Pet owners are often overwhelmed with the amount of information they are given when discussing their animal’s health care. In order to make the best possible decision, it is important to talk with the veterinarian about both the physical condition of the animal and the financial limitations of the owner.
Getting Information about Pet Health Care Options
Owners should be aware that veterinarians are required to provide clients with all possible diagnostic and treatment options for optimum pet medical care. Once the information is available, the owner needs to ensure that the veterinarian understands their priorities for their pet. For some, it will be do everything possible no matter the cost. For others, quality of life will be the key concern. For many, financial constraints will affect their pet care decisions.
The owner’s ability to cope with a pet’s illness or injury must also be taken into account. Some people are comfortable providing intensive nursing care while others are unable to deal with medical problems. The veterinarian and the clinic’s veterinary technicians can help a pet owner make decisions based on their individual situation, offering options and explaining what will be involved in caring for the sick pet.
Discussing Medical Diagnosis Options With a Veterinarian
Before decisions can be made about care, it is important to have at least a tentative medical diagnosis. With options such as ultrasound, MRIs and CAT scans now available, the costs of diagnosing health problems can quickly add up. If the owner has pet health insurance, it is important to know what diagnostic tests will be covered and what won’t.
Often diagnostic tests can be prioritized, starting with simple tests which may rule out some health problems. If the pet owner is unclear on what tests are necessary and what information each diagnostic procedure will provide, they should question the veterinarian before agreeing to an extensive medical workup. Some questions to ask might include:
- What will this test indicate about my pet’s prognosis?
- How will this test change or improve my pet’s treatment?
- What are the possible negative implications if this test is not performed?
- How painful or stressful will the testing be to my pet?
In some cases the actual diagnosis will not affect the health care plan. But it is important that the owner understands and accepts that they may not get a definitive diagnosis without extensive testing and possibly even a referral to a specialist such as a veterinary neurologist.
Discussing the Individual Pet’s Health and Long Term Prognosis
Once the diagnostic testing is complete the veterinarian will provide the owner with medical care options. At this point the age and overall health of the individual pet must be taken into consideration. Treatments which require extended stays at a veterinary hospital may be hard on an older animal. These concerns must be balanced against the gains made from treatment. Some possible questions to ask:
- How stressful or painful are the treatments?
- How will the treatments improve my pet’s health?
- Are there other ways to make my pet more comfortable?
Discussing Financial Impacts of Pet Care with a Veterinarian
Finally, once all the options are on the table, the owner should be frank about any financial constraints they may face when making pet health care decisions. This honesty will help the veterinarian guide them in the often difficult and emotional decision-making process. If an owner feels they are not getting the information and advice they need, a second opinion should be sought before making a decision on their pet’s health care.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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