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The IVAPM sponsored the first international meeting related to Pain Management in Veterinary Medicine in Merida, Mexico. The meeting “Principios Básicos del Manejo del dolor en Medicina Veterinaria. Pequeñas y Grandes Especies” was held at the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan in Merida, Mexico on October 15th -19th. More than 160 students, residents and veterinarians from Merida, Cancun and Campeche attended. The 24 hour program was led by IVAPM BOD member Paulo Steagall (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and local speakers Dr. Jose Ibancovichi (Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico) and Dr. Eduardo Gutierrez-Blanco (Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan). The IVAPM would like to thank Dr. Gutierrez-Blanco and his team for organizing this historic meeting to promote and enhance pain management practices in Mexico. According to Dr. Blanco, the money raised will be used for improvements to the University’s veterinary hospital installations and animal welfare programs.
A few years ago I remember a colleague from North America proudly saying that analgesia without opioids was a thing of the past. While this is partially true, we should remember that most of the epidemiological studies evaluating the use of analgesics in animals were performed in the US, Australia, UK, Finland, France, Canada, etc. The use of opioids is NOT common in developing nations. Veterinary medicine in Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and Africa still face more complex challenges than more developed countries. Pet owners in the aforementioned countries may face more financial restrictions, which limit the services veterinarians are able to provide for these animals. As an international organization, we must be aware of these challenges and work to be more cognizant of those outside of our “bubble.” We must focus on finding ways to improve and promote pain management in less developed countries. Welfare is a commitment that all veterinarians should make, independent of where the animals are. Some of our international colleagues work in poor areas of the world where people do not have enough money to purchase food for their families, but they still love their pets. In these areas, opioids are VERY hard to find, much less purchase. In addition, people are oftentimes unable to pay veterinarians well for their services.
The IVAPM exists not only to exchange valuable scientific information through the listserv, but also to enhance pain management internationally by providing social work through CE courses, as we did in the meeting held in Mexico. Our goal is to promote improved pain management practices in North America and Europe, and also in places where people are less fortunate but still love their animals. At the end of the day, an animal’s life holds the same value, whether in the U.S., Africa, Japan or Mexico. As a member of the IVAPM you are part of this integral process.
Paulo Steagall
IVAPM Board of Directors
International Membership Committee
Acknowlegments: I would like to thank all of my new Mexican friends for their kindness during my visit to Merida.
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