Hopping in and out of the car for a visit to the veterinarian is a simple task for most dogs. But for dogs with arthritis, or other illnesses that may impair movement, getting in and out of vehicles can present difficult challenges for both the animals and their owners.
To help remedy this problem, Novartis, a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company, has donated a ramp to the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University to help get pets in and out of vehicles safely when visiting the VTH.
"The ramp will assist patients on a daily basis and help prevent injuries to owners who are trying to lift their animals," says Jessica Venable, a third-year Professional Veterinary Medical student. Venable serves as the Novartis Student Representative, as well as an officer in the Student Chapter of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management was founded at Colorado State University by Dr. Peter Hellyer, Associate Dean for the Professional Veterinary Medical Program. Currently chaired by Dr. Bonnie Wright, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, the organization is a multidisciplinary group aimed at developing standards of care and improving pain management for all animals through research, education, and international outreach.
“Novartis wanted to do something that would make the lives of pets and their owners just that little bit easier,” said Dr. Jay Tischendorf of Novartis. Dr. Tischendorf is a graduate of the College’s PVM program.
To learn more about pain care and treatment for your pet, visit http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain/index.html or contact the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 221-4535.
