I recently read a Huff Post article entitled “The Real Reason Your Wait at the Doctor’s Office is So Long.” Veterinary Medicine and Human medicine vary in a lot of very meaningful ways, but we are also often the same. And in this we share a common weakness—we sometimes run behind schedule. In fact, I’d… Read More
Medicine
The Realities of Human Error In Veterinary Surgery
Helmut* was one of my cancer patients. He also had a painful, nonvisual eye. The eye ended up giving him more trouble than the tumor and the owner elected to have it removed. She had it removed by a board-certified ophthalmologist (not at the hospital I work at, I hasten to add). There was a… Read More
One Question Can Save A Cat’s Life
What is the single most important question to ask at every feline office appointment? I imagine that you may have several, depending on the circumstances or maybe on your experiences. But I think there is one question that needs to be asked at every non-emergency (or euthanasia) appointment. Let’s run a sad but familiar scenario…. Read More
I Missed A Tumor In My Own Veterinary Technician’s Dog
I messed up. I missed a tumor in my own veterinary technician’s dog. How did I let this happen? How did I fail Smokey and Amanda? Smokey was my inspiration for a new cancer awareness program called See Something, Do Something. I am on a mission to help us all detect tumors earlier –… Read More
Cancer: Now What?
In July of last year, a young couple brought their two Greyhounds to see me at the clinic. Joel, the 11-year old dog, had begun coughing over the last few days. (Toast, Joel’s faithful companion, came along for moral support.) The couple and I talked about how the dogs were doing, and possible causes for… Read More
Manage Veterinary Clients’ Requests for Special Treatment
Manage Veterinary Clients’ Requests for Special Treatment Originally Published: DVM NewsMagazine, November 1, 2011 I drop into my office chair, flip open the puppy’s chart and start frantically writing. I’m 15 minutes late for my next appointment and clenching my teeth. Even my eyelids are tensing with stress. When did I start carrying… Read More