Getting to Know Your Vet

In a previous piece, we learned about the challenges faced by patients with skin issues, who generally seem destined to form a really close relationship with their veterinarian. It’s the rechecks...all the rechecks…. They’re truly the foundation of successful dermatologic therapy. However, there are innumerable other reasons to create a bond with your veterinarian.

Animals with an ailment that is visible to the naked eye (such as dermatology patients) should always see the same veterinarian if possible. That doctor has a visual recollection of your pet’s condition that can not be rivaled by any amount of detailed notes (or even photographs!) contained in the medical file. There is no substitute for actually being there.

Patients with a chronic condition that can be managed, but not cured, should NOT be attempting to see a variety of veterinarians. We each have something of a running tally on how our chronically ill patients are progressing. Their medical conditions are sometimes older than our own children. When you engage with a new veterinarian, that person will need to study your pet’s file entries, which have often accrued over the course of several years, in order to ferret out the whole story. That’s a time-consuming exercise that does not lend itself to the most comprehensive care.

Pets that are especially fearful of health visits should attempt to see the same veterinarian every time they go to the clinic. Their reaction to the doctor (and vice versa) will tend to become more predictable (if not necessarily more peaceable) as time passes. If the stars align just right, your pet may even be able to develop some confidence and a bit of rapport with that care team.

Patients with a rare condition should always see the same vet. That person is very likely poring over resources and consulting specialists on your behalf when they are away from the exam room. Take advantage of that.

Everyone’s situation is different. For some of our patients, it’s just not possible to do things “by the book”. If you’ve had to work out something unconventional with your doctor, try to remain with the same doctor. That was a challenging conversation the first time; do you really want to do it again?

Very old animals...are going to be dying soon. Sorry. That’s really hard to hear, but it is not avoidable. You will need to switch gears from providing the best life to laying out the best death, because it is impossible to stop the clock. Most people experience this as their life turning upside down and their brain turning inside out. Navigating those final weeks, days, even minutes of your pet’s life will be slightly less overwhelming when the source of your medical advice isn’t someone you just met.

Of course, life is unpredictable and vets have an existence outside the clinic walls, so you won’t always, infallibly, be able to work with the same one. Striving for continuity of care, however, often gives the most satisfactory results and definitely beats the “front desk roulette” method of seeing a doctor.

Dr M.S. Regan