How To Get a Veterinary Second Opinion for Your Cat
There are a number of reasons why you may want a second opinion on your cat.Most vets will support your choice to seek more info and choose the best care for your pet.You can get the best care for your cat if you carefully choose to seek a second opinion and seek the care of a specialist.
Step 1: Pick out your reasons.
Before you speak to your current vet, think about your reasons for seeking a second opinion.Think about what you would like the outcome to be.What is the reason for the second opinion?Are you disagreeing with a specific diagnosis?Do you think the treatment plan is working?Are you going to see a specialist?Be prepared to have an honest discussion with your vet.Your vet may be able to fix things, depending on what they are.
Step 2: Don't be complicated.
If you want to maintain your relationship with your current vet, the best course of action is to be direct.Make a list of why you want a second opinion.Call and talk to your doctor.You may have to leave a message for your vet to call you back.A good vet will support you.I am calling because I'm afraid Eddie's treatment plan isn't working.I was considering asking for another opinion.I'm afraid I won't be able to pay for the treatments you have suggested.If I can find it, I might need to seek less expensive care.Eddie isn't getting better.I think it's time to consult a specialist.
Step 3: Your vet will be in the loop.
It is possible to keep a relationship with your current vet if you keep them informed.Contact your new vet if you notice any changes to your pet's health or treatment plan.In order to discuss all of your options, you may want to schedule a follow-up with your current vet.
Step 4: All the necessary records should be brought.
If you are going to see a vet that is not your regular doctor, you will need to provide some medical and shot records.You can give the new vet the contact information for your other doctor if you make the appointment far in advance.You will need to show that your animals shots are current.The results of your pet's tests will be helpful to your new vet.
Step 5: Prepare to answer some questions.
When you go in for the appointment with your new vet, you will need to provide some information about your cat.Explain your cat's age and medical history.What are your cat's symptoms?These symptoms began.The first vet provided a diagnosis.When and what treatments have been rendered.What are the medications your cat is taking?There are any health problems your cat has been diagnosed with.
Step 6: Ensure you have the ability to pay.
Ask about the cost before agreeing to any treatment plan.Specialized care can be quite expensive.50% of the anticipated cost of treatment is required by many animals clinics.Before you agree to anything, make sure you can afford treatment.
Step 7: There is a difference between a second opinion and a referral.
"Second opinion" means you are seeking the advice of an equally qualified general practitioner.Referred means you are seeking the advice of a specialist.If you don't trust the treatment plan of your current vet, you may choose to see another general doctor.Most of the time, you will be able to get more insight into your cat's health problems if you seek the help of a specialist.
Step 8: Ask for someone to refer you.
Don't be afraid to speak to your vet about this.Ask for a referral if you want to seek the advice of a specialist.It may be your vet's idea for you to seek the care of a specialist.The vet wants the best for your cat.There are different types of veterinary specialists.
Step 9: You can find a specialist yourself.
If your current vet isn't able to give you a referral, you can turn to friends and family, search the internet, and make phone calls in order to find a specialist.If you need a specialist, ask your cat-owning friends and family if they can recommend one.There is an internet search for feline-based veterinary specialists.Call each one to explain your situation once you locate some potential veterinarians.Make an appointment with the doctor who seems best able to accommodate your needs.A practice that is listed as "secondary referrals only" means that they only accept patients referred by other vets and do not take appointments from the public.
Step 10: A poor outcome.
There are many reasons to seek a second opinion.There are a lot of reasons to dispute or question a poor outcome.It's always a good idea to speak to another vet if you get bad news about the health of your cat.It's a good idea to get a second opinion before making a decision.
Step 11: Ask complicated or expensive care.
It can be helpful to speak to another professional if the treatment plan proposed by the vet seems too complicated or expensive.A second opinion can help you decide if a treatment plan is necessary.
Step 12: There is no improvement.
It can be helpful to speak to someone else if your treatment plan doesn't seem to be working.Sometimes your vet will recommend that you speak to another doctor or specialist, and give you a referral.
Step 13: It's important to honor your intuition.
If you have a bad feeling about the diagnosis or treatment provided by a particular vet, speak to someone else.You know how to care for your animal.
Step 14: Don't feel guilty!
The opinion of a second vet is welcomed by most veterinarians.Your choice to seek a second opinion will be supported by a good vet.Your vet can refer you to another vet.