A trip to Tongatapu by a team of South Pacific Animal Welfare veterinarians produced outstanding results with 407 animals receiving care from a volunteer team of four veterinarians and four vet nurses from 19-23 August, SPAW reported.
The SPAW team came from all over New Zealand.
Helen Roberts, who led the team said, ““There are no permanent veterinarians in Tonga ... Tonga’s need for veterinary care is critical. During the week, we treated over 400 animals which further reiterates that SPAW’s efforts are imperative to ensuring animals have access to veterinary medicine in the Kingdom of Tonga,” she said.
They worked extensive hours tackling particularly challenging cases, including a dog needing surgery after a machete incident and several cases suffering from poisoning and parvovirus.
“Due to the demanding workload, the team had limited opportunity to explore Tonga, but they returned to New Zealand with the satisfaction of having made a significant difference in the health and welfare of many animals, despite numerous obstacles,” SPAW chairman Dr Geoff Neal told SPAW News.
It was SPAW's second field clinic to Tonga for 2024, and the team volunteered over 220 veterinary hours and 220 veterinary nurse hours.
They desexed 117 dogs and 27 cats and consulted over 250 dogs.
SPAW’s protocols ensure that young canine patients are vaccinated against the deadly parvovirus and cats are vaccinated against cat flu, additionally all animals take home pain medications and two months of parasite care to see them flea and worm free until the next SPAW visit in October and December.
SPAW does not charge for its treatments but calculated the Tongatapu clinic value at NZ$256,000, based on its costs, donated products, administrative expense and professional services. The organisation that works in the Pacific Islands welcomes donations.
The local Tongan and expat volunteers also dedicated their time to ensure the clinic’s success.
