As everyone knows (since that’s all I was able to think/write about for three days), Tiki was ill this weekend and early this week. We still don’t know exactly what caused her very high fever but it is now gone thanks to IVs and antibiotics (whew!)
On Sunday when I took her to the vet’s office, I did something I’ve never done on previous vet visits: I typed up a complete list of her symptoms and behavior and gave it to our vet. I always get nervous when I take the dogs and cats to the vet’s office and, all too often, I leave wishing I’d mentioned something.
This time, however, I had everything I wanted to communicate to our vet printed out and ready to hand her. Since this was Sunday, I was seeing a vet I hadn’t seen previously. I think providing her a list not only helped her to pinpoint Tiki’s symptoms but it also showed her that, if Tiki was able to get off her IV and come home with a catheter in her arm (which she was) that we’d be closely monitoring her condition.
Here’s the list I provided our vet this weekend as an example of how you can better communicate your dog’s symptoms to your veterinarian.
Friday: First sign of illness. Refused breakfast and most of dinner.
Saturday: ate breakfast and dinner but otherwise not herself
Symptoms:
- lethargy
- droopy tail
- nose seems hot
- some drooling on Saturday
- possible bite (or lipoma?) on upper right chest
- some panting, fast breathing
- nose is dripping this morning
No signs of:
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- any wound or visible bite
How do you best communicate your dog’s symptoms to your veterinarian?
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