Letters to the editor

COVID-19 pandemic and veterinary telehealth We would like to share ideas on the publication "Veterinarians' perceptions of COVID-19 pandemic–related influences on veterinary telehealth and on pet owners' attitudes toward cats and dogs."1 Dubin et al concluded that telemedicine use increased during the COVID-19 outbreak, and there was a similar concern of pet owners for SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission from cats versus dogs.1 During the pandemic, telecare became a widely used tool. Availability of communication network and affordability of telecommunication are main concerns for telecare users.2 We agree with the usefulness of a telecare system, but its application in veterinary care might be limited, since a telecare session usually takes time and it might not be appropriate for service to a large group of recipients.3 In addition, users should have a good, safe communication apparatus. There is a report on increased seizure episodes among telecare users.4 Regarding the survey on the concerns of pet owners, the result might vary on the availability of health information regarding COVID-19. Pets as sources of infection have become a widely shared issue on social media. It is also necessary to provide correct updated information. It will be useful for controlling panic of pet owners and the problem of abandoned animals. During the pandemic, abandoned pets become a possible new problem and might affect the pattern of rabies epidemiology, which will become a public health problem.5