A Passionate Advocate for Canine Well-Being. In the heart of Liverpool, where the love for dogs knows no bounds, we had the privilege of sitting down with a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to the health and happiness of our beloved four-legged companions. Dr Dimitrios Tachos, a seasoned veterinary professional at vets4pets, Liverpool, embodies the spirit of unwavering commitment to canine well-being.
With years of experience, Dr. Tachos brings knowledge and a genuine passion for dogs to his practice. His journey into veterinary medicine began with a simple yet profound love for animals, which has grown into a lifelong mission to provide the best care possible for our furry friends.
During our insightful interview, Dr. Tachos shares his experiences, challenges, and heartwarming stories from his career as a veterinarian. We delve into topics ranging from preventative care to the unique joys and responsibilities of working with dogs—his dedication to ensuring every dog receives the care and attention they deserve is inspiring and admirable.
Join us as we step into the world of Dr. Dimitrios Tachos, where compassion, expertise, and the love of dogs converge to create a haven for canine health. Get ready to be captivated by his insights, stories, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our faithful companions.
Get ready to gain valuable insights into the world of veterinary medicine and the unique bond between humans and dogs. We’ve prepared a series of insightful questions that will give you a glimpse into Dr. Tachos’ expertise and his love for our furry companions:
Dr. Tachos, thank you for taking time out of your busy veterinary practice to speak with me today. I know you have a full schedule caring for animals and their owners, so I sincerely appreciate you making room in your day for this interview. Your expertise in veterinary medicine will provide tremendous value to our readers. We’re grateful you agreed to share your knowledge and insights.
Q.: Can you share a memorable experience from working as a veterinary doctor in Dubai? How did the cultural differences and unique challenges impact your work there?
Dr Tachos: Dubai has a significant population of stray cats, and residents and expats actively care for them. Cats make up approximately 70% of the patients in veterinary practices. One of my Emirati clients was taking care of 51 cats! This is something memorable. Most of these cats are unvaccinated, so many viral diseases are present. Therefore, a veterinary clinician must understand these infectious diseases deeply. Another noteworthy fact is that many pets are brought to the practice not by their owners but by their maids and drivers. This can sometimes pose communication challenges, making completing a pet’s medical history and diagnosis difficult. Additionally, Dubai also lacks specialized referral centres and critical emergency care clinics. The above and other factors make veterinary work in Dubai much more challenging.
Q.: How has your international experience as a veterinary doctor in Greece and England shaped your animal care and treatment approach? Are there any notable differences in veterinary practices between the two countries?
Dr Tachos: My experience in both countries has significantly helped me in my role. Dubai is a city that attracts expatriates from all corners of the globe, resulting in a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. So, it would be best if you adapted to meet the expectations of every client. I believe that for a professional without prior experience working in a multicultural environment, working in Dubai would pose a challenging task. As far as the veterinary profession and services are concerned, it is evident that the standards in the U.K. are much higher. Dubai has a lot of work to do to meet these standards.
Q.: As someone who has practised veterinary medicine in different parts of the world, what are the most pressing global issues in animal healthcare today? How can veterinarians contribute to addressing these issues on a worldwide scale?
Dr Tachos: I believe two primary pressing global issues exist regarding the veterinary field. One is animal disease itself, and the other is zoonotic disease. Zoonotic diseases are those that can be transmitted between animal species and humans. It is a fact that nearly 25% of the world’s livestock is lost due to animal diseases. These losses severely affect the world’s impoverished rural farmers, who depend solely on their livestock for survival. At the same time, these farmers and their families are in danger, as diseases often threaten their health. So, national early disease detection, diagnosis, and reporting are essential, which means the role of veterinarians is significant. In my opinion, veterinarians and all departments involved in animal health (including farmers, scientists, researchers, and agriculture organizations) need to exert more pressure on everyone involved to establish a global collaboration with the support of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to improve the situation. But, as is the case in many parts of the world, governments are not particularly cooperative. Therefore, this presents a significant challenge. In any case, no matter how difficult this challenge may be, we should persevere. Even minor improvements daily can have a considerable impact in the long term.
Q.: Could you describe a particularly challenging case you encountered in your veterinary career? How did you approach it, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?
Dr Tachos: I have encountered many challenging cases in my career. One of the most complex cases was a dog attacked by other dogs and presented at the clinic with sepsis. That incident happened in Dubai, where a female dog that had not been spayed was assaulted by a group of male dogs that had also not been neutered. The female dog has multiple traumas all over her body, including fever, tachycardia, and abnormalities in blood tests that indicate possible sepsis. Identifying the causative microorganism is not easy, as culture results take days. Therefore, immediate intravenous (IV) broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and aggressive supportive therapy are essential. Treatment should, of course, be tailored to the needs of every dog. However, interventions such as IV fluids, oxygenation, nutritional management (in this case, a naso-esophageal tube has been used), and close monitoring (including frequent evaluation of blood markers) are crucial. The dog was hospitalized for ten days until she showed improvement. She began eating independently and eventually fully recovered against all odds. Immediate action in all emergency cases is a lesson that should never be forgotten. Time works against your patience and yourself, so we should not waste it. The sooner, the better.
Q.: Trikala, Greece, is your hometown, and you currently reside in England. How has your background and upbringing influenced your perspective on animal welfare and the role of veterinarians in society?
Dr Tachos: My background and upbringing in my hometown have not influenced my perspective on animal welfare. On the contrary, being a resident of England has significantly influenced this perspective. England’s Animal welfare is higher than Greece’s, and animal rights are much better protected. As a veterinarian in Greece, I encountered numerous incidents that would never have been tolerated in England. Of course, many actions can be taken to enhance animal welfare, particularly in intensive farming. Veterinarians can play a crucial role in addressing animal welfare violations and improving regulations related to animal welfare.
Regarding my country of origin, it is encouraging to hear that there have been much stricter rules and regulations to protect animal rights in recent years. People who are cruel to animals are now being punished accordingly. Still, many things need to be done by society, veterinarians, and the government.
Q.: What are some key differences and similarities between veterinary medicine in a developed country like England and a developing country like Greece? How do these differences impact the way you practice medicine?
Dr Tachos: Veterinary medicine in England is of high standards in every aspect. It is more closely related to human medicine, with the availability of first and second-opinion veterinary practices, referral centres, and emergency care clinics nationwide. This model is not applicable in Greece and only applies to certain areas of the capital (Athens). As mentioned, animal welfare is of higher standards in England for both small and large animals. Organizations such as RSPCA and APHA play a significant role in ensuring animal welfare through their own establishments and trained, qualified staff members. Similar organizations in Greece lack experience, facilities, and funds.
Q.: Living and working abroad can be both rewarding and challenging. What motivated you to leave your home country and pursue a veterinary career in different parts of the world? How has this journey influenced your personal and professional growth?
Dr Tachos: I have always been curious and adventurous about life since childhood. So, the idea of moving abroad, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and advancing my career has always been on my mind. England was one of the countries high on my list because I knew it offered veterinary services of high standards. I could gain valuable experience and enhance my skills and knowledge by coming here. The English language and the abundance of travel opportunities, with airports throughout the country and convenient access to many parts of the world, made my decision easy. Working in Dubai was also a result of my curiosity to explore the world and experience different cultures. Living and working abroad has a lot to offer, but as with all aspects of life, there are things you gain and things you lose. You must come to terms with the fact that you are separated from your family and friends with whom you grew up and that you are far from your place of birth and your homeland. I believe the individual’s character and personality influence these decisions more. As far as my veterinary career is concerned, I have gained significant experience that I don’t think I could have acquired if I had stayed in my home country. When someone asks me that question, I usually answer, “If you were a footballer, would you like to play in the Premier League or Greek Super League?”
Q.: As a veterinarian, you play an essential role in promoting the health and well-being of animals. How do you educate pet owners about responsible pet care and preventive measures? Can you share any strategies or techniques that have proven effective?
Dr Tachos: There are measures that owners can take to prevent animal diseases and enhance the well-being of their pets, making it an essential role for a veterinary clinician to fulfil. Neutering and keeping your pet up to date with vaccinations and prevention measures against ectoparasites and endoparasites are some of the most straightforward recommendations a veterinarian can make. It is essential to explain to the owner why it is vital to do so, the risks, and the potential complications and costs if something goes wrong. Certain breeds are prone to specific diseases. In such cases, it is crucial to educate the owners accordingly. Monitoring for any symptoms is vital to the health of their pet. Numerous strategies can enhance the well-being of pets, considering factors such as species, breed, lifestyle, age, and underlying issues. Therefore, providing general procedures and practices is challenging, as each pet should be managed individually. In any case, veterinarians should educate and share this knowledge with their clients, as it will help prevent future health issues.
Q.: Have you noticed any significant advancements or breakthroughs in veterinary medicine throughout your career? How have these advancements impacted your practice, and what potential do they hold for the future of animal healthcare?
Dr Tachos: As an evidence-based science, Veterinary medicine is improving daily. Innovations, breakthrough treatments, and advanced diagnostic tools have been introduced since I began working as a veterinarian; some have significantly impacted my practice. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is one of them. In one of the veterinary practices where I have been employed, we utilized AI software as an additional tool for interpreting radiographs. I was genuinely impressed by the accuracy of the AI-generated reports. AI could sometimes identify abnormalities that were not easily recognized with simple visual observation. I believe that in the future, AI will play a more prominent and significant role in our work as veterinarians. Other enhancements that could be mentioned are remote consultations (I have colleagues doing this job and working from home!) and laser therapy. I’m pretty sure there are plenty of other examples. Technology will undoubtedly play a significant role in veterinary medicine in the future.
Q.: A veterinary doctor requires medical expertise and strong communication and empathy skills. How do you communicate effectively with pet owners, especially in difficult or emotional situations? Can you share an example of how you navigated such a scenario?
Dr Tachos: I think developing this skill is perhaps one of the most challenging tasks, and it is an area where many veterinarians face difficulties. Therefore, some veterinarians have decided to change their careers to other veterinary fields or switch careers entirely because they cannot communicate effectively with clients. After all these years of working in veterinary practices, I believe sharing with a pet owner is essential to maintaining honesty and transparency right from the start. Of course, as veterinarians, we also have to demonstrate compassion, reassurance, and empathy. However, being honest remains the most crucial aspect. We also need to set realistic expectations for the owner, stay calm, actively listen, never lose our temper, allow time for understanding, avoid conflicts, and only communicate when our clients are receptive. If not, then we can communicate through writing. Often, the latter played a significant role in my communication with specific clients. Sometimes, verbal communication was difficult, so written communication was effective. Therefore, I strongly recommend utilizing written communication. Communication skills play a significant role in the veterinary field. However, I am aware that developing these skills can be challenging as it requires time and may also be influenced by our personalities. Communicating effectively is something that can be achieved.
I thank Dr Tachos immensely for taking time out of his busy veterinary practice to speak with me today. Your insights on improving animal care and advocating for responsible pet ownership were enlightening. I appreciate her sharing her knowledge and experience with us at Frenchie Breed.
I am happy to have had such an informative discussion. I invite anyone interested in learning more about his work to visit the site vets4pets. Thank you again, Dr Tachos.
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
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