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The Medical Question
© Darlene
Arden
Your dog depends upon you for his well-being and that responsibility begins long before you bring your dog or puppy home. It begins as soon as you decide upon the breed you want because it’s up to you to do research into the various health problems that can occur in that breed. Start with the breed club and ask for any information they can supply. If you live near a major veterinary school or referral hospital, phone and ask if they can tell you what sort of health problems they’ve seen in your chosen breed, or if they’re aware of a genetic predisposition to any diseases.
Read as much as you can about these diseases and their symptoms. Be sure to ask the breeder what she or he is doing to eliminate these problems from their breeding program. Ask to see clearances for the diseases if pre-breeding screening tests are available. If you are getting a mixed breed dog, learn about the various genetic diseases in each of the breeds that can be part of the mix so you are prepared for any eventuality. Remember that mixed breed dogs can have genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, PRA, etc. if the disease is common to the breeds behind your dog. A dog will always be able to inherit whatever genetic diseases the dog’s ancestors have had. This really dispels the myth of “hybrid vigor.”
Next on the agenda is to find a veterinarian with whom you can communicate, one in whom you feel confident about entrusting your dog’s care. There are several ways in which you can begin to look for a veterinarian. The first is to ask the breeder from whom you are buying your puppy. This is especially helpful if the breeder lives near you and you may want to use the same veterinarian. This is the person who has seen your puppy since birth. You can also ask friends who have the same breed if they are satisfied with their veterinarian. Or you can ask your neighbors who have dogs. Another choice, if you’re in an area near a veterinary school or large veterinary referral hospital, is to ask who has sent in cases that were worked up well. They can’t recommend anyone but they can answer that question and that will give you a good place to start your search.
It’s best to know which veterinarian you plan to use before you bring your new companion home. Call in advance and make an appointment to meet with the veterinarian and tour the facility. When you walk through the door let your eyes, ears and nose help you learn about the facility. You will probably notice some sort of odor but it shouldn’t be overwhelming, nor should it be very noisy. It should be neat and clean. The reception staff should be friendly and efficient. You will have to pay for the veterinarian’s time, which is only fair since time spent with you is time away from patients.
Ask for a tour of the facility. It should be modern, clean, neat unless, of course, you’ve arrived during a time when they’ve been coping with an emergency.
Have a list of questions prepared for the veterinarian. One key point is to find someone with whom you can communicate. Since your dog can’t speak for himself, it’s your voice that will do the communicating. You are the one who must be able to have an open dialog with the veterinarian in order to facilitate treatment. Does the veterinarian see many dogs of your chosen breed in his or her practice? Does he or she like very large dogs or moderate his or her touch for very small dogs? If you have a dog at either end of the size spectrum, this is important. A large dog can be uncomfortable if he senses that someone is uncomfortable in his presence, dogs also know if someone doesn’t like them. and the little dog shouldn’t be handled roughly. Does he or she have night and weekend hours? How are emergencies handled? Is there someone covering or are you referred to an emergency practice? Is pet insurance accepted? What about credit cards? Is there a payment plan? What about referrals to specialists? Is the veterinarian open to discussion and will she or he explain everything fully? What you want, in a sense, is a form of partnership with the veterinarian in which you are both engaged in helping to create your dog’s well-being. Will your veterinarian work with you to create a wellness plan for your puppy or dog? Will she or he show you how to brush your dog’s teeth?
Will the veterinarian discuss anesthesia protocols with you before spay/neuter or any other procedure and explain why she or he is using a particularly protocol for your dog?
Is the veterinarian open to having you bring your new dog or puppy to the hospital for a “social” visit to meet the staff and have them give him treats that you’ve brought along to help encourage a warm and trusting relationship?
And don’t forget that you have to hold up your end of the relationship. Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions for proper medical care. If your dog is given medication and you think he looks better after only a few doses, don’t stop giving the medication without your veterinarian’s approval. Your dog must finish the course of medication just as you would for your own health.
With the right veterinarian and an enlightened owner, your dog can live a long, healthy and happy life.
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Ch. Finnesse Signet Supernatural, TP ("Zoe")
and her puppies
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