When to Call the Vet

Published in the Home News Tribune 7/28/03
STAFF REPORT

Pet owners are often confused as to what warrants a call to the
veterinarian. Below is a list of symptoms from The New Jersey
Veterinary Medical Association of what needs a trip to the doctor:

If your dog or cat is not responsive to calls for play or favorite
treats and seems weak or unable to stand, you should not delay.

Animals show pain by screaming, panting and restless pacing.
Paralysis, usually indicated by your pet unable to stand and dragging
the hind legs with or without pain, needs emergency care. Call the
veterinarian is if your pet is suddenly extremely lethargic.

Bleeding from the mouth, nose or rectum demands immediate attention,
as does a painful eye held closed.

Male cats seen straining in the litter box may have a dangerous
urinary tract blockage. Steady labored breathing, seizures, hourly
vomiting or diarrhea and unconsciousness are also urgent problems.

If problems persist for more than a day or two, although your pet
does not act sick, call the vet.

Coughing frequently, vomiting or diarrhea more than twice or limping and walking gingerly all merit a call to the family pet doctor.

Straining or having urinary or bowel movement frequency more often than usual should be reported. If the food is vomited for more than a day or the normal appetite does not return in two to three days, a vet visit is needed. Also contact them if your pet acts well but refuses to eat for more than 24 hours. Your pet should not go more than a day without drinking.

Persistent itching or scratching or foul body odors should also be
examined.

Like people doctors, veterinarians have multiple partner practices, so
emergencies and vacations are not an issue; there is always a doctor
on call.

The Banfield Animal Hospital in Woodbridge has four other locations
in the state, so patients can be seen at any location in an emergency. A recording at the Amboy Avenue Veterinary Hospital in Metuchen gives the names of two alternate practices in the area when no one is at the office.

The NJVMA represents the state's 1,400 licensed veterinarians. If you
need a vet, call the NJVMA at (973) 379-1100 for a referral or visit
their Web site at www.njvma.org.

Choosing a Vet:

Ask for a recommendation from a friend or relative.

Breed clubs are a good source for breed specific information.

Does the doctor have any specialties?
When you find a doctor visit his office. Is it clean, odor free and
organized?

Consider the doctor's office hours.

What is the range of services?

How are emergencies handled? Most practices have more than one vet, so
someone is always on call. If it is a single vet practice, and the
doctor is unavailable, he will have another local vet covering for
him.

Ask about his staff. Can appointments be scheduled with specific
doctors?

How are routine calls handled?

Can you talk to the doctor?

Payment. Does the doctor expect payment at time of services rendered?
Does he take charge cards?

http://www.thnt.com/thnt/story/0,21282,776054,00.html

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Aug 3, 2003