There’s blood all over the floor. My eye traces deep red droplets on the pale marbled tiles and up the seashell pink walls. Then I notice the blinds and the glass door to the balcony. All spattered. On the sofa my fanged monster Dizzy Boy is lounging calmly, like nothing’s wrong. The vet and I have discussed this. The cat had a tumor on his head last year. My last vet removed it and bought Dizzy 12 more happy monster months. But now it’s back.
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We didn’t want to subject a 16-year-old cat to yet another round of general anesthesia and surgery. But when he scratches, the thin skin tears… and then he shakes his head. (He is a cat after all.)
And that’s how we ended up with this blood red Rorschach mess. Worried, I WhatsApp the vet directly, and thankfully she’s at the clinic. So into the carrier Dizzy goes. The car ride makes my previously calm kitty yowl unhappily. But the vet is so kind and gentle that he settles down and lets her draw blood, weigh him, and run tests. He isn’t happy, but it’s like he knows she’s helping… One surgery and a lot of scrubbing later, I’ve spent about $560. That includes the clinic’s fee, meds, ointments, and supplies… everything. I shudder to think what all this would have cost me back in the States. Double at least.
I’m not the first IL writer to sing the praises of Panama’s vets. Back in 2013, our correspondent Terry Coles told readers she paid $25 for her new puppy’s office visit, shots and meds. Prices have gone up since then, but the pattern hasn’t changed: good care, without the US price tag.
Healthcare Isn’t Just for Humans
I’ve been answering queries about life as an expat for more than 20 years. Most folks ask me about healthcare first. Are the doctors good? Do they speak English? (Yes, and yes… from hospitals to dental clinics, Panama excels in pretty much every category.) Then the line of questioning often turns to dogs and cats.
And as a veteran pet mom, I can honestly say I’ve been pleased with the care. Yes, I’ve had a couple vets I didn’t love, but I was always able to find someone great. (Usually through the expat grapevine.)
I’ve lived all over the country and most of my neighborhoods have had several veterinarian offices to choose from. You can often find professionals who speak English, but my vet manages just fine with a little help from Google Translate.
These days pet care is far more advanced and comfortable. You can get your furry friends microchipped. Even in smaller hubs like Coronado, my beach town on the Pacific Coast, there are vets with mad surgical skills. And if I don’t want to drive (or can’t), pet transport is available through my veterinary clinic, Benji. Not that Dizzy would tolerate the kitty van… but it’s nice to know the option exists. While I don’t have a 24-hour animal hospital where I live, there is one about 45 minutes away. I’m subscribed to TrustedHousesitters.com with a premium service that includes an emergency hotline. And like I said, my vet answers my texts. Dizzy needs special “kidney health” food and I can get that easily here. We have the usual suspects like Purina and Science Diet… and the other day I even spotted “gourmet” organic pet food in the freezer at my local Riba Smith supermarket. Did I roll my eyes? Maybe. But I was impressed they had it. Again, it’s nice to have options.
How Your Pet Can Walk Out of the Airport With You
Moving a dog or cat to Panama is fairly straightforward. You do need to get a health certificate (and time it correctly, so it doesn’t expire before you travel). In most cases if you’ve got your paperwork and your pet is healthy, you can leave the airport together. Quarantine is on the honor system—the airport vets will ask you to keep your pets from “socializing” for 40 days. I’ve got plenty of friends who’ve done it and it’s all gone according to plan.
Most buildings and communities welcome pets, but some (like mine) limit the size or number of dogs you can have. Just make sure to ask before signing a lease or buying an apartment. On the bright side, Panamanians tend to take a barking dog in stride… good news if yours likes to announce every delivery.
We have loads of shelters and spay-the-strays programs here, so you can always adopt, foster, volunteer—whatever you like. I adopted one kitty from the Saint Francis of Assisi foundation and they did all the shots and boosters for free. Dizzy had been rescued and dropped off at a vet’s office. I couldn’t bear to see him all alone in his cage, so I caved and took him home. Likewise his shots and neutering were already taken care of.
And by the way, I’m amazed by how many cafés and even home improvement stores seem to welcome pets.
Stitched Up and Still Yowling: Dizzy’s Next 30 Days
Dizzy has been an absolute champ. He’s got a kitty mohawk of stitches on his head, but no signs of pain or adverse effects from the anesthesia. We sent a sample off to the lab for pathology. That will unfortunately take about a month, says Doctora Laureth—the sweet vet that makes house calls and sends me random messages to ask how Dizzy’s doing.
Panama isn’t perfect—no place is. But it has taken great care of me all these years (stay tuned for my own healthcare story). And it’s been a great place to “bring up” Dizzy. Even as I try to get the blood off my living room shades—out, damned spot!—I’m glad I still have my little Beastie with me still.
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