Answer: Yes of course it is, through usually this is only necessary if your animal is
thought is to be suffering from a serious disorder which might involve complex and
expensive diagnostic methods or treatment, or if previous therapy has not resulted in
satisfactory improvement.
It may be that your vet will suggest a second opinion - if not, you can raise the matter
yourself. Most veterinarians will be happy to have the benefit of other professional
opinion and in many cases will be able to suggest the best person for you to consult.
They can even make arrangements for the consultation. Then all the information on
the case, the details of clinical signs and treatment, the result of the any laboratory
tests and any radiograph or E.C.G. traces, can be supplied to the consultant for
analysis. Usually, the second clinician will refer you back to your original vet with
recommendations for future treatment, but this can depend upon a variety of factors.
Certainly, this procedure is much better then simply moving on to one (or more) of
the other vets in your area should you be disenchanted with what has already been
achieved. If another vet has to start from scratch, without knowing any of the previous
history, it will inevitable result in unnecessary expensive and in the delay which could
prove critical to the cat’s health. I you are already dissatisfied with your exciting vet,
tell him; knowing the difficulties which have arisen in your case many allow your vet to
take steps to prevent this type of situation recurring. And if you still decide to transfer
to another practice, telling your vet might at least ensure that your cat’s records get
transferred.
Showing posts with label Helping Your Vet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helping Your Vet. Show all posts
Q: Is it advisable to telephone my veterinary surgeon for advice?
Answer: Whenever there is a real emergency it s always preferable to make a telephone
call before taking your cat to the vet’s premises, particularly when it occurs outside
normally surgery hours. This is because the practice hospital can make arrangement to
received a treat that cat as soon as possible(may be even at home)as will as offering
advice on how to proceed in the meantime.
Of course, a telephone call will also enable you to enquire about consultation times or
to arrange an appointments, as well as checking on the arrangements for, and costs of,
such routine procedures as vaccinations and spay operations.
However most vets are unwilling to spend a long time on the telephone whilst
you relate what has happed to a cat which may never have attended and to be
asked question about what should be done. Even if the animal has been before, the
veterinarian will not usually have the cat’s notes to hand to refer to. And of course, it
will not be possible to examine the animal to establish a diagnosis, or to hand out drug
or a prescription for a treatment. Since it is also unlikely that the vet will be able to
recall the detail of the conversation later, it is usually better to make an appointment for
a proper consultation at the outset. Telephone calls like this can block the line for a long
time preventing other more urgent calls from being received. And perhaps you should
not be surprised if your vet appears reluctant to give out advice for nothing; after all, he
also has a living to make.
It is of course different matter if, whilst the animals is on a course of treatment,
it develops signs which you find worrying; often telephone call will then establish
whether there is in fact anything to be concerned about. Indeed, often you may be
asked to telephone and report the cat’s progress. Also, if your cat’s is hospitalized, it
is reasonable that you should telephone and enquire about his condition. However,
if you have been asked to telephone at a particular time, it always much appreciated
if you can keep to that arrangement. It may that the vet dealing with your cat knows
that he will only be available at that time and wishes to speak to you personally about
what is happening. Co-operation is always also appreciated and helps to cement good
relationship to ensure the best possible treatment for your animal.
call before taking your cat to the vet’s premises, particularly when it occurs outside
normally surgery hours. This is because the practice hospital can make arrangement to
received a treat that cat as soon as possible(may be even at home)as will as offering
advice on how to proceed in the meantime.
Of course, a telephone call will also enable you to enquire about consultation times or
to arrange an appointments, as well as checking on the arrangements for, and costs of,
such routine procedures as vaccinations and spay operations.
However most vets are unwilling to spend a long time on the telephone whilst
you relate what has happed to a cat which may never have attended and to be
asked question about what should be done. Even if the animal has been before, the
veterinarian will not usually have the cat’s notes to hand to refer to. And of course, it
will not be possible to examine the animal to establish a diagnosis, or to hand out drug
or a prescription for a treatment. Since it is also unlikely that the vet will be able to
recall the detail of the conversation later, it is usually better to make an appointment for
a proper consultation at the outset. Telephone calls like this can block the line for a long
time preventing other more urgent calls from being received. And perhaps you should
not be surprised if your vet appears reluctant to give out advice for nothing; after all, he
also has a living to make.
It is of course different matter if, whilst the animals is on a course of treatment,
it develops signs which you find worrying; often telephone call will then establish
whether there is in fact anything to be concerned about. Indeed, often you may be
asked to telephone and report the cat’s progress. Also, if your cat’s is hospitalized, it
is reasonable that you should telephone and enquire about his condition. However,
if you have been asked to telephone at a particular time, it always much appreciated
if you can keep to that arrangement. It may that the vet dealing with your cat knows
that he will only be available at that time and wishes to speak to you personally about
what is happening. Co-operation is always also appreciated and helps to cement good
relationship to ensure the best possible treatment for your animal.
Q: Why is veterinary treatment sometimes thought to be expensive?
Answer: The establishment and running of a privative small animals practice or hospital
is a privative business venture jut like any other. The veterinary surgeons(s) involved will
have to raise sufficient capital initially to build, buy or lease the premises, and to pay for
highly specialized equipment and instruments without any preferential loan or subsidy
from the government or any other organization. Subsequently the business must be
generate sufficient money to pay all expenses-charges for water electricity, telephone,
insurance, rates and probably the interest on mortgage or bank loans, the cost of drugs
and replacement equipment, in addition to providing to salaries of the veterinary
surgeon(s) and the other staff required to run the practice efficiently.
Obviously, if the return on the money put into the enterprise is not at least comparable
to that which could be provided by other forms of investment comparable there will be
no incentive to undertake all the hard work required, a lot of it during ‘unsocial’ hours.
However, when the cost of veterinary attention is compared with that of other service
such as routine car maintenance, taxi journeys or sampling getting a repair man to call
and examine the washing machine, it is usually found to be low, bearing in mind the
level of skill which is demanded.
In North America pet owner are well aware of the high cost of private medical
attention for themselves and their families. In Great Britain the way in which the
National Health Service is financed disguises the true cost of medical care and
many people are unaware that modern drug and vaccine are extremely expensive.
Consequently, owners are sometimes very surprised when they discover the real cost of
drugs and many perhaps resent paying so much for there animal’s treatment.
There are of course pert insurance policies available which provide some degree of
protection against having to pay really hefty bills for operations and treatment, although
it’s important to read the exclusion clauses care-fully before deciding whether what is
offered is either adequate or fair.
If you are genuinely unable to offered the fees of a veterinarian, assistance can usually
be obtained from one of the animal welfare societies, although it should be borne in
mind that these charitable organization have limited resources and should not be asked
to help unless genuinely cannot afford normal veterinary fees.
is a privative business venture jut like any other. The veterinary surgeons(s) involved will
have to raise sufficient capital initially to build, buy or lease the premises, and to pay for
highly specialized equipment and instruments without any preferential loan or subsidy
from the government or any other organization. Subsequently the business must be
generate sufficient money to pay all expenses-charges for water electricity, telephone,
insurance, rates and probably the interest on mortgage or bank loans, the cost of drugs
and replacement equipment, in addition to providing to salaries of the veterinary
surgeon(s) and the other staff required to run the practice efficiently.
Obviously, if the return on the money put into the enterprise is not at least comparable
to that which could be provided by other forms of investment comparable there will be
no incentive to undertake all the hard work required, a lot of it during ‘unsocial’ hours.
However, when the cost of veterinary attention is compared with that of other service
such as routine car maintenance, taxi journeys or sampling getting a repair man to call
and examine the washing machine, it is usually found to be low, bearing in mind the
level of skill which is demanded.
In North America pet owner are well aware of the high cost of private medical
attention for themselves and their families. In Great Britain the way in which the
National Health Service is financed disguises the true cost of medical care and
many people are unaware that modern drug and vaccine are extremely expensive.
Consequently, owners are sometimes very surprised when they discover the real cost of
drugs and many perhaps resent paying so much for there animal’s treatment.
There are of course pert insurance policies available which provide some degree of
protection against having to pay really hefty bills for operations and treatment, although
it’s important to read the exclusion clauses care-fully before deciding whether what is
offered is either adequate or fair.
If you are genuinely unable to offered the fees of a veterinarian, assistance can usually
be obtained from one of the animal welfare societies, although it should be borne in
mind that these charitable organization have limited resources and should not be asked
to help unless genuinely cannot afford normal veterinary fees.
Q: If my cat is hospitalized should I visit it?
Answer: I is better not to visit your cat if the period of hospitalization is going to be
comparatively short. An animal is usually very pleased to see its owner again and
naturally believes that they will be permanently reunited. Consequently, when the
owner leaves again after a few minutes, the cats feel rejected.
Fortunately, the feeling of most pet animals seem to be more objective then objective
and whilst the owner is absent the usually do not pain or fret as the owners anticipate,
particularly if there is a certain amount of activity in the hospital to occupy there
attention.
On the other hand, if hospitalization is unduly prolonged for whatever reason, then the
question of the advisability of visiting should be discussed with the vet in charge of the
case.
comparatively short. An animal is usually very pleased to see its owner again and
naturally believes that they will be permanently reunited. Consequently, when the
owner leaves again after a few minutes, the cats feel rejected.
Fortunately, the feeling of most pet animals seem to be more objective then objective
and whilst the owner is absent the usually do not pain or fret as the owners anticipate,
particularly if there is a certain amount of activity in the hospital to occupy there
attention.
On the other hand, if hospitalization is unduly prolonged for whatever reason, then the
question of the advisability of visiting should be discussed with the vet in charge of the
case.
Q: On what occasion would my cat have to say in hospital?
Answer: In treatment of many feline conditions it is usually not necessary to hospitalize
the animal. But there are circumstances in which hospitalization of a cat is describe to
ensure sufficient diagnosis and therapy, and in some situation it is essential to increase
the animal’s chance of survival.
A critically ill animal, suffering from such condition as massive blood loss, sever shock,
difficulty in breathing or maintaining normal heart action, unconsciousness, extensive
injuries or acute pain, is obviously best hospitalized because of it is need for continuing
expert treatment and nursing. This may involve blood transfusion or intravenous fluid
therapy, the administration of oxygen, the use of special heating device and heart
monitors, and of course the injection of drugs including pain killers. This type of
intensive care simply could not be provided at home.
It is also imperative for animals receiving general an aesthesia to be hospitalized
until they are sufficiently recovered to be allowed home. Animals requiring general
an aesthesia prior to radiography or the performance of some comparatively straight
forward procedure can often be discharged latter the same day, or on the fallowing day.
Those that have undergone major surgical operations should stay in hospital until they
are sufficiently improved and this period can very from a few days up-wards, depending
upon the animal’s response.
Hospitalization may also be required for the performance of specialized diagnostic
tests. Were the owner has difficulty in collecting routine urine or motion samples,
again it may be preferable to hospitalize the cat to obtain them. Certain types of
treatment are difficult for owner to deal with, such as stabilization of a diabetic cat, the
administration of an enema or at times even the combine out of a cat that is difficult to
handle.
Finally, hospitalization may be advisable so that the veterinary surgeon can observe
the animal for a period, particularly where neurological disturbance or behavioral
problems are suspected.
In all instance where admission to hospital is advise, owner will naturally be upset
at being separated from there pet. In fact, in most cases the owners are probably more
upset then the cats, most are women are adapt very quickly to there surroundings.
Owners can rest assured that a veterinary surgeon will not want to prolong the period
of hospitalization unnecessarily but on the other hand there is no sense in discharging
the cat before diagnosis or treatment is completed or, the following an emergency
admission, before recovery is assured.
the animal. But there are circumstances in which hospitalization of a cat is describe to
ensure sufficient diagnosis and therapy, and in some situation it is essential to increase
the animal’s chance of survival.
A critically ill animal, suffering from such condition as massive blood loss, sever shock,
difficulty in breathing or maintaining normal heart action, unconsciousness, extensive
injuries or acute pain, is obviously best hospitalized because of it is need for continuing
expert treatment and nursing. This may involve blood transfusion or intravenous fluid
therapy, the administration of oxygen, the use of special heating device and heart
monitors, and of course the injection of drugs including pain killers. This type of
intensive care simply could not be provided at home.
It is also imperative for animals receiving general an aesthesia to be hospitalized
until they are sufficiently recovered to be allowed home. Animals requiring general
an aesthesia prior to radiography or the performance of some comparatively straight
forward procedure can often be discharged latter the same day, or on the fallowing day.
Those that have undergone major surgical operations should stay in hospital until they
are sufficiently improved and this period can very from a few days up-wards, depending
upon the animal’s response.
Hospitalization may also be required for the performance of specialized diagnostic
tests. Were the owner has difficulty in collecting routine urine or motion samples,
again it may be preferable to hospitalize the cat to obtain them. Certain types of
treatment are difficult for owner to deal with, such as stabilization of a diabetic cat, the
administration of an enema or at times even the combine out of a cat that is difficult to
handle.
Finally, hospitalization may be advisable so that the veterinary surgeon can observe
the animal for a period, particularly where neurological disturbance or behavioral
problems are suspected.
In all instance where admission to hospital is advise, owner will naturally be upset
at being separated from there pet. In fact, in most cases the owners are probably more
upset then the cats, most are women are adapt very quickly to there surroundings.
Owners can rest assured that a veterinary surgeon will not want to prolong the period
of hospitalization unnecessarily but on the other hand there is no sense in discharging
the cat before diagnosis or treatment is completed or, the following an emergency
admission, before recovery is assured.
Q: should I continue giving my cat his course of tablets now that he looks so much better?
Answer: when treatment of an illness is in progress, the vet’s instructions
should be always carefully followed. Most owners will do this to the best
of their ability but there are some who vary the treatment as they see fit
and discontinue the course of tablets if they feel the animal has improved
sufficiently, not realizing that by so doing they risk the animal relapsing. On
the other hand, if the animal has entirely recovered from a condition and
the vet has advised stopping treatment, it could be harmful to prolong drug
therapy. Some owners even obtained drugs from other sources and give
them indiscriminately, thereby damaging the health of their pet.
should be always carefully followed. Most owners will do this to the best
of their ability but there are some who vary the treatment as they see fit
and discontinue the course of tablets if they feel the animal has improved
sufficiently, not realizing that by so doing they risk the animal relapsing. On
the other hand, if the animal has entirely recovered from a condition and
the vet has advised stopping treatment, it could be harmful to prolong drug
therapy. Some owners even obtained drugs from other sources and give
them indiscriminately, thereby damaging the health of their pet.
Q: The has told me he would like to do some ‘diagnostic tests’ on any cat what does this mean?
Answer: Often the history of event combined with a clinical examination
of the cat are sufficient for you diagnose what is wrong and recommend
a course of treatment. However, this information may be inadequate
for a prices diagnosis to be made so the vet may advise that one or
more diagnostic tests should be performed. This may involve collecting
samples of blood, urine or motions for laboratory examination. In fact,
you might be asked to collect some urine or motion samples yourself
and to deliver them to the vet’s premises. Sometimes other types of the
sample may be collected for laboratory tests, such as bacterial swabs or
fluid from the abdomen Radiographic examination may be recommended
and occasionally the performance of an electrocardiograph (E.C.G.)or
electroencephalograph (E.E.G.)which record the electrical signals coming
from the heart and brain respectively . At times, investigatory surgery may
be advised and usually this take from an exploratory a biopsy.
Some of these procedures must always be performed under a general
anesthetic to avoid pain or prevent the risk of damage arising from
sudden movement (e.g. collection of cerebrospinal fluid) at other times
anesthesia is useful to keep the animals still or simply because the
animal’s temperament make it difficult to handle otherwise. If there is a
possibly that anesthesia might be required, it is important for the cat not to
have been fed for at least eight hours beforehand this can also help with
blood tests which are best performed on ’fasted’ animals.
It is important for the owner’s family to have discussed the situation and to
have decided whether to consent to anesthesia and/or surgery. Whoever
presents the animal should have the authority to make decision about what
is to happen next: whether the animal should be investigated further (if
necessary under general anesthesia), whether it should be hospitalized for
test and observation, or whether surgery can be undertaken immediately
to treat the condition. Most veterinary surgeons will be pleased to explain
precisely what the problems are, what possible conditions the test may
have to confirm or eliminate, and the purpose of any treatment. It is helpful
if this is matched by a clear decision on the owner’s part as to what should
happen to his pet.
of the cat are sufficient for you diagnose what is wrong and recommend
a course of treatment. However, this information may be inadequate
for a prices diagnosis to be made so the vet may advise that one or
more diagnostic tests should be performed. This may involve collecting
samples of blood, urine or motions for laboratory examination. In fact,
you might be asked to collect some urine or motion samples yourself
and to deliver them to the vet’s premises. Sometimes other types of the
sample may be collected for laboratory tests, such as bacterial swabs or
fluid from the abdomen Radiographic examination may be recommended
and occasionally the performance of an electrocardiograph (E.C.G.)or
electroencephalograph (E.E.G.)which record the electrical signals coming
from the heart and brain respectively . At times, investigatory surgery may
be advised and usually this take from an exploratory a biopsy.
Some of these procedures must always be performed under a general
anesthetic to avoid pain or prevent the risk of damage arising from
sudden movement (e.g. collection of cerebrospinal fluid) at other times
anesthesia is useful to keep the animals still or simply because the
animal’s temperament make it difficult to handle otherwise. If there is a
possibly that anesthesia might be required, it is important for the cat not to
have been fed for at least eight hours beforehand this can also help with
blood tests which are best performed on ’fasted’ animals.
It is important for the owner’s family to have discussed the situation and to
have decided whether to consent to anesthesia and/or surgery. Whoever
presents the animal should have the authority to make decision about what
is to happen next: whether the animal should be investigated further (if
necessary under general anesthesia), whether it should be hospitalized for
test and observation, or whether surgery can be undertaken immediately
to treat the condition. Most veterinary surgeons will be pleased to explain
precisely what the problems are, what possible conditions the test may
have to confirm or eliminate, and the purpose of any treatment. It is helpful
if this is matched by a clear decision on the owner’s part as to what should
happen to his pet.
Q: Are there any other ways in which I could help my vet?
Answer: Will, if you are known that cat is difficult to handle, the nurses and
vets would appreciate learning his fact beforehand so that they can take
any necessary precaution in dealing with him.
In situation where the cat’s thirst is greatly increased, it is also helpful
if your able to measure the total amount drunk in twenty four hours.
If you know that the cat normally drinks two to three bowls full a day,
measure how much the bowl handle; the capacities of cat bowls are, like
the lengths of pieces of string, very available. Or even better, measure
the total amount provide during twenty four hours and subtract the amount
remaining un drunk at the end of that period.
vets would appreciate learning his fact beforehand so that they can take
any necessary precaution in dealing with him.
In situation where the cat’s thirst is greatly increased, it is also helpful
if your able to measure the total amount drunk in twenty four hours.
If you know that the cat normally drinks two to three bowls full a day,
measure how much the bowl handle; the capacities of cat bowls are, like
the lengths of pieces of string, very available. Or even better, measure
the total amount provide during twenty four hours and subtract the amount
remaining un drunk at the end of that period.
Q: My cat has been behaving oddly and he must be ill. How can I best help my vet to find out what is wrong?
Answer: Most human patients will be able to answer questions about their
illness clearly cats are unable to do this. So it is important that however
consults the veterinary surgeon should be able to express exactly what it is
that they are worried about ; in other words the nature of the problem.
The person who is present when the cats examined should be prepared
to supply information about both recent and past events; this is known as
the ‘history’ of the case. Usually question will be asked about the animals,
diets;, appetite and thirst, it is temperament and willingness to play or
exercise, the passage of urine and motions, past illness injuries, how long
it has been owned, whether it has been neutered and, in the case of entire
(i. g. unsprayed) females, the date of birth of litters and whether and the
animals, has been ‘calling’ recently. You will also be asked of detail of any
abnormal sign that have been observed. Where abnormalities have been
noted, it is important to be able to say, at least approximately, how long
they have been present (for months, weeks, or days) and they have been
present continuously or intermittently (i.e. have come and gone) if it is
possible to give exact dates, so much the batter.
Some owners keep a dairy, or at least make a notes about the sequence
of events in an illness, and certainly, and whenever the succession of
event become complex and therefore difficult to remember, it is useful
a written record of the salient points. Most event are very busy and
therefore won’t relish the idea of the plpughing through page after page of
unimportant details, but all of them will welcome an accurate and concise
sep by step account what has occurred. Whenever you have additional
documentation (e.g. the cat’s pedigree or vaccination certificates), these
should be available, especially when you are consulting a particular
veterinary surgeons for the first time.
From what has already been stated, most owners will appreciate the
problem that are created from the vet, and therefore for the patient, if the
person present with the animal knows little or nothing of the background to
the illness. This is frequently so when children are helpful neighbors brig a
sick cat to the consulting room. Wherever possible therefore, the owner or
whoever normally looks after the cat, should be available. When this isn’t
possible, the best substitute is a written record of the facts together with
a telephone number at which the owner can be contacted in case further
detail are required, or it is necessary to obtain their consent for anesthesia
or other procedures to be performed.
illness clearly cats are unable to do this. So it is important that however
consults the veterinary surgeon should be able to express exactly what it is
that they are worried about ; in other words the nature of the problem.
The person who is present when the cats examined should be prepared
to supply information about both recent and past events; this is known as
the ‘history’ of the case. Usually question will be asked about the animals,
diets;, appetite and thirst, it is temperament and willingness to play or
exercise, the passage of urine and motions, past illness injuries, how long
it has been owned, whether it has been neutered and, in the case of entire
(i. g. unsprayed) females, the date of birth of litters and whether and the
animals, has been ‘calling’ recently. You will also be asked of detail of any
abnormal sign that have been observed. Where abnormalities have been
noted, it is important to be able to say, at least approximately, how long
they have been present (for months, weeks, or days) and they have been
present continuously or intermittently (i.e. have come and gone) if it is
possible to give exact dates, so much the batter.
Some owners keep a dairy, or at least make a notes about the sequence
of events in an illness, and certainly, and whenever the succession of
event become complex and therefore difficult to remember, it is useful
a written record of the salient points. Most event are very busy and
therefore won’t relish the idea of the plpughing through page after page of
unimportant details, but all of them will welcome an accurate and concise
sep by step account what has occurred. Whenever you have additional
documentation (e.g. the cat’s pedigree or vaccination certificates), these
should be available, especially when you are consulting a particular
veterinary surgeons for the first time.
From what has already been stated, most owners will appreciate the
problem that are created from the vet, and therefore for the patient, if the
person present with the animal knows little or nothing of the background to
the illness. This is frequently so when children are helpful neighbors brig a
sick cat to the consulting room. Wherever possible therefore, the owner or
whoever normally looks after the cat, should be available. When this isn’t
possible, the best substitute is a written record of the facts together with
a telephone number at which the owner can be contacted in case further
detail are required, or it is necessary to obtain their consent for anesthesia
or other procedures to be performed.
Q. Do vets specialize in training any one type of animal, and how can I be sure that a vet is knowledgeable about cats?
Answer. All veterinary surgeons receive the same basic training so that they are competent to deal with all domesticate species. These are chiefly they meat producing animals (cattle sheep and pigs) and the companion animals (horse dogs and cats) cats and dogs are together with other smaller pet animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, are referred to professionally as ‘small animals’ whilst the other species are known as ‘large animals’. Poultry, exotic animals and fish are also dealt with in veterinary training but less extensively.
After qualification, some vets feel that they would prefer to treat all these species of animals in order to utilize all that they have learned, and consequently they take employment in a “mixed practice” i. e. one treating both large and small animal. Others prefer to deal solely with either small or large and therefore may establish, or find employment in, a practice which concentrates on that particular group. Alternatively, they ma work with other veterinarian in a mixed practice but take responsibility for jut the small or large animals patients.
Increasingly there are tendency for fore vets to concentrate on just one species; this is particularly so in the large animal field and there are, for example a numbers of specialist equine practices. In general, small animals practices will treat both cats and dogs, although in North America there is a trend towards purely feline specialists .At the present time in Great Britain the governing body of the veterinary profession, the Royal College of veterinary surgeons, is still formulating its idea about specialization and current no British is able to describe himself is a specialist in any particular field, even through this may be so.
However, a telephone call on your local veterinary practice will usually establish whether one or more of the veterinarians has a special interest in small animals, and in particular in cats. In North America interested veterinary surgeons are often members of the America Association of feline practitioners, and in Britain veterinary surgeons, as will as the member of the public, may belong to the Feline Advisory Bureau. However, it is not easy to establish that a vet is member either society, nor in fact does it indicate any thing more then an interest in cats.
Veterinary practices in urban areas invariably solely or predominantly concerned with treating small animals. The term hospital; implies the provision of certain faculties over and above those of a routine practice.
Finally, the recommendation of other cat owners is valuable in choosing a veterinary surgeon to treat your pet, for example, friends neighbors or fellow members of a club devoted to cat owning or breeding. Certainly, once you have found a veterinary surgeon that you find helpful and sympathetic and in whom you have confidence, you should take his advice.
After qualification, some vets feel that they would prefer to treat all these species of animals in order to utilize all that they have learned, and consequently they take employment in a “mixed practice” i. e. one treating both large and small animal. Others prefer to deal solely with either small or large and therefore may establish, or find employment in, a practice which concentrates on that particular group. Alternatively, they ma work with other veterinarian in a mixed practice but take responsibility for jut the small or large animals patients.
Increasingly there are tendency for fore vets to concentrate on just one species; this is particularly so in the large animal field and there are, for example a numbers of specialist equine practices. In general, small animals practices will treat both cats and dogs, although in North America there is a trend towards purely feline specialists .At the present time in Great Britain the governing body of the veterinary profession, the Royal College of veterinary surgeons, is still formulating its idea about specialization and current no British is able to describe himself is a specialist in any particular field, even through this may be so.
However, a telephone call on your local veterinary practice will usually establish whether one or more of the veterinarians has a special interest in small animals, and in particular in cats. In North America interested veterinary surgeons are often members of the America Association of feline practitioners, and in Britain veterinary surgeons, as will as the member of the public, may belong to the Feline Advisory Bureau. However, it is not easy to establish that a vet is member either society, nor in fact does it indicate any thing more then an interest in cats.
Veterinary practices in urban areas invariably solely or predominantly concerned with treating small animals. The term hospital; implies the provision of certain faculties over and above those of a routine practice.
Finally, the recommendation of other cat owners is valuable in choosing a veterinary surgeon to treat your pet, for example, friends neighbors or fellow members of a club devoted to cat owning or breeding. Certainly, once you have found a veterinary surgeon that you find helpful and sympathetic and in whom you have confidence, you should take his advice.
Q. Is it worthwhile taking an apparently healthy cat for a regular check-up?
Answer. Certainly it is advisable for all cats to be vaccinated against certain diseases and, in order for them to maintain a high level of immunity, re-vaccination should be carried out every one or two years. The interval should depend on the type of vaccine used. At the time of each vaccination, the cat will be routinely examined by a vet to ensure that it is clinically healthy. If there is any evidence that the cat is currently combating an infection (e.g. abnormally high temperature), the vaccination is best delayed. Otherwise, the body’s immune response may be engaged in fighting the infection to the extent that they cannot response fully to the stimulus of the vaccine.
It is doubtful whether any other check-up is required, provided the cat remains apparently healthy, unless it is in response to a particular problem. For example, it may be desirable to check cat for evidence 0f FeL V infection if it has been an contact with another cat known to be infected, or to check whether it is carrier of ringworm if a human in a household developed this disease. However, such examination are very specific and would not normally from part of routine check-up.
It has been suggested that there might be merit in a routine examination of blood samples from car’s say every one to two years, the determine the numbers of the different cell types and the levels of certain blood constituents. Such testing might reveal evidence of some developing, and as unsuspected, disorder, but it has also been argued that it would provide a record of the normal values for that individual animal. If the cat subsequently developed sign of disease and the blood was re-examined, knowledge of the previous ‘normal’ values would permit any relatively small change to be detected, thereby assisting diagnosis of the condition.
Unfortunately , testes have shown that the concentration of some cells and substance in the blood can fluctuate considerably from day to day in an individual, thus making it difficult to use information in this way, It is also debatable whether, at least in some cats, the benefits of such routine blood sampling would outweigh the difficulties of collection.
It is doubtful whether any other check-up is required, provided the cat remains apparently healthy, unless it is in response to a particular problem. For example, it may be desirable to check cat for evidence 0f FeL V infection if it has been an contact with another cat known to be infected, or to check whether it is carrier of ringworm if a human in a household developed this disease. However, such examination are very specific and would not normally from part of routine check-up.
It has been suggested that there might be merit in a routine examination of blood samples from car’s say every one to two years, the determine the numbers of the different cell types and the levels of certain blood constituents. Such testing might reveal evidence of some developing, and as unsuspected, disorder, but it has also been argued that it would provide a record of the normal values for that individual animal. If the cat subsequently developed sign of disease and the blood was re-examined, knowledge of the previous ‘normal’ values would permit any relatively small change to be detected, thereby assisting diagnosis of the condition.
Unfortunately , testes have shown that the concentration of some cells and substance in the blood can fluctuate considerably from day to day in an individual, thus making it difficult to use information in this way, It is also debatable whether, at least in some cats, the benefits of such routine blood sampling would outweigh the difficulties of collection.
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