In this episode of the Inventory Nation Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Suzi Langer. Suzi talks about Cerebella Hypoplasia, special abled pets, some of the issues that special abled pet owners experience when managing the health of their pet, and recommendations for veterinarians on how to help manage the care and anxiety of pet owners.

• Suzi started her career as a librarian and has a bachelor’s degree on History. After a couple years she transitioned to her veterinary career.

• When Suzi took Bifford for a wellness check it was recommended that he be euthanized. That inspired Suzi to begin educating others on animals with special needs.

• Bifford had been adopted and returned 3 times to the same cat shelter.

• Communication is the number one thing that professionals should be mindful of when dealing with pets with special needs.  Make sure that it’s clear what patients are visiting for and be sure to have notes and comments that are useful so that staff understands.

• Euthanasia should not be the first recommendation.

• President Bifford is now making carrier tags that indicate conditions to help communicate needs and conditions.

• Dogs can have CH (Cerebella Hypoplasia) as well.

• Within 6 to 8 weeks of birth there are mobility indicators that an animal could have CH.

Suzi Langer is a 32-year-old veterinary technician and mother of “handicats” Bifford (cerebellar hypoplasia) and Bart (partially blind), Roscoe (epileptic rat terrier), Maggie Mae (transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, deaf), Bessie and Lucy(Fur). In her spare time she loves to read, write, walk in the park, go on motorcycle rides and spend time with friends & family. Suzi runs “President” Bifford – a website which is a platform for the education & advocacy of specially-abled animals! 

• Bifford for President – Resources for practices and owners