Anatomy of a Vet Visit (part one)

Anatomy of a Vet Visit (part one)

Many of the pets who come to see us at the clinic are doing fine at home. They just need their mandatory rabies coverage and other protective vaccines updated. They also want the peace of mind that comes with passing a full physical exam performed by their regular doctor. After all, pets age far more quickly than we do. Because ailments and health scares arise more frequently, problems are often uncovered at “wellness” visits.

Of course, other pets come to see their doctor because something already seems to be wrong with them. Rooting out the cause is a process which must be carefully tailored to each situation, but the overall recipe will be pretty similar from one patient to the next. It all begins with you.

Every veterinary success is built on a discussion called “history”. This is your chance to start the process off right and play an important role in helping your pet. Since the patient isn’t talking, we’ll need you to relay what’s gone on with him at home. What did you notice first, and now long did that last? What you’ve observed will help us sift through possible explanations and throw a few of them out. For instance: some conditions take weeks or months to develop, but others virtually always arise overnight. Some messes begin with diarrhea and end with vomiting, while others develop in the reverse direction. We need to know exactly which of the pet’s routines have been affected (and unaffected) by his illness. Is he still able to climb up stairs, but not down? That’s important. We need you to tell us how much his personality has been affected, because we can’t measure that. After you speak your piece, we’ll follow up with all sorts of questions about the patient’s daily life, such as how much time he spends drinking or digging in the litter box or chewing on his paws. Especially valuable is the exact response you observed after any previous attempts at treatment.

The data you provide us does play a major role in pinpointing your pet’s issue, but don’t be frustrated or embarrassed if you can’t respond to every question precisely and confidently. Even if you don’t have a solid answer, it may be helpful for you to give your best estimate. If you don’t have any idea, it’s definitely best to just admit that. You must resist any temptation to falsify a part of your pet’s history, even if the truth has the potential to embarrass or even incriminate you; a good diagnosis cannot be built on inaccurate information. Likewise, you must try to ensure that your doctor understands what you tried to communicate, because it’s quite difficult to translate real life into a clear and concise narrative. If you suspect a miscommunication, it’s best to straighten that out promptly.

Once you’ve done your best to provide an accurate picture of the events leading up to your clinic visit, it’s time to get physical with the pet. Hang on for dear life!

Dr. M.S. Regan