Author Topic: Vet Visits  (Read 3428 times)

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Offline Lola

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Vet Visits
« on: August 05, 2013, 10:44:42 AM »
What is a basic vet visit like for you and/or your furkid?

Ours looks at their teeth and inside their ears.
Pokes and prods around for bumps and such.
There is never any blood drawn or urine samples taken.
Unless I mention a problem, the above is it. 

Reading others' posts, I'm thinking this isn't the best plan.


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Offline FurMonster Mom

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2013, 11:35:37 AM »
lol

We never seem to have "basic" vet visits.

But the basic check, before addressing other issues, usually entails:

- ears, eyes, mouth
- belly palpatation
- heartbeat
- temperature
- weight (which we actually do in the lobby upon arrival)

Personally, I think blood and urine should be considered a "basic" thing, but it's not the "industry standard".... Probably because that suddenly falls into the labwork category, as opposed to just administering a shot or prescribing medications.
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Offline Lola

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2013, 11:45:49 AM »
FMM... your list is what is done at our basic visits as well.  I just left a few things out.   ::)

Thanks.  I feel a little better now. 
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Offline The Kittens

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #3 on: August 05, 2013, 12:45:42 PM »
Mine-will-ask,if-there-are-any-health-issues,or-area-of-concern.This-opens-the-door-to-discussion,in-case-something-has-not-been-right,or-something,however-small,is-different.They-should-ask-how-have-they-been-behaving,and-most-importantly,if-anything-has-changed.

This-means-you,or-them.As-in,if-your-sitation-has-changed,it-can-affect-them.

They-should-also-ask,what-you-are-feeding.This-means,wet-or-dry,what-food-or-foods,and-how-much.

They-ask-that,incase-there-should-be-a-issue-down-the-road,it-helps-them-determine,if-its-food-related.
At-the-wellness-visits,you-should-give-as-much-information-as-you-can.This-is-starting-a-basic,of-how-they-are,any-changes-in-health-or-behavior,your-sitation,and-what-they-are-fed.

It-coorolates,to-their-weigh,if-it-fluctuates,is-is-because,your-situation-changed,new-pet-in-the-household,change-in-what-they-are-eating,or-how-much.

At-the-end-should-be-question-time,write-them-down-ahead-of-time,and-write-down-the-ansers.You-can-put-kitty-back-in-the-carrier,or-mine,they-go-play-in-the-baby-scale,LOL.

If-the-vet-seems-impatient,ans-your-questions,or-does-not-fully-explain-the-ans-so-you-understand-them,time-to-find-another-vet,before.......a-serious-issue-occurs,and-you-have-a-zillion-questions.

You-should-too,familiarize-yourself,with-what-tests-do-what,as-in,whatever-the-issue-is,you-should-know-ahead-of-time,what-tests-the-vet-will-run,what-the-test-will-show-or-not-show,and-then-what-tests-will-be-done-next.

With-this-educational-information,it-eliminates-unessary-tests,or-the-"well-lets-try-this".

Remember,you-are-paying-for-this,they-ain't-doin-it-for-free,and-above-all,its-YOUR-cat,he-can't-talk,its-your-responsibility,to-get-him-the-best-medical-tests-and-treatment-and-information.

Ask-your-vet,if-they-use-Antech-or-Idexx?

Ask,if-they-are-stumped,who-do-they-call,what-specialist,and-where.

Any-hesitation,or-not-willing-to-give-you-a-ans,you-best-run,out-of-there.

This-IS-a-test,and-you-best,know-the-ansers,it-could-mean-the-difference,in-getting-kitty-treated-right,or.....too-late.

If-a-kitty-is-blocked,how-long,do-you-have-to-seek-treatment,or.....its-too-late?

How-long-do-you-let-it-go,when-kitty-is-not-eating,before-you-take-them-in?

What-is-thee-very-first-thing,the-vet-should-do,if-presented-with-a-kitty-not-eating,or-throwing-up?

What-is-the-second-thing,if-the-first-thing-produces-no-ansers?

Yes,your-ans-will-be-graded.Ya.....I-am-beyond,overly-picky.

Knowing-the-ansers,saved-a-few-lifes. HeadButt cat4 TexasFlag bumpgif

Offline Pookie

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #4 on: August 05, 2013, 02:48:39 PM »
Kittens, would you mind sending your vet my way once a year?  Bumpurr1  I'd love to have a vet who's that thorough.  *sigh*
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Offline DeeDee

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #5 on: August 05, 2013, 05:45:29 PM »
The new vet we've got goes over the dogs with a fine-tooth comb--any vet in the office always wants a fecal sample but doesn't do routine blood or urine tests. Those tests have never been done unless I bring them in saying something's wrong. Vlad's still being seen every 3 mths though, and Barkly every 6 mths.

After they get looked over completely from nose to testicles, the old vets sit down on a stool and wait for my questions, because I always have read something new, and I want to know more about it. But the new vet gets in the floor with the dog and answers from there. I find it kind of weird that he doesn't use that fancy-schmancy, electric table they have, but whatever floats his boat.

I never go in without a paper with my questions that I've thought of since the last visit--or observations I have if I think something is wrong on unscheduled visits. They never rush me and always take time to let me ask anything I want.

I've often been told, "But Dr. ____ is so much cheaper!" and I just say, "Our dogs have always been a part of my heart, and my heart isn't a cheap thing."

This vet earned my loyalty when he came out on Dec 26th, 1985 when some monster poisoned my first Airedale when he was 6 mths old--in our fenced backyard while I had the boys in the bathtub. (That's what taught me they need "poison proofing" and to never leave them alone no matter what. A life can be lost in 30 minutes.) Including our normal vet, no one else would answer their phones the day after Christmas--if they were even in town.

I might have had arguments about neutering & feeding with a couple of them in the office, but I'd trust them with their lives if something really went wrong. I adore the new vet he's brought in, but if I didn't think these vets were the best of all in town, I would find someone else despite what he did for us in 1985.

If you have concerns about what is or isn't being done, then I'd be blunt about it at the next visit and ask, "I've got several friends that say 'this and that' was done to their cats/dogs at routine check-ups. I was wondering why their vets do that. Do you know? How important is that really?"

Keep a text file on your computer and add new questions every time you think of one--then print it out right before the next visit. After all, it's your money being spent, and if you have concerns, then they should definitely be addressed.
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Offline Middle Child

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #6 on: August 05, 2013, 09:32:16 PM »
My vet does the basic as listed, but she is very thorough. She spends a long time looking in ears and eyes, listening to the heart, stomach and abdomen.  She asks, as she looks, if there is anything I am concerned about with those particular areas.  She feels their bodies all over, slowly, and ruffles the fur to check the skin.  She checks paws and claws and chins and anal glands.

I've never known a vet to suggest bloods or urinalysis at a routine visit, but as some of you know, I ask for those things annually on cats over 7 years old, and at least once before that for a base line.

I always bring my list of things I want to discuss, and she answers my questions, waits for me to write the answers down, and waits to see if I have any more questions.

When we discuss diet and nutrition, she's usually the one taking notes.  :D

Offline The Kittens

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2013, 09:08:40 AM »
I-went-thru-my-fair-share,of-not-so-good-ones,before-I-found-my-current-vet. :o

I-found-her,by-asking-friends,who-have-the-same-outlook-as-I-do-about-my-kitties,who-they-use. HeadButt

Its-a-good-idea,to-get-a-CBC-and-Wellness-blood-panel,once-a-year.That-way-the-vet-has-a-baromater-of-what-your-cats-normal-values-are.If-one-of-the-values,starts-to-change,they-watch-it,if-one-value-has-a-drastic-change,they-know-where-to-start-looking/testing,to-see-if-there-is-an-issue.

I-only-get-a-urinalysis-if-there-seems-to-be-an-issue.

The-most-important-thing,is-to-establish-a-good-relationship-with-your-vet,he/she-gets-to-know-you,and-your-kitty.

Its-important-to-be-able-to-give-good-information-to-the-vet,especially,when-there-is-an-issue. HeadButt cat4 TexasFlag bumpgif

Offline Lola

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2013, 04:00:31 PM »
I was just curious if a basic (well check.. so to speak) vet visit was the same for my furkids, as it is for others.  Sounds like it is. 

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Offline DeeDee

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2013, 02:18:33 PM »
I've just read this entry in a blog about cats that I thought you'd like to read too:

Quote
Longtime cat owners, however, realize that preventive care can help stave off health issues, ultimately saving pet owners money. If your cat is 6-7 years old or younger, schedule a veterinary visit once yearly for a routine examination. Cats older than age 7 would benefit from twice-yearly vet visits. The visits will include the basics, such as a full physical, a dental evaluation and a parasite check. Routine blood work and a urinalysis should also be included, especially for older cats.

http://www.cattipper.com/tips/2013/how-to-manage-your-cats-health-care.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Cattipper+%28CatTipper.com%29
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." Edward Hoagland
"Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog."

Offline Lola

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2013, 02:27:02 PM »
MC also requests blood work for cats over 7 years old.  I'll have to remember that.  I hope I remember that.  I have a few in that age range.
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Offline Amber

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2013, 12:50:15 AM »
My vet does the basics a listed previously, asks me about any concerns or if she has had any behavioral changes, asks me if I want him to give her any vaccinations, drops it immediately when I say no, does a CBC for her (this is standard for Amber because of her history), and depending on the results of the CBC, we discuss other blood tests. 2/3 of the time he gives her a dental cleaning and clips her nails after the blood tests, hopefully now since half of her diet is prey model we won't need the cleanings anymore.

Offline AnnStaub

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2013, 01:54:19 AM »
A very basic yearly vet visit should include the physical exam of course - checking eyes, ears, teeth, skin, heart, lungs, lumps, bumps, temperature, etc etc. There are some things a vet might do for some pets that they wouldn't for others. For example, an older pet. They might check their mobility by stretching their legs around. An intact male dog might get a prostate exam.

Where I live, it's very routine for all dogs to get blood drawn for a heartworm test once a year. Then there is always the fecal testing and vaccines (if you need them).

Some doctors will recommend work-ups, especially for senior pets. The clinic I worked at offered a special "package" that included a blood panel with thryoid check, urinalysis, EKG, plus all the other regular stuff. I don't think it's bad to do all of this stuff, if you can afford it. If you asked a vet to do this stuff, I'm sure they'd be happy to oblige :) Most good vets can recommend these things as needed for their patients.

Offline Middle Child

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2013, 06:08:02 AM »
I've seen temperature mentioned a couple of times.  My vet does not take a temperature reading unless there is reason to suspect illness. Come to think of it, I don't think any vet I have ever been to did routine temperature checks.

Offline DeeDee

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Re: Vet Visits
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2013, 12:42:26 PM »
I've seen temperature mentioned a couple of times. 

Ours does. I asked why once and they said that it's to keep a norm for future since not all dogs run exactly the same temps.

Where I live, it's very routine for all dogs to get blood drawn for a heartworm test once a year. Then there is always the fecal testing and vaccines (if you need them).

Our vets have that listed as one of the things to do every year, but they don't push you if you're regularly buying the heartworm meds on schedule & they know you're anal about giving it to them. Dannyboy and Sharkly HAD to have the blood test done once b/c they both got really sick from some treats & I wouldn't give it to them, so it was 3 weeks late.

Ours also want a fecal done once a year at least, but we're doing limited vaccines with these 2 and they're going to be getting titers starting next year now that the puppy shots are finished on both.


The clinic I worked at offered a special "package" that included a blood panel with thryoid check, urinalysis, EKG, plus all the other regular stuff.

They've got those packages here too & they recommend them for older dogs especially. We'll start having that done when blood is drawn for titers. Without yearly vaccines, they'll have to have blood drawn whether they like it or not, so might as well while they've got a needle in them.
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." Edward Hoagland
"Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog; but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog."

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