Tuesday, October 8, 2013

CBC Frontline's Barking Mad!

CBC's Marketplace recently aired an episode titled Barking Mad (click to view)! How timely, given the healthcare debates currently happening worldwide!


Humphrey nodded his head in agreement on many points during the Marketplace episode - including the fury over dreaded dieting via prescription dog food!

Also interesting was the piece on heart worm. Since Humphrey (and many readers!) love statistics, he will share some. For instance, in Ontario alone, owners spend about $14.5 million on heart worm tests, which Frontline reports are largely un-necessary on an annual basis in Ontario where the risk is about 0.15% (not 15, but 0.15%!).

The vaccine issue, in dogs just like among people, is controversial. Humphrey enjoyed reading the comments at the bottom of the episode's home page.

So far, Humphrey's been extremely happy with his Toronto vet, Dr. Yearwood, who seems to take a minimalist approach to treatment that would confirm with the recommendations of this program. Humphrey has also had some relatively positive experiences with US veterinary specialists.

Humphrey wonders - are his readers satisfied with their medical care??? And how much are readers contributing to the pet economy???
CBC's infographic available here