Pets are dying because Maine doesn't have enough veterinarians

[TexasTowelie]

When Lorraine Monfils took in a dying 4-week-old puppy, her calls for help to veterinarians went unanswered.

“Nobody would take us,” Monfils said. “I called my vet in Canada and she tried to help. He died in my arms. It’s very sad …. It’s devastating. When an animal is dying, it’s horrifying. ”

Monfils runs the Ark Animal Sanctuary, a 40-acre animal refuge in Houlton. A Florenceville, New Brunswick, veterinarian has taken care of the Monfils’ animals since 2009. But when the border closed last year, she was left without a vet.

The Ark currently has 50 cats with special needs that require more medical attention. Over the last year, three cats died because there was no vet available to help. And even when her own dog had a stroke, Monfils had to drive two hours to the emergency vet practice in Brewer for care.

“It gives you a sinking feeling,” she said.

Read more: https://bangordailynews.com/2021/03/28/news/pets-are-dying-because-maine-doesnt-have-enough-veterinarians/

[Dr. Shepper]

1. Article gives some of the reasons

There are several reasons behind the shortage, including lower wages, high student loan debt and a lack of interest by new graduates in rural areas.

I’d like to add compassion fatigue and client abuse/bullying. Veterinarians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession.

And the debt is breathtaking.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Wow. Thanks for the reply, that's a really little known aspect of the profession.

Somehow the divisions continue. Areas of technology, culture, and progress aren't mixing with those left behind. Perhaps government needs to provide incentives and investments. The economics of geography creates pockets that remain unfilled.

[CountAllVotes]

3. Few here taking new patients

Sad situation and wow is the greed ever out the window!

$600+ to clean the teeth of a cat!

Huh?

We aren't going there no matter what kitty!

It works both ways doesn't it?

[Dr. Shepper]

6. Are you seriously saying vets

Are greedy? Vets make very little money compared to their debt load. They are NOT doing it because they are greedy.

Dentals include anesthesia, dental instruments, staff to clean, vets to examine.

How much does it costs to get your teeth clean without insurance?

Client bullying is one of the top reasons vets are killing themselves.

[dlk]

4. There are very few veterinary programs in the US

And due to to this limited number, it’s been said gaining admission to them can be more difficult than gaining admission to medical school. It’s also been said veterinary school, itself, can be more difficult than medical school because of the requirement to learn many different biological systems, as opposed to only one. It’s not surprising there’s a shortage.

[CountAllVotes]

5. The M.D. a friend was going to went to a college

Take your pick: Become an M.D. or a veterinarian overnight.

This "doctor" is totally messed up as an M.D. and would have perhaps fared better as a veterinarian as the
"customer" cannot talk back!

The "college" is in the Bahamas or some such place.

Regardless, this "doctor" is a FAIL in my book!

Take 'em or leave 'em!

I say run away ASAP!

[Dr. Shepper]

7. You cannot become a vet overnight.

It takes

4 years undergrad
4 years vet school
Plus possible internship, residency and grad school - easily another 6-7 years.

ETA - In case it’s not obvious, I am a vet. I’m specialized so I don’t do GM, but I understand the day to day struggles of my colleagues. And it took me 11 years post Bachelors to become a vet.

[dlk]

8. The education requirements are not unlike those for a medical doctor

I think many people are unaware of how much education is required.

[intheflow]

9. All the different biological systems AND your patients can never tell you what's wrong.

Vets are heroes. Most have much better bedside manners than doctors.

That being said, I do find it surprising more vets aren't drawn to rural areas. I would love to move to rural Maine, but of course, librarian pay is also outrageously low there, and I have student loan debt, too, so...

[dlk]

10. Unsung heroes...

Where would we be without them? You nailed it with the bedside manner. Not many vets with a god complex. Their animal patients wouldn’t put up with it. Good luck. It’s a challenging but worthwhile path. When I was little, I wanted to be a vet and had the usual menagerie of pets.