The Vet Practice

If there's one thing that peeves us - it's when a client walks into our clinic with a DIY diagnosis courtesy of the net and refuses to acknowledge that - it could well ................. be something else.

It's never a great start to a good conversation!

Does this mean we've got a thing against internet research?

No - on the contrary - we like the idea of our clients taking a proactive role in their pet's health.

Apart from this  - we also use the net to find extra information we can't find in the textbooks or to stay updated with new developments in our profession. And if we're faced with a baffling case, it's not unusual for us to look for further information online either.

But we'd never do that at the expense of a thorough physical examination of the patient, running some tests and ruling out a host of other potential conditions - first.

So naturally when a client waves a stack of printouts under our nose, points to the brightly highlighted symptoms and says " it's all here...... this is what my dog's got" and refuses our opinions - we get a little touchy!

Especially - when we all know that not everything you read in cyberspace is true or real for that matter.

And that symptoms can be shared by a number of different conditions.

Sorry, but we can't just accept the verdict of an online article without applying the due dilligence that's required of us as vets. Naturally we're happy to accept your input too but you need to understand there's a specific process we need to follow in order to fulfil our professional obligations.

So - is there a better approach?

Yes.

Bring your ideas - and your research along - and let's discuss all the possibilities. Even if you are right, wouldn't you feel better if we arrived at that same place by applying all the right principles along the way?

And if you're wrong - wouldn't you feel better knowing your pet has been treated correctly for the correct condition?

What do you think?