Vet Spotlight: Dr. Cotto understands the role Telehealth plays in overall pet wellbeing.
Meet Dr. Cotto, a native to Puerto Rico, who graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. She completed her small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship in BluePearl Spring, Texas and is licensed in Texas, New York, Florida, California and Virginia.
“Through telehealth, veterinarians can assess symptoms, provide guidance on immediate care, and determine whether a visit to a physical clinic is necessary. This can prevent minor issues from escalating into major health problems, ultimately improving the well-being of pets.”
Tell us about how you got started in vet med
My journey into veterinary care began at the age of 10, when my mother and I discovered an injured stray cat hiding under a parked car. My mother, a nurse, recognized the severity of its infected bite wounds and we worked together to clean and treat them. It was then that I realized my calling to advocate for animals and provide medical assistance. This stray cat became our beloved pet, and she surprised us by giving birth to a large litter, for whom we also cared. It is here that my passion for animals began. I also began understanding the importance of preventive medicine, which includes spaying and neutering.
These early experiences fueled my passion for animals and paved the way for my career in emergency veterinary medicine, where I treat critically ill and injured animals.
How did you hear about Vetster and what motivated you to get started in virtual care?
The global pandemic brought about profound changes in our world, especially for veterinarians. I vividly remember the lockdown in New York, where we faced an overwhelming influx of emergency cases due to the closure of many general practices. Operating with only 50% of our clinic staff, we were quickly exhausted, however, this challenging period revealed a few important insights. Families were spending more time at home and began adopting new pets, many of which became emotional support animals or what we referred to as “COVID puppies.”
As months passed, it became clear that many veterinarians were not returning to the profession, leaving an imbalance between veterinary staff and the increasing number of pets requiring care. I distinctly remember the heart-wrenching news of an emergency hospital closing its doors, where I had worked numerous shifts. As the sole 24-hour emergency facility in the area, its closure left the community without critical care.
Despite being in a different state, I felt compelled to aid pet owners and communities facing similar challenges. Discovering Vetster, I eagerly joined the platform to extend my assistance nationwide, leveraging my licenses in multiple states.
Through Vetster, I continue to provide essential care and support to pet owners, ensuring animals receive the attention they need, no matter the distance. As a veterinarian licensed in multiple states, I have encountered a wide variety of cases through telemedicine consultations, with common denominators in dermatology issues, parasites, upper respiratory infections, and pet owners seeking second opinions.
Where do you see telehealth having the greatest impact?
Telehealth has had a significant impact on veterinary care, particularly in communities where emergency hospitals are not available or are out of reach for pet owners. Many people live in remote locations or lack the transportation and resources to physically bring their pets to the nearest hospital. Telehealth bridges this gap by providing accessible and immediate veterinary consultations from the comfort of home. For communities without nearby emergency veterinary services, telehealth offers an invaluable resource. It ensures that pet owners can receive timely advice and care for their animals, which is crucial in emergency situations. Through telehealth, veterinarians can assess symptoms, provide guidance on immediate care, and determine whether a visit to a physical clinic is necessary. This can prevent minor issues from escalating into major health problems, ultimately improving the well-being of pets. Moreover, telehealth consultations are especially beneficial for routine and non-emergency cases. Pet owners can seek advice on dermatology issues, parasite prevention, and upper respiratory infections, as well as obtain second opinions on diagnoses and treatment plans. This convenience not only saves time and reduces stress for both pets and their owners, but it also ensures that more animals receive the care they need.
Do you have a memorable virtual care case you’d like to share?
One of my most memorable cases involved a 3-year-old spayed female English Cream Golden Retriever who sought a telemedicine consultation due to reported lameness and delayed conscious proprioception (CP) deficits. As a veterinarian, my initial recommendation was for the patient to be evaluated in person by a local veterinarian or a neurologist.
Several barriers affected this case, including financial constraints, geographical distance, the patient's weight (100 lbs), the owner’s medical conditions, and their living situation (a third-floor apartment), compounded by a winter weather advisory. Despite these challenges, we gathered comprehensive history, assessed the patient’s posture and ambulation via camera, and devised a treatment plan. We also provided a list of clinical signs to monitor until the patient could undergo a physical examination by their veterinarian.
Three weeks later, the owner followed up with me, and upon reviewing the patient via camera, I observed improvements in her ambulation. The owner expressed gratitude for being able to provide the best possible care for her pet under the circumstances.
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