How Can You Help Your Vet?

 When you bring your pet to your veterinarian, there are two important parts to your visit. A careful exam is very important, but so is a thorough history. My 30-minute (instead of 15 minute) appointments really help me.
When your veterinarian is asking you questions, how you respond can either help or hinder his or her ability to diagnose your pet. As a cats-only veterinarian, I really depend on good information from my clients, as cats are very good at hiding their problems. When I saw dogs, earlier in my career, they were a little more up front about their issues.
So how can you help your vet? When we ask you questions, we need your observations, not your interpretation, at least at first. Your observations are vital, as no one knows your pet’s normal behavior better than you do. In another words, describe what you saw, without attempting to diagnose the problem. Here is an example: “Fluffy has horrible back and leg pain, because her rear legs are almost paralyzed and she’s screaming. I think she has been hit by a car or something.” That is an interpretation instead of an observation. Actually, Fluffy is in heat, not in pain. She wants a boyfriend, but she’s going to get a spay instead.
Instead, your observations for Fluffy might include: “She is walking differently and she’s crying a lot more than usual. She’s eating and drinking normally. She’s also more affectionate than usual.” See the difference? You are using your knowledge of what is and isn’t normal for Fluffy, to help your vet.
One more way you can help-please don’t hold back information about what your cat may have eaten or any medicine that you have already given your pet. For example, if your cat has blood in his or her urine, and you gave some leftover antibiotic, you do need to tell your vet. That antibiotic might prevent a urine culture from growing. It’s not the end of the world, but your honesty may save you from paying for an expensive test that will probably not be helpful. Also, please tell us how long you have been worried about your pet, even if it’s been quite a while. We are not here to judge; we’re here to help!
To schedule an appointment at The Cat Doctor & Friends, please call 661-259-5288.