The silent struggle... vets and the crossroads of healing and grief
by Swedencare UK
Veterinary staff are driven by their extraordinary love for animals, a truth universally acknowledged. Your mission as vets and vet nurses is clear: to alleviate the suffering of our beloved pets. However, in the world of veterinary medicine, where compassion meets expertise, there exists a silent struggle that seldom sees the light of day. As vet professionals, you often find yourselves at the intersection of either healing or heart-wrenching grief. As we delve into your unique challenges, we aim to shed some light on your overlooked struggles and send our vets the heartfelt gratitude you wholeheartedly deserve.
Vets, you are often seen as the caretakers of the unconditional loving bonds we share with our animal best friends, navigating daunting burdens under the looming shadow of this duty. The silent agreement between you and your patients' families is profound and anxiety-inducing. Will beloved animal companions awaken to another day, or will the gentle breath of life slip away? In this uncertainty, you often find yourselves grappling with emotions that extend far beyond the realms of medical textbooks.
Few people become veterinarians without an underlying love of animals, and hence dealing with the stressful and heartbreaking aspects of veterinary medicine inevitably takes its toll. Euthanasia, for example, can be traumatic, and vets are unique among professionals in having to perform this act. In addition, the emotional weight of risky procedures such as surgery and invasive treatments which require anaesthesia is shouldered by you, the unsung heroes of our furry companions. Oftentimes with the risks involved in anaesthesia, you face the knowledge your patients may not survive the use of it. The innocent fur babies you’ve been caring for may not wake up. Yours is a world where the stakes are high, and the emotional toll echoes long after the surgery lights dim.
According to our research, sadly, veterinary surgeons in the UK are three to four times more likely than the general population to die by suicide (Platt et al., 2010). Another 2012 study of veterinary surgeons with a history of suicidal thoughts revealed that half the participants had not talked with anyone about their problems because they felt guilty or ashamed.
Sadly, society often fails to acknowledge the mental health problems Vets may face, ignoring it entirely. The focus on the struggles of medical professionals who treat humans often eclipses the emotional strain borne by those like yourselves, who dedicate their lives to the well-being of our four-legged companions. However, it's essential to recognise the pain and grief experienced by vets are just as valid; your silent struggles are woven into the fabric of your commitment to animal welfare.
The focus on the struggles of medical professionals who treat humans often eclipses the emotional strain borne by those like yourselves, who dedicate their lives to the well-being of our four-legged companions.
Studies show this sadness deepens when we consider the use of anaesthesia for preventable procedures (such as dental procedures) which can go wrong. In these cases, the preventable loss of life adds a layer of sorrow to the already complex emotional landscape that veterinarians navigate. When pets lose their lives over avoidable conditions, vets like you bear witness to this heart-wrenching reality.
In acknowledgement of Pet Dental Month this February, we want to shed light on the preventable dangers of oral health. In your noble journey of veterinary care, treating severe dental issues in pets weighs heavily on your hearts, as you understand the physical dangers of the invasive solutions required. To make matters worse, you’ve also a deep understanding of the hidden dangers of untreated plaque and dental diseases in pets, such as periodontal disease which can cause tooth loss and even jawbone damage. And much to the surprise of pet owners, the way that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.
one aspect of their furry friends' health often goes unnoticed until it's too late – oral health
Pet parents often go to great lengths to ensure their pets' health and happiness, providing them with the best food, cosy beds, and abundant love and attention. However, one aspect of their furry friends' health often goes unnoticed until it's too late – oral health. On the surface, it can seem to pet parents as though dental care isn’t as serious as other health issues; there is a belief that it often doesn’t put their pets’ lives at risk. Sadly, this is a dangerous mindset to continue with, and the consequences of it have an emotional toll on everyone involved, as you well know. Thankfully, dental issues, if addressed earlier through preventative measures, wouldn’t necessitate such invasive solutions.
When keeping this in mind and in the interest of Pet Dental Health Month, we underscore the need for pet parents to shift towards a preventive approach to dental care and other conditions which were preventable, transforming healthcare experiences for our fur babies and protecting them from unnecessary risk. Preventing dental issues starts with pet parents scheduling regular check-ups at the Vet and brushing their teeth (which will always be the most powerful preventive measure). However, as you know, oftentimes the signs of dental disease go unnoticed and many pet owners struggle to brush their pet's teeth, even if they do try to start the practice early in a puppy or kitten's life. In this situation, your patient's family members may consider using supplements proven to scientifically tackle dental problems.
At Swedencare, our call is to embrace a preventive approach, making dental care a positive experience for vets and their cherished patients, rather than a struggle which adds to your already complex landscapes of the veterinary field of work.
ProDen PlaqueOff® is a 100% natural and safe solution designed to combat plaque systemically. It contains the selected and unique seaweed – A.N ProDen®, which works systemically through the saliva with anti-sticking properties to help soften existing tartar. It is shown in clinical trials to help reduce plaque accumulation, and the formation of tartar; as a result, this helps improve bad breath and prevent the life-threatening complications of dental disease in pets.
We know that the safety and wellbeing of your patients is of the utmost importance to you, so we are happy to confirm our products are Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) certified, ProDen Plaque Off has undergone clinical trials for both efficacy and safety to achieve the accreditation. Ascophyllum Nodosum, is on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) list of products that are generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
The powder comes in powder form that can be easily sprinkled into food, or in the form of dental bite treats and bones containing A.N ProDen. Globally recommended by vet professionals worldwide, the 100% all-natural powder supplement is free from artificial, GMO’s, preservatives, gluten and sugar. results of visibly whiter, cleaner teeth, and fresher breath are usually seen within three to eight weeks with continued use.
Moreover, to achieve maximum effect, animal safety, and minimal impact on the environment, the seaweed A.N ProDen® is sustainably harvested from specially selected locations in the cold waters off the Scandinavian coast, one of the cleanest places on earth.
60g Proden PlaqueOff Powder(Each scoop = approx. 0.330g)Small dog, 1x scoop a day = 6 monthsMedium dog, 2x scoops a day = 3 monthsLarge dog, 3x scoops a day = 2 months
Please note: this product is not recommended for pets with hyperthyroidism due to the iodine content.
Click here to find out more about the PlaqueOff range available from NVS.
In recognising the challenges that veterinarians often face, we want to acknowledge the importance of mental health and well-being in your profession. Your work is not only meaningful and rewarding but also vital for the well-being of countless animals. We genuinely hope that, amidst the challenges, it brings you a sense of fulfilment and joy, knowing that you are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of innocent animals.
Acknowledging we can’t possibly understand the experiences and emotional fatigue you experience on a daily basis in the veterinarian industry, we want to send you our gratitude and signpost to some support.
Vetlife Helpline offers confidential emotional support to everyone in the veterinary community. If you are reading this, and you find yourself struggling with the emotions and situations which we discussed in this article, please know you don't have to face it alone.
There are many resources and support available, and you can call the confidential telephone support 0303 040 2551 a 24-hour service available 365 days a year. Visit Vetlife Helpline to learn more at vetlife.org.uk
Thank you for reading our article. If you have any questions, feedback, or any additional thoughts to share, please feel free to share them with us at info@swedencare.co.uk.
