Veterinary Medicine Trend — Medical Procedures No Longer Exclusive to Humans. With advances and changing attitudes, pet owners face a confusing labyrinth of health care choices
P.R. Contact Monique Muhlenkamp

Pets today have taken on family member status in American households. As owners increasing acknowledge a deep connection with their pets, when health care needs arise, most people want to make the right choices on behalf of their animal companions. But what that right decision is, is becoming increasingly unclear as advanced medical procedures, formerly exclusive to humans, are now becoming commonplace in veterinary medicine. Visiting today’s veterinarian leaves many pet owners scratching their head as they face a menu of bewildering health care choices.

To help millions of pet owners navigate these increasingly difficult decisions, veterinarian Shannon Nakaya offers Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our Animal Companions (New World Library, June 2005, ISBN 1-57731-507-3) The first book of its kind available to consumers, Nakaya presents a holistic approach to making health decisions on behalf of animal companions. Main- taining that each decision involves understanding the medical condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes she says, “Decision-making involves being honest about one’s priorities, resources, and past experiences.”

Where in the past veterinary medicine was almost exclusively practiced by general practice vets, there are now several thousand board-certified veterinary specialists, many of them in private practice. The rising trend of offering more advanced, expensive, and controversial treatments will continue, making pet owners decisions more and more difficult. Drawing on twenty years of veterinary practice and study, Dr. Nakaya carefully lays out the issues pet owners face when considering whether or not to pursue a procedure or treatment. “One’s philosophy about health care, spiritual beliefs, and ability to offer hands-on care are also an important part of the decision making process,” she says.

For anyone who’s been confused when facing a pet’s health crisis, Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care delivers much needed solace and guidance, making currently uncharted territory more understandable and manageable.

Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care includes chapters on acknowledging the human-animal bond, healthy living and graceful aging, choosing a veterinarian, assessing the patient, financial commitments, ethics and decision-making, understanding diagnoses and options, managing needs and expectations, graceful exits, and the spiritual nature of animals.

About the Author
A graduate of Wellesley College and Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya has been active in various aspects of veterinary practice for twenty years. She now divides her time between Massachusetts and Hawaii, doing veterinary consulting, relief work, and continuing to develop her skills as a healer. Her website is www.kindredspiritkindredcare.com.

Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of Our Animal Companions
by Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya, DVM
June 2005 • Animals/Pets • Trade Paper
Price: $14.95 • ISBN 1-57731-507-3 • 176 Pages

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