Vet Spotlight: Dr. Emily Thompson and an ounce of prevention

Meet Dr. Emily Thompson, a veterinarian in St. Remi, Quebec whose areas of interest include end of life and hospice care, behavior, preventive, dermatology and much more!

“It pains me to see animals that are suffering from an illness that could have been prevented – from tick-borne diseases to intestinal worm infestations. Vetster allows me to educate clients and easily provide parasite prevention to animals that would not normally receive it.”

There are so many things I love about Vetster. It allows me to meet people and animals from all over. I can offer care for those who live in remote areas, who do not have transportation, who are unable to get an appointment in-clinic, or for animals that are anxious about going to the vet. Clients get my full attention, and I am not distracted by emergencies or the hustle and bustle of the clinic atmosphere. I also enjoy being able to go to work with my fur babies! I often have to keep my cats from walking in front of the screen, and you may hear a bunny chewing in the background.

One of my main interests is animal behavior. Unwanted behaviors can significantly impact the human-animal bond and can lead to surrendering of animals. With Vetster I am able to see animals in their natural environment and get a better idea of their daily life and routine. This way I can discuss with clients the best way to implement behavior modification therapies.

I am also a big proponent of preventative medicine. It is true that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It pains me to see animals that are suffering from an illness that could have been prevented, from tick-borne diseases to intestinal worm infestations. Vetster allows me to educate clients and easily provide parasite prevention to animals that would not normally receive it.

I see infinite possibilities for the future of telemedicine. Life is busy, and it will allow for increased availability and access to veterinary care. It will be a pathway for more advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities. I picture a world where no companion animal goes without proper care. Telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize veterinary care, and I feel lucky to be a part of this expanding field.

I once saw a cat named Gwine, a sweet, petite 13 year old that started acting confused and vocalizing more. She would walk in circles and sometimes just stare off into space, seeming lost. She would also meow and lament at all hours of the night, which made for frustrated, sleep-deprived owners. This case stuck with me because she reminded me of my own elderly cat.

She was suffering from cognitive dysfunction, or cat dementia. She was also likely dealing with arthritic pain. It is difficult to watch our animals, who were once young and playful, suddenly slow down and suffer from mental and physical decline. Animals, especially cats, try to hide their discomfort and will not complain about their aches and pains. The signs are often very subtle and it can be difficult to pick up on small changes to their behavior.

Gwine had recently had bloodwork done to rule-out other medical issues. However, visits to the vet were very stressful for her, so I was happy to be able to help her from the comfort of her own home. She was put on medication to help decrease her anxiety, help her to relax, and decrease pain associated with arthritis. Now she has regained her quality of life and is enjoying her golden years!

To those vets who are hesitant, I encourage you to jump in and try. Starting something new can be scary, and it is ok to feel nervous. I was anxious when I first started, but it has been such a positive and rewarding experience for me. I have discovered skills I never knew I had, and it has helped me grow as a vet.

If you're interested in being featured in our blog, please contact Jennifer, our Manager of Veterinary Success by emailing jennifer@vetster.com.

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