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While there are times that we don't fully understand why our vet does things in a certain way, we should always feel comfortable that he/she is looking out for our cats’ best interests. If you are in doubt of this commitment to your cat’s health, there are warning signs that should prompt you to think about working with a different vet. Of course your vet may be a great general practice vet and just not have a great deal of experience with sugarcats. If your vet is willing to partner and learn with you about this disease, it is probably well worth the education commitment to maintain that relationship. It’s someone you and kitty know and are comfortable with already and that’s a great foundation to build on.
If your vet is unwilling to learn with you, or discourages you from learning more and being a proactive caregiver, it may be time to locate a new vet. Of course some folks just don’t have a regular vet because their cat is never sick (well until the FD diagnosis of course!) so these questions can help when interviewing prospective vets.
Most
vets won't show all of the signs listed below, good or bad.
If you feel that you can work with your vet then do so, what you and your
vet learn together will help your sugarcat and future sugarcats treated at that
practice! If your vet shows several
of the warning signs listed below, it may be time to start interviewing other
vets. Of course, do not cease
relations with one vet until you’ve found another you’re comfortable with.
Burning bridges doesn’t help your cat when an emergency arises.
Signs
that you may need to locate a new vet
You've
expressed a desire to learn how to hometest and your vet discourages you.
You
ask “why this particular insulin” and the vet responds with its “the
only one” he/she uses.
The
vet wants to make increases of insulin/oral medications dose based on single
blood glucose readings and doesn’t allow a proper settling period.
The
vet wants to start insulin/oral medicine treatment at too high a starting
dose. (For insulin, anything above 1 unit is considered to be too high a
starting dose by most caregivers and conservative vets.)
The
vet, or staff, insists that they do blood glucose curves on Kitty although
you want to do them at home.
The
vet, or staff, doesn't seem concerned with your questions and concerns about
Kitty's health and treatment.
The
vet doesn't check for ketones when Kitty is sick or educate you on doing
this.
The
vet tells you to continue increasing insulin/oral medications until the pee
stick stays normal/negative colored.
The
vet or staff is not willing to “make time” to see you when you've got an
emergency going on with Kitty (during normal office hours) or refer you to
another facility.
The
vet or staff tells you that you must feed brand “A” or Kitty will suffer
the consequences.
The
vet doesn’t advise you of the complications of your treatment (like
hypoglycemia) or tell you what to do in such instances.
You
see any abuse, mistreatment, or neglect of an animal (or owner) while there,
by a staff member or vet.
The
vet is unwilling to tailor Kitty's treatment to Kitty's needs and is very
“cookie cutter” in approach.
The
vet or staff acts hostile or defensive if you ask questions about Kitty's
treatment.
The
vet or staff doesn't return phone calls in a timely manner (bearing in mind
we all have jobs and busy days and things get lost sometimes, but if it’s
a continual pattern it’s a problem).
The
vet or staff refuses to make copies of Kitty's bloodwork/medical history for
you when you request.
Signs
that you are working with a good vet
The
vet and staff encourage hometesting and will teach you how to hometest
Kitty, if you wish to learn.
The
vet is willing to change insulin types, as needed by each individual cat.
The
vet will only make an increase in Kitty's dose after several blood glucose
measurements and after a proper settling period.
The
vet starts Kitty out on a low dose of insulin/oral meds.
The
vet asks you to do curves at home and fax, email, or phone in the results to
them for advice.
The
vet is willing to listen to your concerns about Kitty's health and
treatment.
The
vet checks for ketones whenever Kitty is presented as being sick and
encourages you to do so at home.
The
vet has told you about the complications of your treatment and provided you
with information on signs to look for and how to treat.
The
vet, or staff, is willing to work Kitty in if Kitty needs to see the vet
NOW.
The
vet, or staff, offer a variety of foods or can tell you of several brands
you can try for feeding Kitty.
The
vet and staff treat each animal and owner with kindness and respect.
The
vet and staff are willing to suggest ways to help tailor Kitty's treatment
to Kitty's specific needs.
The
vet and staff encourage you to ask questions concerning Kitty's treatment.
The
vet or staff returns phone calls in a timely manner.
The
vet and staff is available to make copies of Kitty's bloodwork/medical
history for you at your request.
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