Pet owners flock to hospital on World Veterinary Day

Pet owners flocked at the hospital to avail not only vaccination but other facilities on offer at the week-long camp at the hospital to observe World Veterinary Day.

The camp offers anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) and deworming for dogs, cats and livestock, counselling on nutrition and feeding of dogs and registration of Animal Birth Control (ABC) operation on dogs and cats - all free of charge. There is also arrangement for free artificial insemination services for dairy cows till April 30.

The camp is conducted along with Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals and Karuna NGO.

"We had publicised about the camp for the last one week. So we expect a good turn out," said Dr L Ranganath, head of surgery and radiology, Veterinary College Hospital.
He said the purpose of the Day, which is observed on the last Saturday of April, was to create awareness about the veterinary profession. Similar camp is also being conducted at the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Services complex, Yelanhanka New Town too.

Dr Ranganath said that about 60 per cent of infections are common in humans and animals and around 80 pr cent of infections are transmitted by animals to humans.

Hence, Dr Ranganath felt that there was a need for greater cooperation between veterinarians and human physicians. In fact, the hospital has collaborated with KIMS Hospital for ARV.

Around 50 canines and felines were given ARVs, while 15 - 10 females and 5 males - were registered for Animal Birth Control (ABC) surgery to be performed at a later date, in a matter of three hours on Saturday.

Sandeep, who travelled all the way from R T Nagar, had brought his 6 month old St Bernard Dolphy and 7 month old cocker spaniel Barbie for their routine ARVs.

"I had to take Dolphy for his first dose. So, when my friend told me about this camp, I came here," he said.

Similarly, Ramanujanaiah, who regularly brings his 3-year-old tabby cat, said that it he knew about the camp and thought it a good idea for his 'nameless' cat to get vaccinated.