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When to Call the Vet

 

Dear Dr. Mulder: I had the need to call my vet on an emergency basis on a Saturday night last week. As a loving dog owner, as well as trying to manage the family budget, I am confused as to when is the best time to call the vet when my dog is sick. Do dogs and cats have "off days" or "the 24hour flu"? My dog was sneezing badly but I thought it would go away but it didn't so I ended up with an after hours call. What should I do?

 

This question is a very good one. I'm sure many people struggle with that very decision. Before coming to this practice, I worked in three veterinary emergency hospitals both in Canada and in the U.K. and many times the distressed owners had called their own vet earlier in the day and had booked an appointment for the next day but eventually the problem worsened to the point of an emergency visit. My conclusion is that if you notice that your pet is ill, call us right away.

 

In nature, both cats and dogs live in a "dog eat dog" "cat scratch cat" world. To show weakness or pain means you either become somebody's lunch or you loose your territorial rights. I have seen brave dogs walk run and jump with arthritis so bad that they must be feeling intense pain but if you judge by their outward appearance, you would never tell. I am sure that there are minor illnesses that pets can get but you probably don't even notice the difference. If it is bad enough for you to see, many times it requires medical treatment.

 

Also what to you may be a seemingly innocent problem, like excessive grooming of a cat's "privates" or frequent trips to the litter box, may to me as a veterinarian indicate a potential for urinary tract infection or blockage which can be a life threatening emergency.

 

Just because you call doesn't mean you are committing the family budget. We have on staff Registered Veterinary Technicians who are well trained in triage -- that is, how to assess emergencies and other illnesses. They can assist you in your decision to come in for a veterinary exam or to wait and see. All of our staff are your allies in keeping your pet healthy. Remember though, early detection of problems usually means less damage to correct and therefore less cost in the long run not to mention the better health outcomes.

 




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