Dog houses – Local vet treats pets in their own homes

Sometimes, the logistics of getting to a vet’s office can endanger the health of a pet.

Even a generous family leave policy may frown upon weekly appointments to test a diabetic dachshund’s blood sugar. Maybe the family’s gaggle of Great Danes don’t fit in the new Prius. And, at the sight of a carrier, the most tame tabby may turn into a Tasmanian devil and require a kitty muzzle, sedation and falconers’ gloves for examination.

But, it’s unthinkable—and in most cases even illegal—to leave pets’ injuries untreated or their systems unvaccinated and vulnerable to rabies, heartworms and other preventable parasites and diseases.

Fortunately, Baton Rougeans have the option for their pets to receive primary care at home. In 2009, veterinarian Carrie Schultz created HousePet HouseVet, the region’s only full-time veterinary house call practice. Schultz now visits 250 to 300 households to care for 500 to 600 cats, dogs and assorted other pets.

Traveling the city in her Honda Element filled with diagnostic equipment, coolers of medication and first aid supplies, Schultz stops anywhere from Central to CCL and Grosse Tete to Denham Springs. She provides annual exams, vaccinations, parasite control, behavior and nutrition evaluation, long-term management of chronic diseases, treatment of minor injuries, ear infections, gastric, respiratory or skin problems and even euthanasia for terminally ill pets.

Schultz refers emergencies, spays and neuters, X-rays, surgical, dental or other procedures requiring general anesthesia, hospitalization or intensive monitoring to a network of clinic-based veterinarians. These colleagues often refer their homebound patients to Schultz.

Her fees are generally comparable to stationary clinics’ schedules. A first-time visit usually runs about $40 to $50 plus an additional house call fee, which ranges from $50 to $70 depending on location. The per-visit fee is divisible among multiple pets in the same house or neighbors in the same block.

Other than the convenience, there are medical advantages to assessing and treating pets in their own environment.

Many pets experience anxiety simply being transported to a clinic. “Adrenalin does magical things to animals,” says Schultz with a laugh. “Sometimes, it gives them a lot of energy and makes them happy and bouncy, when they are lethargic at home. Sometimes, it turns them into demons.

“Either way, stressful situations affect blood pressure and sugar, which can throw a wrench in diagnostics, especially for older pets and cats. By contrast, sitting on the couch at home, we can usually get an [accurate] reading.”

Home visits afford extra time and insight into each unique owner-pet relationship, living situation, expectations and limitations. Schultz says that understanding helps her better advise clients on complex issues.

Veterinary care has kept pace with human medicine in pharmaceutical and technological advances. While owners have more diagnostic and treatment options than ever, they may not have pet insurance or unlimited funds to pay for that care. So, making medical decisions for pets can be fraught with uncertainty, stress and guilt.

For example, if a dog or cat has chewed off and swallowed a chunk of a toy, the owner might have to choose whether to wait and see if the animal expels the object; X-ray the intestines to look for blockage; or, use endoscopy to find and possibly retrieve the object.

“The medical recommendation may be straightforward,” Schultz says. “The human aspect—financial cost, concern about anesthesia risk, how consumed [the owner] will be with this issue while on watch—makes things difficult.

“If you factor in the [owners’] values, priorities and financial needs and their connection with this animal, there is an answer.”

Schultz’s collaborative, gestalt approach may not appeal to all pet owners. But, it has certainly benefited Frank, Betsy Ross and Karen Eddlemon.

As an attorney for Dow Chemical, Eddlemon’s unpredictable schedule made it difficult to coordinate wellness visits for her six-year-old female Catahoula and 14-year-old male pointer.

Then, two years ago, Eddlemon reached an impasse with her vet, who refused to prescribe an arthritis medicine for Frank because of its potential for liver damage. That left the experienced dog owner to watch her beloved companion suffer completely preventable, debilitating pain and even to consider euthanasia.

“I was at my wits’ end,” Eddlemon recalls, “when I found Dr. Carrie on the Internet.”

After observing the family at home, Schultz prescribed the medication, referred Frank to a local veterinary acupuncturist and even arrived one night to manage a severe episode of vertigo.

Eddlemon credits Schultz for saving Frank’s life and enhancing her ability to provide the best care for both dogs.

“I have had pets all my life,” Eddlemon says, “and it is the most personal experience. This is Dr. Carrie’s entire life, and she does whatever it takes to make it work. She is truly one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. The dogs love her, and I love her. It’s just perfect for our situation.” brhousevet.com

When Sarah Cothron was in middle school, her parents decided she could keep one puppy from the family dog’s litter. Thirteen years later, the fourth-year student at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) desperately searched for a veterinarian to provide her chocolate lab with compassionate end-of-life care at home. Unfortunately, none was available.

“I told my parents: I’m going to give everyone that option,” Cothron recalls. “If owners want their pet to die at home, that should be an option.”

In 2013, Cothron was intrigued when a fellow SVM graduate forwarded information about Lap of Love, a nationally franchised veterinary hospice. Now, while Cothron maintains a practice at Riverlands Animal Hospital in LaPlace, the Baton Rougean also offers in-home end-of-life care for pets with cancer and other terminal illnesses.

While some conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can lead to slow degeneration, many terminal illnesses are in their late stages before they are diagnosed. “[Cats and dogs] are prey species,” explains Cothron. “They mask the signs of pain and discomfort as long as they can, [so they don’t appear weak and vulnerable]. Once they can’t fight effects of illness anymore and the owner or vet notices a change in behavior, the disease is usually pretty advanced.”

When the pet’s illness is beyond curative treatment, Cothron helps owners understand the disease process, adapt their home environment so the pet maintains an optimal quality of life, provide nutritional, fluid and pain control management and even euthanasia.

“Emotionally, it’s hard,” Cothron admits. “[But] I get to end suffering in the most pleasant of ways. If I make it just five percent better for the family to be able to [end their pet’s life] in [the home] environment, I feel like I’ve done something really good.”

And, perhaps, that’s the best way to honor her promise to a cherished childhood friend.