Technicians vital to health of diabetic pets

Diabetes is a widespread problem for pets in America, affecting more than 1.4 million dogs and cats. To help identify key issues in diabetes and home monitoring for dogs and cats, Abbott Animal Health hosted a diabetes summit in December 2008.

During the summit, veterinary experts discussed the importance of obtaining accurate blood glucose levels on a regular basis. The experts agreed that having pet owners monitor blood glucose levels at home would provide veterinary health professionals with more accurate data between visits. The experts also agreed that technicians play a vital role in the partnership between pet owners and veterinary hospitals to achieve compliance of home monitoring in diabetic pets.

At the summit, Dr. Sarah Ford, chief of medicine at the Veterinary Clinics of America Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego, Calif., emphasized how important it is for pet owners to learn how to properly take samples. The best people to them? Technicians, says Dr. Ford. Giving clients thorough training allows veterinarians and team members to be confident that pet owners will monitor blood glucose levels as recommended. This helps clients and the veterinary team work together to achieve a better quality of life for pets.