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Tips for Talking to Your Veterinarian
Tips for Talking to Your Veterinarian
You can take a more active role in your pet's health by
communicating more effectively with the veterinarian.
October 4, 2004
Could your pet look healthy on the outside but not be okay
on the inside? "Absolutely," says Dr. Marty Becker, consumer
spokesperson for National Pet Wellness Month. "Since pets
can't tell us when they're not feeling well, it's up to owners
to manage their pet's care," says Becker, "and the best way
to do that for healthy looking dogs and cats is to provide
them regular veterinary care."
Hanna's story is a good example. A 7-year-old golden retriever
mix, she was recently brought in for her six-month wellness
exam. According to her veterinarian, Dr. Mike Rehm of Mobile,
AL, Hanna was slightly overweight, but otherwise appeared
normal and healthy. A routine blood profile, however, showed
that Hanna's liver enzymes were dangerously elevated, and
even worse, her gallbladder was almost ready to burst. Dr.
Rehm operated immediately and was able to save her life. Hanna
is now being treated for liver disease and has made a full
recovery from surgery. She is doing well and has had no additional
health problems. "Hanna is a great example of a pet whose
life was saved because of a six-month wellness exam," said
Dr. Rehm.
Twice yearly wellness exams help the veterinarian detect,
treat and, ideally, prevent problems before they become life
threatening. During the exam, the veterinarian will conduct
a physical, take the pet's history, conduct blood and urine
screenings, and update vaccinations. The veterinarian will
look for signs of kidney, liver and heart disease as well
as cancer.
Dr. Becker, who also serves as contributing veterinarian
for Good Morning America and veterinary/pet columnist for
Knight Ridder Tribune, says that pet owners can take control
of their pet's health in two ways. First, by scheduling a
wellness exam every six months with their veterinarian. Second,
by informing their veterinarian and clinic staff about changes
taking place with their pet.
Dr. Becker offers the following tips on topics owners should
be prepared to discuss with their veterinarian about their
pet:
- Any changes in weight, diet, eating, drinking, elimination
or behavior
- Environmental exposures -- indoors and outside
- Use of any over-the-counter medications
- Health of any other household pets
- Travel plans involving your pet
- Vaccination and preventive health care plans
October is National Pet Wellness Month (NPWM) and the start
of a nationwide effort where pet owners can receive valuable
pet aging and wellness exam information, tailored specifically
to their pet, at their local veterinary clinic. Visit the
NPWM website at http://www.npwm.com.
NPWM is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) and Fort Dodge Animal Health.
About the sponsors
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest
veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 71,000
member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional
activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science
and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship
to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA website at
http://www.avma.org to learn
more about veterinary medicine, animal care and access up-to-date
information on the association's issues, policies and activities.
Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE),
is a leading manufacturer and distributor of animal health
care products for the companion animal, equine, livestock,
swine and poultry industries in North America and international
markets. As a committed partner to veterinary practitioners,
producers and pet owners worldwide, Fort Dodge is making a
difference in the future of animal health through innovative
research and product development that addresses current and
emerging animal health needs. Key products include West Nile-Innovator(TM)
and the Innovator(TM) combination vaccines, Duramune(R)Adult,
the Fel-O-Vax(R) vaccine line, CYDECTIN(R) Pour-on, the Pyramid(TM)
vaccine line, QUEST(R) Gel, and EtoGesic(R) tablets.
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