Is your cat unwell?60% of owners think pets should have access to the same medical treatment options as humans

Most pet owners will have their animal seen by a veterinarian at some stage.

However, research shows that most pet owners now believe pets should be given the same treatment options as humans for more complex problems, rather than the standard extractions, spays, and neuters.

A survey of pet owners in the UK, Austria and Denmark found that almost two-thirds think their pets should have access to treatments such as chemotherapy and blood transfusions.

Although these are already available in some clinics, advanced veterinary care typically features higher costs, advanced skills, and cutting-edge technology and equipment.

The research will be led by Love Island's Kady McDermott. Criticized for fighting a “futile argument” that pet owners should have the same rights as parents Good morning England.

Half of the owners surveyed also expected advanced diagnostic tests such as endoscopy (a test in which a long, thin tube with a small camera inside is inserted into the dog's body), CT scan, or MRI scan.

These are typically only available at large veterinary practices or universities.

The study of 4,610 people found that neither income nor pet insurance status predicted whether owners believed their pets should receive advanced veterinary care.

The factor most strongly associated with the idea that pets should have access to the same treatment options as human patients was the level of emotional attachment that owners had with their animals.

The team, which included researchers from the University of Glasgow, published their findings in the journal Plos One.

They write: “As a result of advances in veterinary medicine, many animals that previously would have suffered, died, or had to be euthanized from diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer are now being saved. It can now be successfully managed by veterinarians in primary care practice using a wide range of medical techniques, including various drugs and life-saving procedures such as dialysis, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy.

“Patients with more complex diseases, or veterinary patients who require advanced testing and treatment, are treated in the same way as humans: by their primary care veterinarian, in a field such as orthopedics, oncology, or emergency medicine. You can rely on colleagues who are experts in advanced imaging and treatments, such as radiation therapy, joint or heart valve replacements.

“While access to this care offers clear benefits, it also presents challenges: advanced veterinary care is only available to pets whose owners can afford it, It can cause emotional and financial stress for owners.”

“Adverse effects can also occur when owners with strong emotional attachments to their pets seek to extend the animal's lifespan while pursuing treatments that significantly reduce that lifespan.”