“She’s never been sick before.”
That was the caller’s response to our question, “What doctor has been caring for your pet?”
“She’s only four years old and she’s never had to go to the doctor,” he continued. “She never goes outside, so I thought she was safe. Now she has tapeworms.”
“Like little people,” Kristi explained, “kittens and puppies need to have preventive care visits to the doctor before they get sick. We can make you an appointment for Dr. Randolph to examine your kitty, get you a treatment for the tapeworms and discuss the overdue vaccinations and testing she should have. We will also tell you about where tapeworms come from and how to prevent future tapeworms.”
“Can you tell me what that will cost?”
“I sure can. Either way Dr. Randolph will perform a thorough physical examination and carefully check all of her body parts. He will give an injection to take care of the tapeworms. Either on this visit or a future visit she will need to have a blood test for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Both diseases are uniformly fatal, so if there is infection with either one or both diseases we need to know that sooner rather than later.
“Vaccinations usually start at 6 weeks of age, and there will be two sets, as the first set must be boostered not less than three weeks and not more than four weeks later. If she goes beyond four weeks without getting the boosters the immune system ‘forgets’ that she had the first set, then we have to start over.”
Kristi gave the caller the individual fees, then said, “Just as you see that the tapeworms found her without her having to go outside, other diseases and infirmities can afflict her as well. That’s why all pets need thorough and regular visits to see a veterinarian.”
“Wow,” the caller said. “I didn’t know any of that. I guess I’m in for an education.”
“And an education you’ll get when you bring your pet to us,” Kristi added. “Having everyone informed and on the same page is crucial to good pet care. We believe you need to understand what we’re doing, and why. We also believe it is our responsibility to educate you on how best to care for your pet, and why. We will provide all of that information.”
“Wow, I’m excited now. I can hardly wait for Friday to get here,” said the caller.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
