Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Jun 09/99) - It was a whirlwind affair with numerous surgeries performed, vaccinations given and examinations conducted to Rankin Inlet's animal inhabitants as the hamlet hosted its first veterinarian visit in more than a year.

Dr. Kim Elkin and animal health technologist Dawn Turner, both of the Great Slave Animal Hospital in Yellowknife, made the trip to the Keewatin. Elkin says she was very impressed with the overall health of the many dogs and cats she attended to during her weekend stay.

"The last time I was here was October, 1997, and I would say I did a few more surgeries and saw a few more pets this trip, but not that far off from my pervious visit," says Elkin. "In general, all the animals I saw were healthy, well cared for pets.

"The animals we saw were all cats and dogs, although I did have a discussion with one person concerning rats as pets."

Elkin says living in a remote Northern hamlet such as Rankin puts stress on pet owners which most southern animal lovers don't have to deal with. She says more variables come into play when living in a remote community, but nothing which prevents the raising of a healthy, happy and content pet.

"The stress comes from the knowledge they don't have direct, or immediate, access to professionals for their pets," says Elkin. "However, we do have a 24-hour phone access consultation service which does reduce some of that stress.

"It is hard to give specific advice over the phone, but we can, generally, direct them in what to do that will help."

Elkin says there is a tendency for there to be more of a distemper problem in the Eastern Arctic than in more heavily populated areas. She says there is also a problem with the parvo virus in outlying communities where they're not able to vaccinate animals on a strict schedule.

"These are the two main problems. People often get the perception that because there's a large, wild canine population, rabies will be high, but there's no huge human health concern. It's always important to vaccinate animals you're in contact with and be aware how often your animal should be vaccinated.

"Smaller dogs and cats should be encouraged to play a lot inside and can get their exercise needs met that way. The lack of daylight can leave pets lethargic, so they have to be encouraged.

With their shots, good diet and as much exercise as possible, Keewatin pets can be just as healthy and happy as pets anywhere else."

Rankin's Michele Ashby co-ordinated the veterinarian's visit and she said everything went smoothly and she is very happy with the number of pet owners who took advantage of Elkin's visit.

"The Rankin Inlet pet owners owe a big thank you to Kim and Dawn for the great treatment and tender, loving care," said Ashby. "As well, Rick Strickland of Oomilik Enterprises for the use of his facility, the health centre staff for their support and the Kissarvik Co-op for advertising support."