Incorrect diagnosis of pet diseases on the rise: Stakeholders

Stressing on the lack of efforts taken by some of these private centres, Ajit N, a resident of Ekkaduthangal, said: “I had taken my pet dog to a hospital, where his blood test reports indicated the possibility of him having been affected by a virus caused by ticks. However, a vet at a clinic in Nanganallur ignored the test reports and stated that the diagnosis was wrong and treated the puppy for canine distemper (a severe virus) for three days.”

“When my pet’s condition got worse, we approached the Madras Veterinary Hospital where a second blood test was done. We then found that he was indeed suffering from tick fever.”

However, the administration of incorrect medicines had weakened the puppy reducing him to skin and bones, Ajit added.

Stating that the issue of wrong diagnosis of diseases among pets is alarmingly high in the State, Arun Prasanna, Founder, People for Cattle in India (PFCI), said: “There is no monitoring body to prevent the mushrooming of illegal clinics. Besides, there are many activists who tend to prescribe medicines, a practice which is unethical.”

“The government and the corporation should take the responsibility of monitoring these clinics,” he added.

Stressing on the importance of correct diagnosis, a veterinarian from the Government Hospital in Vepery said: “There are kits available for diseases like canine distemper and Tick fever. It is essential that a diagnosis is made only after the animals are put through the entire test. Doctors should refrain from assuming the diseases based on the symptoms and avoid misguiding pet parents.”