OA Days Are Helping To Find The Missing Dogs

With approximately 20% of adult dogs suffering from canine osteoarthritis in the UK, but less than 25% of these dogs receiving treatment with NSAIDs*, Merial realised the importance of finding these dogs and launched the Missing Dog Campaign. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of OA , and ‘OA Days’ are playing a crucial role in improving levels of awareness and education amongst dog owners. By encouraging dog owners to visit their veterinary practice to discuss OA with their vet, Merial is hoping to help vets find some of the dogs currently missing out on treatment. PREVICOX® Product Manager Claire Edmunds explains: “An OA Day can be held at any Veterinary Surgery and is designed to help you make your own clients more aware of OA and seek advice, as well as raising awareness in the community. We have already helped to run a number of successful days across the country, attracting hundreds of dog owners and discovering many that are now benefiting from further treatment.” Case study Heene Road Vets in Worthing has already run one successful OA Day with help from Merial, and is planning more. The event was publicised in a number of ways designed to attract the attention of both current and new clients: postcards were sent out, waiting room posters were used and an advert was placed in a local newspaper. Practice Director Jeremy French explains: “We asked everyone who came where they heard about the event and most had received the postcard, but some had picked up on the newspaper advert.” 15 dogs attended the event, with 11 of those diagnosed as suffering from OA and requiring treatment. “Most of those that required treatment were at fairly late stages of development of the condition and would have benefited from earlier treatment,” observed Jeremy. The clients were all happy with the OA Day and on return visits many expressed surprise at how much more their dogs could do. “The day went really well and the outcomes for a lot of the dogs we saw are improving. We are looking to run another similar event soon and hope for equally good results.” The team at Heene Road Vets was assisted by Merial Territory Manager Danielle Coyne-Smith. “The Heene Road event involved clients booking in to bring their dogs along to be checked for OA. The event was really successful, with a steady stream of clients coming in throughout the day. They also had a nurse to discuss physiotherapy encouraging clients to spend at least an hour in the practice, which is good for relationship building and adding value.” Get involved If you would like to run an OA Day at your surgery just contact your Merial Territory Manager on 0870 6000 123. They can assist by providing promotional materials, tips for organising the event and even answering client questions on the day. For more information on PREVICOX visit www.previcoxfordogs.co.uk *GFK Market Data Aug 2010

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