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Meow: How to find a veterinarian
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 1 comment Often, in a feline practice, we are asked to recommend a veterinarian for the treatment of a client's non-feline pet; perhaps a dog, bird or horse.

Choosing a veterinarian should be more than just looking in the phonebook and picking the one with the largest, most colorful, eye-catching advertisement.

It is important to be able to make a decision based on knowing what types of veterinarians there are to choose from, what type of veterinary practice is convenient for the client and what kind of veterinary care the pet needs.

No matter what type of veterinarian is chosen, all who practice in California in private practice have gone through the same process, whether educated in California or another state.

To become a veterinarian in the United States requires a person who has determination. To apply to a school of veterinary medicine, undergraduate courses in math and science must first be completed. This can take from two to four years, and many applicants complete a bachelor's degree.

The Graduate Record Examination must also be taken before being considered for acceptance. Competition for admittance is highly competitive, and many would-be veterinarians give up and go on to other things.

After four years in a school of veterinary medicine, the student earns a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Upon earning a D.V.M. degree, the doctor must pass the National Board Examination to be eligible to take the California Veterinary Medical Examination, which is one of the toughest in the country.

To continue to hold a license to practice in California, the state requires over 30 hours of continuing education every two years. New research and new discoveries in medicine are constantly occurring, and the veterinarian is continuously reading professional journals, textbooks and attending seminars and conferences.

Beyond the training the all veterinarians undergo, some choose to focus on a particular discipline or species. A board-certified specialist has completed additional education, many years practicing in the area of interest, has passed another examination in that area and published in peer-reviewed professional journals. Many choose not to go through the expensive and time-consuming requirements necessary to be a specialist.

Veterinarians are schooled to treat all types of animals. However, some choose to practice on only one type. They are called "species specific" veterinarians. A person who practices only on cats or horses or cattle may not be board certified, but has spend many years concentrating on one kind of animal. They have furnished their clinic with equipment, medications and staff for only one species.

A feline practice, for example, is staffed with folks who are skilled at handling cats. The veterinarian has focused on continuing education in the feline medicine and surgery area.

Other veterinarians enjoy treating many types of animals. Sometimes they are referred to as general practitioners. Their staff and facility can serve a variety of companion animals, including cats, dogs and horses.

Now to choose a veterinarian, decide if the pet requires a specialist, species specific or general practitioner. If the household owns the typical cat and dog, they may choose a veterinarian who treats both for the sake of convenience. If the client only owns one kind of animal, a species specific veterinarian may be the better choice.

As in human medicine, if the pet has a problem that a "regular vet" cannot treat, many times a referral to a specialist is necessary.

This does not mean that the referring veterinarian is incompetent. It means that the illness requires special instrumentation, procedures, technical skills or expertise. When a veterinarian recommends a specialist be consulted it is because the health of the pet is uppermost in his or her mind.

After the type of veterinarian is decided upon, make an appointment for a wellness exam. During the exam, evaluate the friendliness of the receptionist, the efficiency of the technicians and the bedside manner of the veterinarian.

What is the response to questions? How is the pet handled? Is the facility tidy and clean? Is the exam room comfortable? Are the hours convenient? Is there a drop-off service? Does the veterinarian do house calls if needed?

After the appointment, call the practice back and ask a few questions. If the receptionist cannot answer, does someone call back? Most practitioners reserve a specific time during the day to return calls. This assures an uninterrupted time to talk to the client. It also make it possible for the doctor to do surgery, treat patients and see scheduled appointments in a timely fashion.

Finally, is there a feeling of trust and confidence? The client and the pet must be comfortable with the staff and the veterinarian.

Choosing the right veterinary practice is important. The right choice will result in a lifelong relationship with people who have dedicated their lives to the health and well being of animals. At the end of a pet's life, it is a comfort to know the people chosen have not only been highly skilled, professional and compassionate, but have become trusted friends.

Author's Note: Sometimes in my practice clients tell me things they have read or heard somewhere. Some are true, others are just plain hogwash. I hope through this column I can help to clear up the untrue things and perhaps share via my education, experiences and though processes the real truth about animals and their care.

I confess to having particular philosophies at times, but will try to keep my personal agenda from clouding the real facts.

"Just the facts, ma'am," as Joe Friday would say.

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Comment From: dougkess

We feel privileged and honored to have you contribute. Thanks for not only taking care of our cats (Simon & Precious) but for generously donating your time to author a column so valuable to many Southwest residents. Doug & Laurie Kessler