Communicating and Vet. Profess. Support services

George is a long-term client who presents with a deceased Golden R for a private cremation. The dog belonged to George’s mother, who recently suffered a stroke. George’s mother lived several states away at the time of the stroke, but she was moved into an assisted living facility near George’s home this week. George had been caring for the dog for the past two days until a more permanent placement could be made. However, the dog bolted out through the front door this am and was hit by a car. George is visibly upset and repeatedly says he’s not sure what he’s going to do. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

Recognize that the client is experiencing a symbolic loss and provide contact for a therapist experienced in pet bereavement counseling

A new client has presented a 16 week old GSD puppy for evaluation. The puppy has been vomiting and having diarrhea for 3 days. The client has had the puppy for 3 weeks. The puppy is unwilling to eat or drink. The client has been using a syringe to give the puppy water and food, but the puppy vomits afterward. The owner also administered and unknown type and amount of “worm medicine” from the local feed store, but the puppy vomited after administration. Which of the following questions is the most appropriate for obtaining additional medical history for the patient? 

When and Where was the puppy vaccinated?

A new client has presented a 10yo FS DSH for eval. The client reports that the P has been losing weight and Urinating O/S her LB for the past 6mo. The P had been eating well until 3 days ago, when she stopped eating and began vomiting. Physical exam reveals the P is emaciated and severely dehydrated. A glucometer reading shows that the blood glucose is too high to register. The client reports that they do not have the financial resources for further testing or treatment of major illness and they wish to proceed with humane euth. What is the most appropriate next step?

Confirm client ownership of the patient prior to humane euthanasia

The next appt. is a complicated medical case. The pet owner has booked the appointment to get a second opinion regarding chronic vomiting and weight loos in her 10yo FS DLH cat. The P has been under Tx at another clinic for 1 year, and the P’s clinical signs are still not well-controlled. While taking the medical Hx, which of the following is the most appropriate option for interacting with the owner?

Face the client and keep arms uncrossed while taking the history

Dr. Blackman is running late for an appt. with Snickers and her owner Janice. Abt and hr ago, another P was presented for Emergency Evaluation after being hit by a car. That P required immediate stabilization and significant monitoring. Janice has been waiting for Dr. Blackman for about 30 mins and has complained to the reception staff several times. What is the most effective way to dissipate Janice’s anger about the wait?

I apologize for your wait. Dr. Blackman is delayed by an emergency with another patient

You are collecting a medical Hx on a new P today. The P is Stevie, a 1 yo male Intact mixed breed dog who was recently adopted from the local animal shelter. The state requires that all pets be spayed or neutered within two weeks of adoption, and the new owner has brought the pet in today for the pre-surgical exam. The O asks, “Will stevie be spayed or neutered?" what does that involve” Which of the following is the most appropriate way to answer the client’s question?

Explain that Stevie will be neutered, which means that the testicles will be removed

Annabelle is a 12 yo Lab Retriever with progressive hindlimb pain and weakness. The per is unable to stand without assistance and walks with a stiff gait when assisted to a standing position. The owner does not wish to pursue additional testing or treatment. Today a euth. appt. was scheduled by the owner. However, upon arrival the owner expresses doubt about whether euth is the right thing to do. Which is the best most appropriate response to the owner’s concerns?

Assure the O that feeling doubt regarding a euth decision is normal and encourage the client to complete a QOL score for the patient