Any veterinarians out there??

[Petdoc]

Hi all,

I am a veterinarian in Northern California. Six months ago I was diagnosed with PA (and very mild scalp P). About a month after diagnosis my fingers and toes were so swollen that I could no longer work as a vet (unable to do physical exams, unable to do surgery, and basically unable to stand all day). After starting Enbrel and getting some much needed rest, recuperation and physical therapy, I am feeling much better. Physically, I think that I could perform most of my old tasks. However, I am nervous about being on Enbrel around potentially infectious diseases. Plus, I am always at risk of cat bites, etc. Any other veterinarians out there who are able to work while on the biologics?? Human doctors??

Thanks everyone.

Megan

[cakp12]

Hi Megan,

I'm not a vet but do work in healthcare (human). I am a CDA and though my patients don't usually bite me, at least not on purpose, I am exposed to all kinds of things. I have been on Enbrel for over a year an haven't found that it had made my overly suseptible to illness- I do find that if I get sick it does hang on longer than before Enbrel. Good luck in resuming your practice.

[Kimbercat]

Hi and welcome, Megan. :)

Although I'm not a vet, I did work for a number of years in a vet hospital about 20 years ago. As far as I know, the majority of diseases that affect animals do not affect humans. There are a few exceptions, of course, such as fungal infections, but I personally wouldn't be concerned about a somewhat compromised immune system in this field. It would be so sad to see you unable to practice a career that took you so many years to acheive your degree in. Congratulations on finding something that works so well for you, and I hope things work out for you. :)

[amyshol]

I started out majoring in prevet. After getting a C in intro to biology, I had to rethink my career path. So I have a great respect for those who made it through!

Now I am a speech therapist, so I am always in contact with snot, pee, and puke. Gross, I know, but I was very concerned when I started MTX in december. So far so good. Not so much as even a runny nose. :)

My dog was saved at the university of minnesota vet center a year and a half ago after she ate my dovonex (vitamin D). She spent 5 days in ICU with acute kidney failure, but she pulled through with no long term effects (that we know of yet). So, as I said, I tend to give kudos to every vet I meet because Cedar (dog) is my pal. :) I totally understand your hesitancy to be around infections of any kind. But keep in mind your emotional health as well. I know I would be miserable without my "kids," so I am willing to take the risk of catching any bugs. Good luck with your decision!

Amy

[Petdoc]

Thanks for the responses everyone. My rheumatologist says that I need to take "Universal Precautions" when exposed to potentially infectious conditions. When questioned further, he said that that means mask, gown and gloves. I doubt that I would get very far in this profession if I walked into every room with full gear on! I would probably freak out all of my clients or even my patients. I'm thinking about starting back to work part time to see how I do. I'll keep you all posted. In the meantime, any other vets/medical professionals etc. etc., I appreciate any input.

Megan

[ouchyk]

Meghan,

Good luck with starting back to work.

I'm thinking you'll be okay with universal precautions. I know if I had to bring my grandpuppy to the vet I wouldn't balk at seeing a DVM in a full gown, mask and gloves. I can't speak for my g-puppy though. I'm sure if you approached them in a manner that was non-threatening the animal would be fine too...at least I hope. I know my old dog use to freak every time we even went near the front door at the vet's office...but I'm sure that had to do with his getting vaccinated! Maybe you could suit up once your in the room :confused: before the exam? or have any potential infectious diseased animal seen by a partner?

If anyone asks you could enlighten them on your condition if need be and tell them it's for YOUR protection and not thier beloved pet.

Hang in there,
Karen

[Petdoc]

Hi all,

I just wanted to give you all an update. I have found a new veterinary job where they are trying to accomadate my restrictions. I am only going to be working 3 days per week and won't be doing surgery unless I feel ready. Unfortunately, after working 2 weeks I have already come down with some mysterious upper respiratory illness, BUT.....I was around a bunch of coughing germ factory nieces and nephews over Easter. So, I am going to think positive and keep at it. So far I am enjoying myself and with nightly baths to soothe my sore feet I am doing alright. Any other veterinarians out there have any experiences to share. I do know that I wash my hands like a crazy person anytime I see anything remotely resembling ringworm or handle puppies/kittens with roundworms, giardia, etc.

Thanks for everyones input so far.

Megan

[strmchaser]

Hi Megan, I'm not a vet but I am on Enbrel and adopted a puppy that had ringworm. I didn't get it. Believe me I was really exposed (the puppy slept in bed with me before I knew she had it). Linda P. S. Ringworm in dogs is a nightmare!! I had to clean constantly!

[nla]

Hi, Megan!

Hope you are doing well. Well, I'm not a vet, either, but I did want to share my doggie story with you. Thought you might find it interesting. I have an 8 year old red Dobe. As you probably know, the breed is quite prone to skin problems (among other things - we call our current dog the Million Dollar Dobe ;) ). Anyway, last year our dog developed an area over his eye (near his eyebrow markings). Could not get him to stop scratching despite several courses of ointments, various antibiotics, etc. Our vet thought it ws a hot spot or some type of dermatitus. Anyway, last summer it became infected and they removed it surgically to biopsy the cells. Turns out it was a very deep infection that was started by some type of a dermatitis. Well, all along I actually thought it might be psoriasis. Sounds nutty, I know and my own vet isn't totally certain but says anything is possible. (Of course, the man probably thinks I am totally crazy by now with this particular dog :) ). I am in a rural area but we have access to Tufts only an hour away, in Boston. Down there they have vets who specialize in everything under the sun. I wondered if, given your own condition, you ever gave thought to perhaps getting into an area of specialization?????? We certainly need more vets who specialize and you sound like you would be a good candidate for some "out of the norm" animal medicine! I know it's probably much easier said than done, but from my own doggie problems this year, I thought this might be something you could think about. You would be doing your profession a wonderful service and I'm sure your own restrictions and accommodations would not only go totaly unquestioned, they just might come in pretty handy!

Take care and keep up the good work. I can only imagine how difficult it has been for you to not fully do the work you love. Just remember, though, you ALWAYS have the ability to adjust and modify the way you do things. I'm not saying it's easy by any means,but it can be done in any profession. You certainly sound resourceful enough to give it a try!

Good luck and stay well!
Nancy

[Petdoc]

Hi Nancy - I have definately considered specializing. I enjoy Ophthalmology the most and I think that it would fit my restrictions (normal hours, minimal surgery). The only drawback is the additional years of a residency program (3-4). I vividly remember the long hours of vet school and am not too keen on getting back into that. But....we'll see what the future holds. Thank you for your input. I am glad that the docs finally figured out what was wrong with your dobe. I'm sure that it was frustrating and expensive while you were still trying to work things out. Wouldn't that be interesting if your own dog developed Psoriasis. We don't learn about Psoriasis in vet school, but that certainly doesn't mean it couldn't exist. Dogs (especially purebreds) can develop all kinds of auto immune diseases, so Psoriasis could potentially occur.

Strmchaser - thanks for the ringworm story. It is good to hear that your immune system was still able to handle it. The immune system is so complex and it is hard to know what exact portion TNF affects. It would be interesting to know if we (people on biologics) are more prone to certain types of infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic??) or all infections. But...it makes me feel better that you were not affected by ringworm despite the huge exposure.

Thanks all!

Megan