Second Opinions are not just for people

In the last few weeks I have seen quite a few second opinion appointments, and met some very
devoted cat owners.

One gal has a handsome 5 year old cat who was diagnosed with sudden onset of  renal failure and given a very poor prognosis.   She was not prepared to give up, and was searching for more options.

One couple have a very sweet middle aged cat that was having a hard time jumping up and had a weak back end, and was told she was arthritic, but they were not comfortable with this diagnosis, and wanted further testing.

And I met a very concerned couple with quite a sick cat. She was not getting better after several weeks of medical care, and they wanted to pursue other treatment options.

 This got me to thinking about when and why people reach out for a second opinion.   Where do you turn?   Who can you trust?    When do you get a second opinion?

 Please remember:

Feel comfortable about getting a second opinion!  You will not be hurting anyone's feelings or ego by doing this. Second opinions are well accepted in this time of  progressive veterinary medicine.   Remember, getting your pet better should be  EVERYONE'S goal.

Research your options.  Many clinics may refer you to a local 24 hour emergency facility only.  But that does not mean you can't explore other options.  Many private clinics "specialize" in certain types of medicine or certain species or alternative therapies.

Consider alternative treatments for common problems, if you are uncomfortable with the options you are currently being offered.  If surgery is the only option you are being give, perhaps there are non-surgical options available at another clinic. Make some phone calls.  Clinics are happy to discuss their services by phone.

Ask questions.  You can never ask too many questions!  

Your pet's radiographs, lab results and ultrasounds  may be  digital, and easy to send by email or on a CD disk.  Be sure you transfer this information along with a copy of your pets medical record.

Expect a second opinion appointment to take 45 minutes or longer, especially in a complex case.
 

And Don't:

Don't feel you are locked in to this second opinion.  You are just researching your options.  The final treatment decision is yours alone.

Don't scrimp on testing.  Second opinions should ALWAYS include a thorough physical examination, and probably repeat testing as well.  Things change over time, and trends in lab work or radiographs are often very important information.

Be careful of the internet.  "Dr. Google"  is not a legitimate second opinion!

And if you want an update of my 3 patients... 
 My renal failure case is eating well, gaining weight, taking his medication well,  finished with his acupuncture treatments and is back to  playing with his housemate buddy!
My arthritic case ended up having an enlarged spleen, is under medical treatment (both western and Chinese herbal medication) , and feeling good again, jumping and running and acting her playful self
My sick patient has finished her medication, her fever is gone, and her appetite is finally back to normal.  

Please share this is you know someone that is considering a second opinion.

Dr. Maureen Flatley
Fox Valley Cat Clinic

I have a new tool in my toolbox! Acupuncture

I now have a tool in my veterinary toolbox to treat pain, and inflammation.  I am thrilled to report
that last Sunday, at Colorado State University,  I received my Certification in Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians!  It has been a four month intensive course that has challenged me in many ways, and taught me many new things.  

I have been searching  for a better  way to treat my chronic pain patients, and acupuncture will now allow me to achieve this.  You see,  cats do not respond well to Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS).  Many of the commonly used drugs like Advil and Tylenol are quite toxic to cats.  Many of the NSAIDS commonly used in dogs CAN NOT be used safely in cats.   And most medications for arthritis or pain have many unsafe long term side effects.   

And although cats are masters at hiding the pain of arthritis, research shows that ALL cats over 10 years of age are affected by some degree of arthritis.  Signs that you may notice at home are rabbit hopping up or down stairs, taking stairs one at a time, hesitating before jumping up or down -just to name a few.   But honestly, most people do not recognize ANY signs of pain in their geriatric kitties.   But the arthritis is still there.

Cats suffer from other types of pain as well -just like you and I.  A common condition is dental pain.  You know what I am talking about!    Dental pain HURTS!  Cats with dental pain eat more slowly, but they still eat!  Cats with dental pain sometimes have very tender painful necks, as their spinal nerves in this area are hyperactive.  Again, many of these painful cats show NO signs at all, so you really have watch closely to detect these subtle changes.

I have clients that ask if cats FEEL pain like we do.  The answer is a definite YES.  Cats have the same intricate nervous system as  humans.   But cats do not SHOW SIGNS of pain like we do.  In the animal world, it is a sign of weakness to show pain, and a weak animal is at a great disadvantage.   Look closely when your cat moves, sits, jumps and see if you can notice the subtle signs of pain.

So lets talk acupuncture.  Many cats actually relax and purr during their treatment.  Some cats will kneed or fall asleep with their needles in place .  I treated Peabody with some relaxation points, and he immediately started to drool (his sign of relaxation) and purr.  I plan on posting videos of a few of my treatments, so watch for these coming soon.  I am also testing a  therapeutic laser that can be used for NEEDLE-LESS acupuncture, for my patients that are needle-shy.  More on this later.

 So if I talk TOO much over the next few months about how excited I am to introduce these new modalities  into my practice, please forgive me for my enthusiasm.  On the other hand, if you WANT to talk acupuncture,  it is currently my new favorite subject. :)

Dr. Maureen Flatley
Fox Valley Cat Clinic