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Sunday, September 22, 2019

Primary veterinarians


We are joining the Cat on my Head Sunday Selfies today and Jabberwoky Glitter is our model. 

Who do you see when your pet needs vaccinations? What about in an emergency? Would it be the same veterinarian for both situations?

Jabberwoky Glitter won't look at the camera!
Do you have a primary veterinarian? Having a primary veterinarian is important not only in emergencies but also during routine visits. Even if you only go once a year, your primary veterinarian knows your pet and has a record of him. If you don’t see a veterinarian regularly, how would they notice if something has changed?

My veterinarian takes photographs of anything abnormal or just a little different so that we can compare it on our next visit. That applies to little things like a discoloration or a wound, not just alarming things like lumps and bumps. Your primary veterinarian keeps up on the latest in veterinary medicine and can inform you if anything applies to your pet’s situation.
B.W. Huckleberry wanted in on this too

If you don’t see a veterinarian regularly what do you do when an issue arises? Do you head for whatever clinic is closest, or do you begrudgingly drag your pet to a specialty or emergency referral clinic? Neither of these options gives you personalized service because they don’t know you or your pet. At a new clinic they will immediately ask for your pet’s vaccination records. If the vaccinations are not up-to-date they may decide to give them or wait until the issue is alleviated first.

Not all communities have referral clinics and/or emergency facilities for pets so your primary veterinarian is your only choice in emergencies. But if you had a choice who would you choose? If the emergency is after regular hours will they agree to come in for someone they don’t know – you?

No, the time to pick a veterinarian is before your pet has an emergent condition. Pick one, scope out the clinic/hospital and determine if they can meet your needs for your pet. Next week I’ll write about how to find a veterinarian.

16 comments:

  1. That is a very nice selfie! We do all see our Cat Only Vet on a regular basis and we do have very qualified specialty Vets on speed dial.

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    1. Thanks for visiting! I'm so glad you are prepared.

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  2. Awww, Glitter is just wanting to show of that lovely profile. Huckleberry has an interested lookon his face, I wonder if that was because you guys were talking about the vet? MOl
    Have a lovely, and hopefully, vet free week.
    Purrs
    ERin

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    1. No, Huckleberry was wondering where his food was. Thanks from Glitter

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  3. Thanks for visiting my blog, on our blogoversary!
    We are kind of between vets right now, but your point about the vet knowing my cats is valid. I need to make an appointment for Angel, who turned 15 recently, and I've been dithering about going back to our previous vet, or finding an all-cat vet. Time to make my decision, yes?

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    1. Yes, it is time. At 15 she needs a geriatric panel done to make sure she isn't in the beginnings of kidney disease. Better to catch that early. Thanks for stopping by and congratulations again.

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  4. We haz a few different vets we go to depending on the kitty... But some of us would rather they came to see us instead! Those vet offices can be too scary. Do come by and see our two guest kitties spending some time with us til they go to Cattails in Manhattan Kansas to finds their forever homes.

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    1. Wow that must be confusing. I agree, it would be nice to find that they perfect veterinarian was mobile. My cats get awfully nervous too.

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  5. Having a regular vet is very important. And knowing where the closest emergency vet is important too.

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  6. Very important info for all pet owners! Mudpie has a primary vet and we have a wonderful new ER facility nearby too.

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  7. I wish we had a primary vet. Our surgery seems to have a different vet each time and if sull of dogs. I may need to move, I know ho important a primary vet is.

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    1. I'm so sorry you don't get to choose your own veterinarian. That must be difficult. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  8. this was a great and informative post! We are BIG believers in "wellness visits"...both Cody (our cat) and Dakota (our dog) are now Seniors, Cody goes at least twice a year for his senior exam. He is getting his rabies vaccine around October 7th. I like that your Vet takes photos to compare for the next visit, never heard of that before but I think it is a great idea!

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    1. Yes, you're doing the right thing for them. Thanks for visiting.

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