For me, medicine has always had a deeply spiritual component. I often say little prayers for my patients and their owners, and it is for this reason that I started to think about what I would pray for if I were a mere pet owner, and not a veterinarian asking for medical miracles. Here’s what… Read More
Life With Clients
Is It Your Vet’s Job to Keep the Cost of Care Down?
“Veterinarians are in it for the money. If it was just about caring for pets, they wouldn’t charge so much.” This is one of the most common misperceptions I’ve heard from pet owners. And let me tell you, it hurts. Personally, I’m not in this career for the cash. Like most of my colleagues, I… Read More
Should Vets and Clients Be Facebook Friends?
It just happened again. The little head-shaped silhouette in the top left corner of my Facebook page lit up, and a wonderful pet owner I recently helped reached out to be my online friend. I have seen Mrs. Morgan a half dozen times in the last six months, and she is delightful. She has two English… Read More
Are Annual Exams Really Necessary?
Last year, in a much-discussed New York Times article titled “Let’s (Not) Get Physicals,” a physician reporter named Elisabeth Rosenthal argued that annual physical examinations for human patients are pointless. She cited a Canadian government task force recommendation to abandon annual physical examinations because they are “nonspecific,” “inefficient” and “potentially harmful” (in that they may lead… Read More
My Veterinary Pact With You
Successful relationships are based on clear expectations and commitments. For example, when I go to my favorite restaurant, I know I can expect their usual level of great service and delicious food. And the owners can expect that I’ll pay my tab, behave nicely and respect the “No shirt, no shoes, no service” sign. I… Read More
Veterinarian Confession: “I Don’t Brush My Dog’s Teeth”
Mrs. Griffith sighed as she gently separated her youngest daughter and oldest Labrador Retriever. She stepped between them and over a discarded pacifier to look me directly in the eye. “Really?” she asked. “Do you brush your dog’s teeth every day?” It was a moment of truth. She didn’t ask me what I recommend. She asked… Read More