Do you have a good
relationship with your vet? Do you trust them to take good care of your furry
family member? Too many times I’ve heard from people ready to give up because
their vet has prematurely given up on their pet. One person told me that their vet
felt just because her kitty was elderly and had IBD, she should be put to
sleep. Without trying any treatments or proper diagnostics, this vet felt the
cat should be euthanized. Luckily the parent didn’t listen and the kitty is now
getting the proper treatment for her condition. But this didn’t stop her in the meantime from
thinking that it may be the end!
Another person I know
lost her kitty because the vet out and out refused to try a different
medication with her and there were no other vets around for over 100 miles. The
medication is used frequently for cats with IBD and could have potentially
saved her life. Maybe not, but it’s always worth trying if there's still a possible chance of recovery. He wouldn’t even consider it and there was no good explanation
given as to why. This poor woman eventually lost her best friend. There are more stories
like these unfortunately. But thankfully there are plenty of stories of good
and even great vets as well.
I know many people with vets that truly care about them and their pets. Some have more experience
with IBD and certain medications than others. But here’s the kicker; the ones
who don’t…are willing to learn! They take their oaths as healers seriously and
put aside any egos to actually listen to the pet parents and possibly even try
new things. If you have a vet like this, you’ve won half the IBD battle. You
need a vet that will be on the same side of the battle-lines with you and your
sick little baby and do what it takes…together.
If you are unhappy with
your current vet or you need to find another one for whatever reason, here are
some things to look for:
Find a vet that has
experience with IBD (or any other disease that may apply) and is willing to
learn more about it. They can always do consultations with other vets and/or hospitals and consult with you in the process. They can
also take a look at my website and view the case studies to see what’s working
and what isn’t for different kitties. http://www.ibdkitties.net/LivingwithIBD.html.
Make sure your vet
listens to your concerns about medication side effects, long term dosing and
different medication options. Arm yourself with knowledge so you know what
questions to ask.
Keep a diary for
yourself and your vet so they know exactly what’s happening with your pet and
what they’re looking for. Mention any vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, blood in
stools, inappetance and so on. It’s much easier to remember everything that’s
happening and give the vet what they need to make a diagnosis.
Make sure your vet has
flexible hours and can squeeze you and your pet in if you feel something is not
right. You know your pet better than anyone. If you feel something is very off
or they’re sick, don’t wait to call for an appointment. Otherwise you may end
up taking your kitty to the emergency.
Ask your vet’s office
for a copy of your pet’s records or at the very least, an itemized receipt.
This way you know exactly what they gave your pet, how much, what tests were
done, etc. If you do have to take kitty to the ER for something like an adverse
drug reaction, you’ll know exactly what was given to them.
Just as in your own
medical care or that of your human child, be involved and ask questions. It’s
you’re right as a pet parent. Any good vet won’t have a problem with that as
long as you aren’t bombarding and overwhelming them.
