Pet & vet: caring for furry companions

MapleLine Magazine: Aug.25, 2010

by Mary P. Brooke << Back to Fall 2010 issue

SOOKE, BC. A house on West Coast Road in Sooke has become the Otter Point Veterinary Hospital, the newest animal clinic in town. Veterinarian Erik Wirtanen eyed the spot last year and knew it would be suitable for renovation into a spacious facility, inside and out. There are rooms for consultations with pets and their owners, space for surgical procedures, kennels, lab and x-ray area, a comfortable reception area, and plenty of parking out front off the main road.

What surprises Dr. Wirtanen most is how many people – both clients from previous practice and new clients in the new location – have flocked to the clinic since opening in June. People are bringing dogs and cats for checkups and procedures. This vet is keen to ease tension for the animals. “All the pheromones, smells and noise – I take time to let the animals adjust when they come here,” said the 48-year-old vet on a quick break from his busy day.

One day in July, the vet with 13 years experience in the westshore area, tended to a Rottweiler with a cyst on its eye. The brief procedure involved preparation of the animal with sedation, and tending to in recovery afterward. “Helping the pet’s owner cope with the event is important too,” says this vet who feels that pets are family members. Service dogs are also part of his clientele, involving a specialized level of medical and lifestyle care.

Wirtanen is seeing three times the incidence of cancer among cats and dogs in the past few decades. He feels the root cause is the significant increase in contaminants and pesticides in the environment through air, water, food and other sources. “Feed your pet a food that has proven itself – look for unbiased scientific research, ask your vet. The best way to catch any cancer is early detection; regular annual checkups for all pets are recommended.”

Wirtanen will soon be offering youth (age 12 to 18) some opportunities to learn about the life sciences by volunteering at his clinic. His online pet info column is at www.maplelinemagazine.com/pets . MM

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