growing proportion of people as just another choice that has to be made.
Many people coming into the consulting room now are very well informed and researched and have genuine concerns and questions. They expect to be able to discuss their opinions and obtain answers in a non-judgemental way. It was refreshing to hear someone say that these people shouldn’t be criticised as wacky or awkward but
should be treated with respect and their genuine concerns or questions addressed.
The ‘H word’ was mentioned a couple of times but not in a particularly derogatory way. There was one question from the audience that tried to drag homeopathy into the debate but I’m pleased to say the lecturer sidestepped it and said it wasn’t the focus of her talk to discuss it. I did make a point of talking to her afterwards and she is looking to get a grant to do more research into the animal vaccination issue. I specifically asked her to talk to BAHVS if she does. I feel it is only by being involved in research and the wider debate we can bring openness and hopefully more understanding to the amazing therapy we practise.
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