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Section 5: One Health Scenarios

The One Health system encompasses innumerable situations in which the wellbeing of pets and people must be addressed using a multidisciplinary approach.

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The following scenarios are intended to guide veterinary professionals through common challenges and potential solutions using the One Health System Roadmap (Figure 4.1). It is important to note that these examples address using a One Health approach after a situation arises. Ideally, relationships will be developed across the One Health spectrum prior, making reacting to similar situations much easier. As you read through these scenarios, consider how your practice could best prepare by proactively developing a One Health network and protocols.

Scenario A: Tackling Zoonotic Diseases Impacting the Whole Family

Scenario A: Tackling Zoonotic Diseases Impacting the Whole Family

Crossover Diagnoses of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in Animal and Human Patients

Mark and Michelle Spencer, their 6-year-old child, Morgan, their 3-year-old child, Madison, and their active 4-year-old Labrador retriever, Max, have been seeing their veterinarian, Dr. Findley, since Max was a puppy. The Spencers enjoy outdoor recreation, including frequent hiking and camping near their home in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Presenting Situation

Michelle brought their dog, Max, to Dr. Findley for an urgent appointment because Max didn’t eat his breakfast and didn’t want to go for his usual walk. The family noticed that he “just seemed off,” and earlier that morning, he vomited in the backyard.

The registered veterinary technician (RVT), Alex, took the history and learned the family went camping the previous week. After returning home 3 days ago, they noticed engorged ticks attached to Max. Michelle removed the ticks with tweezers. Alex conveyed the information to Dr. Findley and documented everything in Max’s chart.

On physical examination, Dr. Findley found Max had pale mucous membranes and a fever (104°F; 40°C). Max was lethargic with slight tremors and vocalized during orthopedic examination, particularly when his stifles, tarsal joints, and elbows were palpated. No ticks were found. During the examination, Max vomited bile-stained fluid.

An in-house complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel revealed anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum liver enzyme activities. Dr. Findley suspected that Max had contracted a tick-borne rickettsial disease and knew that Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), caused by the bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, occurred in the area.

Dr. Findley explained the blood work and examination findings to Michelle and discussed the incidence of RMSF in North Carolina. Michelle noted that they had skipped Max’s monthly dose of flea and tick prevention for the last few months because they ran out and didn’t have time to obtain a refill. While waiting for confirmatory testing from the laboratory, Dr. Findley recommended that Max be hospitalized to receive fluid therapy, antiemetics, and antibiotic therapy.

Shared History

While presenting the treatment plan to Michelle, Dr. Findley asked if anyone else in the family was exposed to ticks during their camping trip. Michelle reported they had found attached ticks on both Morgan and Max during the trip. In fact, Morgan had been feeling unwell since they returned home and was currently being seen by her family health care provider to address a bad headache and vomiting. Dr. Findley informed them that should Max have RMSF, humans in the household might also have been exposed to infected ticks, and suggested they seek medical attention promptly and inform the provider their dog is currently being treated for possible RMSF.

Diagnostics for Infectious Disease: Use of Titers, PCR

Given the suspicion of a tick-borne disease, Dr. Findley commenced treatment with doxycycline and submitted Max’s blood for vector-borne disease serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The veterinary team planned to pair the acute serum specimen with a convalescent specimen collected 2 weeks later to confirm the diagnosis using an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) assay.

RMSF and Human Exposure Risks

The following day, the results of the vector-borne PCR panel were reported as positive for Rickettsia rickettsii DNA. Dr. Findley contacted Michelle with the results and urged Michelle to reach out to her family health care provider to discuss the possibility of a tick-borne infection. Michelle reported that Morgan had developed a rash and fever. Because Michelle felt overwhelmed dealing with a very ill family member as well as a sick pet, she asked Dr. Findley to contact the family’s health care provider to let them know about Max’s diagnosis.

When Alex shared concerns about possible staff exposure to RMSF and protocols for care in the hospital, Dr. Findley referenced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and explained that RMSF is typically only transmitted by tick bites. Despite not seeing visible ticks, Dr. Findley treated Max with tick control medication to address any less visible stages of the tick life cycle.

Reaching Out to the Human Health Care Provider

With Michelle’s written permission, Dr. Findley called the family’s health care provider and shared that Max was a patient of the veterinary clinic and was being treated for RMSF. Dr. Findley shared the concern that other family members may have also been exposed and referred to the CDC’s webpage with guidelines for reportability. The physician thanked Dr. Findley and assured him that they would test and treat as needed.

Reaching Out to Public Health Officials

Dr. Findley found information about human risk factors and symptoms of RMSF on both the CDC website and the state public health department website. Although veterinarians are not required to report RMSF in North Carolina (this requirement varies by state), Dr. Findley decided to contact the local health department to let them know about the case and possible family exposures. The public health official said they would keep an eye out for laboratory testing from the Spencer family and reach out to the Spencers’ providers regarding the suspect case.

Reaching Out to Local Veterinary Medical Associations

Dr. Findley wanted to make sure colleagues in the region knew about the suspected RMSF case and asked the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association to share the information with their members.

Treatment and Prevention

At close of business, Michelle arrived to pick up Max. His temperature had returned to normal since receiving his first dose of doxycycline, and he was eating in the hospital. A 2-week course of doxycycline was dispensed, along with refills and instructions on how to use Max’s flea and tick preventive. Alex provided Michelle with the practice’s information sheet on tick prevention and a link to the CDC’s recommendations for what to do after a tick bite. Alex also provided Michelle with the CDC RMSF information sheet. Michelle mentioned that she had picked up medication from the pharmacy and planned to start Morgan’s treatment immediately.

Follow-Up Care

In 2 weeks, Max returned for a convalescent blood sample collection for the immunoglobulin G IFA assay to confirm Dr. Findley’s diagnosis. Mark Spencer brought Max to the hospital for the follow-up visit. He shared that Max was back to his old self after just 2 days of doxycycline administration, and they completed the course of treatment. Mark reported that Morgan also felt better and expressed the family’s gratitude for Dr. Findley’s help in ensuring that they received the correct treatment early in the course of the disease.

Discussion and Debrief

After reading this scenario featuring a cross-over diagnosis involving both an animal and a human patient, discuss this case and others the veterinary team may face.

  • What did the veterinary and human health care team do correctly?
  • Would you have done anything differently?
  • How can your team plan for similar situations in the future?
  • What relevant resources does your local community offer?
    • Do you have the number for your local public health department and name of the person who works on zoonoses?
    • Do you have environmental health or park district contacts to call to recommend signage about ticks and tick-borne pathogen risks for pets and people?
  • How can you increase client awareness about the risks of vector-borne diseases in your area?

Further Reading and Resources

Biggs HM, Behravesh CB, Bradley KK, et al. Diagnosis and management of tickborne rickettsial diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and other spotted fever group rickettsioses, ehrlichioses, and anaplasmosis — United States. MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;65(2):1–44.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. https://www.cdc.gov/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/about/index.html.

Companion Animal Parasite Council. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. February 20, 2018. https://capcvet.org/guidelines/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/.

TABLE 5.1: One Health Approach to Infectious Diseases Common to Humans and Companion Animals

TABLE 5.1: One Health Approach to Infectious Diseases Common to Humans and Companion Animals

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Prepare Your Team Resources and Strategies
  • Learn about common infectious diseases that affect both humans and animals in your area.
  • Adopt best practices to keep your staff safe.
  • Reinforce recommendations and document compliance level in medical record at each visit.
  • Stock appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and train staff on when and how to use PPE.
  • The following professionals can provide information
    and guidance on common infectious diseases of
    public health significance in your area:

    • Local public health agencies
    • State public health veterinarians
    • State veterinarians
    • Federal public and animal health agencies.
Create Your Community Network Resources and Strategies
  • Network with local human health providers and public health agencies.
  • Offer a continuing education event to local human health providers on a zoonotic disease in your area and what you see in pets.
  • Develop meet-and-greet sessions with local provider associations and veterinary associations.
  • Consider initiating One Health case rounds that can be discussed as an interdisciplinary group on a regular basis.
  • Start a journal club devoted to common infectious diseases of public health significance in your area.
Contacting Human Health Care Teams During an Incident Resources and Strategies
  • Get written permission from clients to speak to their providers when indicated.
  • Develop a consent form for clients to sign to allow you to speak with their health care provider.
  • Make sure to keep copies of the consent form in the patient’s medical record.
  • Some health systems may require clients to sign the health system’s release form.
  • Remember that health care providers cannot share certain information because of HIPAA unless they receive authorization from the client/human patient.
  • Share concerns regarding possible exposure to infectious diseases of public health significance.
  • Share resources such as CDC website links or refer to the local public health department when appropriate.
  • Ensuring public health awareness is a key aspect of One Health and protecting the public—including you, your staff, and clients.
  • Zoonoses (e.g., plague, tularemia, influenza, salmonellosis) may present exposure risks to you and your staff.
  • Identify public health contacts for infectious diseases and for environmental health.
  • Contact your state public health veterinarian or refer to the CDC website for reporting procedures. Some states request a call to the state office, others to a county or city office. Know which diseases are reportable by law.
  • Notifying public health officials about a possible case can be helpful in the following ways:
    • It offers an educational resource about the disease, prevention, and staff/client safety.
    • Your data may help outbreak investigations and public awareness/outreach.
    • If you are unable to reach a client’s health care provider, a public health official has broader authority to work with the health care provider and review records associated with possible outbreaks.
  • Many agencies play a role in Environmental Health beyond Public Health. You may need to contact your local water agency (water contamination concerns), parks and recreation (regarding an environmental toxin or open-waterway contamination), or air resources agency for airborne concerns (such as wildfire smoke).
  • For vectors or contamination from water sources or toxins, contact your local Environmental Health Department.
  • If you see a case from a specific park or public space, contact the organization responsible to let them know about possible exposure risk at the site.
  • You may also want to reach out to the local Environmental Health Department responsible for vector control, water, and environmental quality.
Scenario B: Compassionate Care for Older Adult Client with Cognitive Function Issues

Scenario B: Compassionate Care for Older Adult Client with Cognitive Function Issues

Dr. Hart started seeing Mildred Watson and her chihuahua, Mr. Snuffles, several years ago. Mrs. Watson is an older adult, who over the years began showing signs of cognitive impairment and memory issues, with significant progression over the past year. Mr. Snuffles, an aged chihuahua, began his role as a loyal companion to Mrs. Watson more than 10 years ago.

Presenting Problem

Over the past few years, Dr. Hart has closely monitored Mr. Snuffles’ heart murmur and stage B1 myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), a condition that commonly affects older, small-breed dogs. During a routine checkup, Dr. Hart diagnosed Mr. Snuffles with mild congestive heart failure, stage C MMVD, a progressive condition requiring medication, lifestyle adjustments, and frequent monitoring. However, during the visit, Dr. Hart noticed that Mrs. Watson seemed more disoriented than usual. She expressed confusion about Mr. Snuffles’ diagnosis and was unable to verbalize the treatment plan after it was discussed. Dr. Hart shared these observations with Mrs. Watson, who acknowledged she had been struggling more with her memory lately.

Mrs. Watson’s cognitive decline presented a significant challenge in communication and comprehension, particularly regarding complex medical information. Dr. Hart knew it was crucial to ensure that Mr. Snuffles received appropriate care and that Mrs. Watson was able to consent to and carry out the treatment plan. This required a heightened focus on her communication style and strategies.

Simplified Communication: Dr. Hart used clear, simple language when explaining Mr. Snuffles’ condition and treatment. She avoided medical jargon and broke down information into small, manageable pieces.

  • Instead of saying “mild congestive heart failure,” Dr. Hart explained, “Mr. Snuffles’ heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. This means we need to give him some medicine to help his heart work better.”
  • She provided short, concise instructions for administering medication: “Give Mr. Snuffles this pill every morning with his food.”

Written and Visual Aids: Mrs. Watson shared she was having trouble retaining verbal information, so Dr. Hart provided a written summary of the diagnosis and treatment plan. The take-home information was in patient-centered language and included simple diagrams to illustrate key points.

The handout included steps for medication administration, signs that might indicate a worsening of Mr. Snuffles’ condition, and a contact number for the clinic in case of questions.

Involving a Caregiver: Recognizing Mrs. Watson’s difficulties, Dr. Hart asked Mrs. Watson if there were aspects of Mr. Snuffles’ care where a trusted caregiver or family member might be able to help, or if there was someone who regularly assists her that could be trained to help with Mr. Snuffles.

Mrs. Watson mentioned her neighbor, Laura, often helps her with daily tasks. With Mrs. Watson’s permission, Dr. Hart reached out to Laura, explaining Mr. Snuffles’ condition and ensuring she understood the treatment plan. They formulated a strategy to help Mrs. Watson remember to give Mr. Snuffles his medications, including suggesting the use of blister packs to keep his medication organized. Mrs. Watson had also shared difficulties connecting with her primary care office about her worsening memory. Dr. Hart offered to call Mrs. Watson’s primary care provider with her observations, but Mrs. Watson declined this offer and did not give her consent to contact her human health care provider. Dr. Hart let her know that the offer remained open for the future, should Mrs. Watson change her mind.

Regular Follow-Ups: To monitor both Mr. Snuffles’ health and Mrs. Watson’s ability to manage the treatment plan, the clinic’s customer service representative (CSR) scheduled regular follow-up appointments and planned regular appointment reminders. These visits provided the opportunity to monitor and adjust treatment as needed and provide ongoing support; however, the team was aware that increasing the frequency of visits could create a financial and logistical burden for Mrs. Watson. With Laura’s help, the team was able to offer some telehealth check-ins to decrease this burden. The team was also vigilant for indications of a decline in Mrs. Watson’s ability to safely care for Mr. Snuffles or herself and were prepared to connect Mrs. Watson to additional resources such as a social worker if needed.

Transportation/Access to Clinic Visits: Staff watched for any potential changes in Mrs. Watson’s ability to get to the clinic and helped her find alternatives if transportation was not available.

Discussion and Debrief

After reading this scenario featuring a client with cognitive impairment, discuss this case and others the veterinary team may face.

  • What did the health care team do correctly?
  • Would you have done anything differently?
  • How can your team plan for similar situations in the future?
  • What relevant local resources does your community offer?
  • How might ethics and drivers impact how a human health practitioner and a veterinary practitioner would address this situation?
  • How can you communicate your openness to helping pets stay in homes and continue to receive veterinary care despite the challenges a client may face?

Further Reading and Resources

National Institute on Aging. Talking with your older patients. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/health-care-professionals-information/talking-your-older-patients.

Wollney EN, Armstrong MJ, Bedenfield N, et al. Barriers and best practices in disclosing a dementia diagnosis: A clinician interview study. Health Serv Insights 2022;15:11786329221141829.

Recommended Strategies for Communicating with Individuals with Cognitive and Memory Issues

Recommended Strategies for Communicating with Individuals with Cognitive and Memory Issues

Maintain Eye Contact and a Calm Environment.
Provide a quiet, distraction-free setting to help the client focus better. Maintain eye contact and use a calm, reassuring tone.

Repeat and Reinforce Information.
Repeat essential points multiple times during the conversation and reinforce them with written notes and visual aids. Ask the client to repeat what they understand to confirm comprehension.

Patience and Empathy.
Remain patient and empathetic and understand the client may become frustrated. Provide emotional support and reassurance to build trust and alleviate anxiety.

Positive Language.
Frame instructions positively, saying “Do this” instead of “Don’t do that” because positive language is easier to process and follow for individuals with cognitive impairments.

TABLE 5.2: One Health Approach to Older Adult Clients

TABLE 5.2: One Health Approach to Older Adult Clients

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Prepare Your Team Resources and Strategies
Learn about strategies for communication with people struggling with memory issues.
Develop a resource list for social services.
  • Have your team develop a resource folder with local agencies and services to support clients such as Meals on Wheels, pet care and dog walking services, and senior centers.
  • Recognize that caregivers for older adults may also need support.
Get written permission from clients to speak to their providers when indicated.
  • Develop a consent form for clients to sign to allow you to speak with their health care provider.
  • Keep a copy in the patient’s medical record.
  • Recognize that some health care systems may still require clients to sign their own forms.
  • Be alert for signs that require additional intervention, such as the individual’s condition worsens and/or they are unable to care for their animal. Interventions may include reporting to appropriate authorities to check on the animal and/or reaching out to a social worker.
Create Your Community Network Resources and Strategies
Network with local human health providers.
  • Develop meet-and-greet sessions with local provider associations and veterinary associations.
  • Ask for a local geriatrician to speak at a veterinary association meeting about working with older adult clients with memory issues.
Using Tools & Patient Follow-up Resources and Strategies
Develop written tools and strategies to ensure home care of the pet can be tracked.
  • Involve credentialed veterinary technicians in this process as they can play an important role in following up and monitoring progress with the patient and family.
Create appointments in advance with clear follow-up instructions.
  • Work with customer service representatives to develop a reminder system tailored to the situation.
Caregiver Involvement Resources and Strategies
Identify a person to assist with pet care and needs.
  • Developing a backup list for clients may be useful for other emergency situations as well.
  • Some older adult clients may have a regular home health care person visiting them who may be able to assist with pet care as well.
Scenario C: Respectful Strategies and Accommodations for ADA-Eligible Clients and Patients

Scenario C: Respectful Strategies and Accommodations for ADA-Eligible Clients and Patients

Presenting Problem

Joe scheduled a new client appointment with Dr. Garcia for his dog, Snoopy. The CSR noted in the schedule that Snoopy was an assistance dog and informed Charlie, the credentialed veterinary technician (CrVT) assigned to Dr. Garcia. Before the appointment, the team members took time to remind themselves that they can ask just two questions about working and assistance dogs recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? In addition, the team looked into best practices for working with service pets, including the following:

  • Talk directly to the client
  • Ask before coming into physical contact with the assistance animal
  • Make accommodations as requested by the client
  • Do not make assumptions

Making Accommodations During the Appointment

Joe arrived with Snoopy and received paperwork to sign for consent to treat. He explained his low visual acuity and barriers to reading the form. The CSR asked Joe how best to guide them to the examination room. Joe asked the CSR to walk just in front of him on the opposite side of Snoopy, who would follow and guide Joe. After Joe entered the examination room, the CSR described the room, then read the forms aloud for him and offered to email him a copy to keep on file after he signs.

During the examination, Dr. Garcia learned that Snoopy is a 3-year-old golden retriever who joined Joe about a year ago. Joe shared countless ways Snoopy changed his life—he is getting out more, is making new friends, and just loves the dog. He admitted he couldn’t imagine not having Snoopy with him. Joe explained that he wants to accompany Snoopy for any procedure because Snoopy is not used to other handlers.

Understanding the Role of an Assistance Animal

Joe made today’s appointment because he was worried Snoopy may be injured or in pain. He explained he felt a difference in Snoopy’s gait on walks and heard him whimper when he jumped. Dr. Garcia’s orthopedic examination was consistent with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. He spoke with Joe about the indication for surgery and,  in the meantime, recommended rest and pain management. Because an orthopedic injury may impact Snoopy’s ability to perform his duties, Dr. Garcia asked Joe questions about how much running, jumping, and walking Snoopy’s daily work required.

Accommodations for Home Care

Dr. Garcia collaborated with Joe on a plan to rest Snoopy as much as possible, provide pain management, and limit jumping and running, while knowing Snoopy must walk with Joe to and from his job each day—which involves navigating a short flight of stairs. Dr. Garcia had a frank conversation with Joe about Snoopy’s recovery and let him know that Snoopy would not be able to work for 6–8 weeks after surgery. He recommended Joe develop a plan for emotional and mobility support during this period. In addition, the veterinary team offered to contact a social worker to assist in finding him additional support services.

While handing the discharge instructions to Joe, Charlie realized Joe wouldn’t be able to read the medical labels and instructions provided. They asked Joe what accommodations or modifications were needed to make the medication instructions and dosing accessible to him. Joe asked for emailed instructions so that his voice-assisted computer could read them aloud. Charlie offered to add several rubber bands around the bottle, so Joe can distinguish Snoopy’s medication from any others in the home.

In a few days, Charlie reached out to Joe to check on Snoopy and share the number of a veterinary physical therapist who could come to Joe’s home for postoperative rehabilitation therapy for Snoopy. They recommended that Joe provide the list of verbal cues Snoopy knows to the surgery facility to make his overnight hospitalization easier.

A veterinary orthopedic surgeon performed a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) 2 weeks later. This allowed Joe to make arrangements for his mobility and access during the postoperative period.

Snoopy’s recovery was uneventful, and he returned to Joe after the surgery. During a follow-up call, Joe told Charlie that Snoopy seemed to be struggling with not being able to accompany Joe to work and was barking abnormally and showing other signs of anxiety. Charlie asked Joe to bring Snoopy in to assess the possible need for anxiolytics or sedatives and to discuss options for other low-impact tasks Snoopy could perform to decrease his stress levels.

Recognizing Zoonotic Risks Associated with Working and Assistance Animals

When Snoopy arrived, Dr. Garcia suspected an infection at the incision site and mentioned it to Joe. He asked Joe if there was anyone immunosuppressed in the household. Joe shared that he takes immunosuppressive medication and asked if he could be at risk of acquiring Snoopy’s infection. In response, Dr. Garcia recommended culturing the incision before starting any antibiotics to ensure proper treatment and minimize the risk of selecting for resistant bacteria. Culture results received a few days later were positive for a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP).

Dr. Garcia immediately called Joe to start Snoopy’s treatment and discuss the potential for zoonotic transmission. He recommended that Joe contact his health care provider should he experience any illness. He shared that MRSP can be present on the skin of healthy dogs. Charlie emailed comprehensive recommendations including hand hygiene and wound care guidance along with instructions for decontamination of bedding and other household items. Charlie checked in with Joe weekly to monitor Snoopy’s recovery. They also provided Joe with contact information for a social worker for further support and resources.

Dr. Garcia contacted the veterinary orthopedic surgeon about the MRSP infection to ensure that the surgical team was aware of a potential exposure.

Six months later, Joe brought Snoopy in for his checkup and vaccines. Snoopy had fully recovered from the TPLO surgery and showed no signs of infection.

Discussion and Debrief

After reading this scenario featuring a guide dog patient and a client with no or low vision, discuss this case and others the veterinary team may face.

  • What did the health care team do correctly?
  • Would you have done anything differently?
  • How can your team plan for similar situations in the future?
  • What relevant local resources does your community offer?
  • What training needs to take place for your team to understand ADA-related issues and accommodations?
  • How can you ensure the client doesn’t face the same ADA-related issues at every visit?

Further Reading and Resources

Grigg EK, Hart LA. Enhancing success of veterinary visits for clients with disabilities and an assistance dog or companion animal: A review. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:44.

Rodriguez KE, Bibbo J, O’Haire ME. The effects of service dogs on psychosocial health and wellbeing for individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Disabil Rehabil 2020;42(10):1350–8.

US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (USDOJ). Service Animals. https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/.

Weese, JS. MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in dogs and cats. Veterinary Information Network. Revised 2017.   https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952889.

Zlotnick M, Corrigan V, Griffin E, et al. Incidence of health and mbehavior problems in service dog candidates neutered at various ages. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:334.

TABLE 5.3 One Health Approach to Disability Accommodations

TABLE 5.3 One Health Approach to Disability Accommodations

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Prepare Your Team Resources and Strategies
Ensure office spaces are ADA compliant.
Develop procedures for working with individuals with disabilities.
Learn about and use appropriate and inclusive language for people with disabilities.
  • The National Disability Rights Network provides guidance on language and resources.
Learn about disabilities and the role of working and assistance animals.
Get written permission from clients to speak to their providers when indicated.
  • Develop a consent form for clients to sign to allow you to speak with their health care provider.
  • Make sure to keep copies in the patient’s medical record.
  • Recognize that some health care systems may still require clients to sign their own forms.
  • Although this case did not require discussion with a medical provider to address the MRSP exposure, other cases might require that communication.
Create Your Community Network Resources and Strategies
Create a resource list for services. Consider including the following resources that clients can be referred to:

  • Social workers
  • Mental health professionals
  • Short-term foster programs in case the client is hospitalized and/or otherwise temporarily cannot care for the animal patient
  • Transportation programs.
Using Tools & Patient Follow-up Resources and Strategies
Be creative in developing solutions.
  • Strategies like using rubber bands on bottles to differentiate medications can be essential to client compliance and treatment success.
  • Involve the client—chances are they have many solutions already and know what will work best for them.
Conduct regular follow-ups.
  • Ensure that patient care stays on track.
  • Assess the impact a client may be experiencing from absent or reduced help from their assistance animal.
  • Delegate a CrVT to plan and implement a regular schedule.
Scenario D: Safe Place and Support for Humans and Animals Affected by Intimate Partner Violence

Scenario D: Safe Place and Support for Humans and Animals Affected by Intimate Partner Violence

Jenny adopted Buster as a puppy from the shelter right after graduating from college 10 years ago. Since then, the veterinary team at All Friends Animal Hospital got to know both Jenny and Buster over the years as she started her career, bought a house, and met and married her husband, Jack.

From the beginning, Jenny was always cheery and talkative. The veterinary team noticed her kindness and devotion to Buster. Team members found each appointment enjoyable and wished that every client took as good care of their four-legged family member as she did.

Several months ago, Jenny brought Buster in for his routine wellness examination. Her husband accompanied her for the first time. Rather than catching up with the veterinary team as she typically would, she was much quieter than usual. The team also noticed that Jack made the decisions for Buster’s care and cut Jenny off if she tried to ask a question. While he seemed to be nice enough, the veterinary team sensed tension between them. Buster’s examination found him in good health, but the veterinarian, Dr. Zayid, observed that Buster avoided getting close to Jack and kept his focus on Jenny.

Recognizing Signs of Suspected Abuse

The next time Jack and Jenny brought Buster in for an appointment, Buster arrived injured. Dr. Zayid also noticed that Buster had fleas and had lost weight. Jenny mentioned that Buster now lived in the yard because Jack hated Buster’s hair all over everything. Jack responded, “Jenny worries about everything when she doesn’t need to. It’s frustrating to hear her go on and on about Buster.” Though he said he thought the “dog was fine,” Jack agreed to radiographs to further assess Buster’s injuries.

Radiographs showed broken ribs in various stages of healing. Dr. Zayid decided to keep Buster in the back in a kennel while she returned to the room to talk to the family. When she asked further questions about Buster’s injuries, Jack said Buster kept trying to jump the fence, and he must have fallen and broken his ribs. However, Dr. Zayid recognized that repeated falls could not have caused Buster’s injuries. The CrVT assisting Dr. Zayid, Amanda, had also noticed bruising around Jenny’s wrists and mentioned this privately to Dr. Zayid when they were back in the treatment area. While in the room, Dr. Zayid said they needed some help keeping Buster calm and asked Jenny to accompany Amanda to the back of the clinic. She then escorted Jack to the front reception area and asked him to wait there.

Dr. Zayid was concerned that Jenny and Buster were victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and knew that their state is one of the states that considers practicing veterinarians a mandated reporter of suspected animal abuse—requiring a report to local law enforcement within 24 hours. She decided that attempting to separate Jack and Jenny to speak to Jenny alone would be the best approach in this situation.

Having studied One Health perspectives on intimate partner violence, Dr. Zayid knew that violence toward companion animals in the household is also often present. Abusers will assault the family pet or any animal to intimidate and invoke fear in their partner and other members of the family. Violence directed at the family pet often continues alongside abuse of other family members, and the family pet may be the only source of comfort for IPV victims. Out of fear and concern for their pet, it is not uncommon for an individual to stay in their living situation unless they can take their pet with them.

Taking Action

After leaving Jack in the front area, Dr. Zayid returned to the back where Jenny was sitting with Buster and invited Jenny into her office. She told Jenny they were concerned about her and Buster’s safety and asked if she wanted help. She reassured Jenny that she was there to support her and that she deserved to feel safe. Dr. Zayid also let Jenny know that she was required by state law to report any suspected animal abuse to the proper authorities. Jenny disclosed that Jack had threatened her earlier that day, and she was afraid to return home but did not want the police involved. She was open to getting the hotline number for domestic violence. Dr. Zayid provided Jenny with a number for a local domestic violence shelter that also accepted pets, and Jenny called them from the clinic phone. An advocate was able to advise Jenny and Dr. Zayid on the next steps to get Jenny and Buster to safety.

Supporting Staff Mental Health Needs

During a debrief the next day, the veterinary team realized that IPV is probably more prevalent than many realize, so Amanda volunteered to gather helpful resources for easy access when needed (see Further Reading). She also reached out to a local advocacy organization and arranged staff training on IPV.

A staff member approached the practice manager at the end of the day to discuss how this was a personal trauma trigger for her and requested mental health leave for the following day. After first making sure the staff member was not in any danger, the practice manager provided her with mental health resources from the company’s Employee Assistance Program policy.

Discussion and Debrief

After reading this scenario featuring suspected IPV affecting both the client and the patient, discuss this case and others the veterinary team may face.

  • What did the health care team do correctly?
  • Would you have done anything differently?
  • How can your team plan for similar situations in the future?
  • What relevant local resources does your community offer?
  • How will you handle things on the next visit or if/when the legal report comes to light with the client and/or the perpetrator?
  • What safety plan do you have in place for your staff, clients, and patients?

Further Reading and Resources

ASPCA. Recognizing and reporting animal abuse and neglect.
ASPCA.org. https://www.aspca.org/investigations-rescue/recognizing-and-reporting-animal-abuse-and-neglect.

AVMA. The veterinarian’s framework for identification and response to suspected or known animal maltreatment. 2023. AVMA.org. https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/awf-animal-maltreatment-report2023.pdf.

Cleary M, Thapa DK, West S, et al. Animal abuse in the context of adult intimate partner violence: A systematic review. Aggress Violent Behav 2021;61(101676):101676.

Cornell Law School. Domestic Violence and Workplace Model Policy Toolkit. Cornell.edu. https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinical-program/gender-justice-clinic/domestic-violence-and-the-workplace-model-policy-and-toolkit/.

Ferguson S. What are the signs of domestic violence? Psychcentral.com. February 17, 2022. https://psychcentral.com/lib/symptoms-of-domestic-violence.

Hamberger LK, Rhodes K, Brown J. Screening and intervention for  intimate partner violence in healthcare settings: creating sustainable system-level programs. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015;24(1):86–91.

Larkin M. When domestic violence arrives at the clinic door. AVMA.org. August 19, 2018. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-09-15/when-domestic-violence-arrives-clinic-door.

Mota-Rojas D, Monsalve S, Lezama-García K, et al. Animal abuse as an indicator of domestic violence: One Health, One Welfare approach. Animals (Basel) 2022;12(8):977.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ncadv.org).

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788.

Otteman K, Fielder L, Lewis E. Fighting against animal cruelty. Veterinary Practice News. https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vets-role-animal-cruelty//a>.

Purple Leash Project (https://www.purina.com/purple-leash-project): assists domestic violence shelters by funding pet-friendly renovations.

Rivas C, Vigurs C, Cameron J, Yeo L. A realist review of which advocacy interventions work for which abused women under what circumstances. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019;6(6):CD013135.

Tong, L. Identifying non-accidental injury cases in veterinary practice. In Practice 2016;38(2).

URIPals. Escaping domestic violence as a pet owner. Urban Resource Institute. 2015. https://urinyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/URIPALS_whitepaper_2015_FINALweb.pdf.

Vatnar S, Bø K, Leer-Salvesen K, et al. Mandatory reporting of intimate partner violence: a mixed methods systematic review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2021;22(4):635–55.

Waalen J, Goodwin MM, Spitz AM, et al. Screening for intimate partner violence by health care providers: barriers and interventions. Am J Prev Med 2000;19(4):230–37.

Wisch R. Table of veterinary reporting requirement and immunity. Animal Legal and Historical Center, Michigan State University College
of Law. 2023. https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-veterinary-reporting-requirement-and-immunity-laws.

Zonta International USA Caucus (https://zontausa.org/): information on local area resources and needs to combat domestic violence.

TABLE 5.4: One Health Approach to Suspected IPV and Animal Abuse

TABLE 5.4: One Health Approach to Suspected IPV and Animal Abuse

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Prepare Your Team Resources and Strategies
Understand mandatory reporting requirements in your area for animal neglect and abuse, child neglect and abuse, and IPV. Laws differ across states in terms of requirements to report these situations.
Learn about harm reduction for mandatory reporters.
  • Mandatory reporters may not be able to comply with a client’s wishes if they run counter to the law.
  • It is important to communicate that you may not be able to comply with their wish (especially if their desire is to do nothing or to just get contact information for resources) if you are in a state that has mandated reporting for IPV and/or animal abuse.
  • For information on harm reduction strategies, which seek to reduce negative impact to survivors of abuse while abiding by the law, see https://ipvhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/  Compendium-4th-Edition-2019-Final-small-file.pdf.
Learn about the signs and indications for IPV and animal abuse.
Provide resources for clients and staff.
  • Establish collaborative relationships with domestic violence shelters that accept animals.
  • Keep contact information and resources on hand to provide as needed.
  • Identify victim advocates who will respond to the office or meet with the client at a convenient and safe location.
  • Ask local IPV experts to assist in creating screening questions that can be asked when gathering the history in an examination.
  • Note that preparedness for screening is complex and the barriers to screening will vary among personnel.
  • If it is safe, ask individuals how they want to be helped. Do not assume they want the police called.
Develop a plan.
  • A workplace safety plan ensures that employees feel safe and know what to do if IPV is suspected.
  • For an example of one approach, see https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/academics/ experiential-learning/clinical-program/ gender-justice-clinic/domestic-violence-and-the -workplace-model-policy-and-toolkit/.
  • The plan may also contain standard operating procedures for cases of suspected IPV, including how and when to offer resources and/or take action.
  • Plans could include:
    • How to interrupt the veterinarian to pull them out of the room, such as a specific believable story using words that will alert the veterinarian to the concern.
    • Suggestions for how to separate the clients so a brief private conversation can occur with the suspected victim. For example, a staff member may come in saying they have another form that must be filled out or may ask one of them to go with their pet to the back for treatment or diagnostics because their presence will help the pet remain calm.
Provide mental health support for staff.
  • Contact a veterinary social worker to counsel staff and provide resources.
  • Provide resources listed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/ resources-tools/wellbeing.
  • Ensure team members are aware of resources provided by the company’s Employee Assistance Plan policy.
Provide resources for clients.
  • Post information in the restrooms with the phone numbers for local IPV resources. Many will not take provided cards or dial a number because their partner monitors their phone and activities.
  • Leave a pen and paper in the restroom with instructions for clients to provide information on how the clinic can help them (e.g., the client provides a number and requests that a resource agency call them during a specific time period when they will be alone, or the client can pass a note to the staff to call police or to schedule a recheck appointment at a specific day/time when the partner is not available.)
  • When alone with a suspected victim, staff can offer them the use of a phone, so they can make a call without it being documented on their cell phone for the partner to find.
  • If you are comfortable with this and have the resources to do so, you can hospitalize the pet (at their request) so the pet is safe from harm if they were to leave, and/or let them know that your hospital can help care for their pet (even if the pet is healthy) until arrangements can be made.
  • Provide information for other pet housing options. Some domestic violence shelters now accept pets. Many humane societies can also offer crisis boarding for those fleeing IPV.

The AAHA One Health Guidelines are generously supported by Merck Animal Health.

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Citations
  1. Wollney EN, Armstrong MJ, Bedenfield N, et al. Barriers and best practices in disclosing a dementia diagnosis: A clinician interview study. Health Serv Insights 2022;15:11786329221141829.
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