Likes To Work With People Too. A Good Veterinarian by Anna Cooke In the new book, The Accidental Veterinarian, author Philipp Schott, DVM writes that
generally, veterinarians get along well together. “Veterinarians, as a rule, know their own limits,” he writes. “Strengths and weaknesses tend to balance each other out within a group of veterinarians working together, so cases are discussed and shared. And, when this is not enough, referral to specialists with particular training, experience or equipment is common.”
SCAN (Specialists In Companion Animal Neurology) is assisting family practice veterinarians with challenging cases. Their neurologists are available to veterinarians 24/7 for con- sultations on urgent diagnostics and/or procedures. Gregory Todd, DVM with Animal Hospital of Dunedin has worked with SCAN quite a few times, specifically Dr. Jim Cook. “No matter what, I can call him and talk my way through
the neurological issue,” said Dr. Todd. “Then, we talk about what’s next – what is it going to cost the client, not only financially but psychologically as well.”
One of Dr. Todd’s patients Tipsy (shown left) developed
a head tilt. “We went through the diagnostics in-house, and still couldn’t get definitive answers,” said Dr. Todd, who then consulted with Dr. Cook about the senior Dachshund. “In terms of skill and knowledge, Dr. Cook has got it. He has a very matter-of-fact style of communicating – direct and down to earth.” In Tipsy’s case, both doctors agreed that an MRI would
bring a much more clear answer to her diagnosis. “Conveying that to Tipsy’s human, because of the information I’d received from Dr. Cook, helped make the process smooth and painless for both of them,” said Dr. Todd. A head tilt usually indicates some damage or irritation to
the balance receptors in the middle ear or the coordinating centers for balance in the brain itself. “The MRI showed that there was no visible damage to Tipsy’s middle ear cavity and the brain was normal as well,” said Dr. Cook. “This gave us good evidence that there was no severe infection or tumor in these structures.” The most likely diagnosis then, was idiopathic or geriatric
vestibular syndrome, which is relatively benign with no apparent cause and is treated medically with anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-vertigo medications. “Tipsy has done well, although, as is common in many patients with this condition, the slight head tilt persists, but does not interfere with her quality of life,” said Dr. Cook. In another case, a dog suffering paralysis in all four legs
SCAN works with family veterinarians directly, who will
in turn refer their patients for an MRI and/or surgery if nec- essary. “We can send our patients out for specialized services, but I reassure my clients that they are still my clients and their pet is still my patient. Our goal is to have a happy client and healthy pets. To achieve that, we cannot have a breakdown in communications with specialists along the way. The folks at SCAN respond quickly and make this seamless for us and our clients,” said Dr. Todd.
68 THE NEW BARKER
was brought to Animal Hospital of Dunedin. “Even though the radiographs showed evidence of disc disease, there can be other neurologic diseases which present in the same way,” Dr. Todd told us. “For example, tumors, blood clots, fibrinous clots or emboli. There can even be blind pouches, where the spinal fluid flows, that are called a syrinx.” It was suspected that Sadie was suffering from chronic
progressive disc herniation. Given her age and the low possibility of substantially improving her life quality with surgery, Sadie’s mom elected no MRI or surgery. “In cases like this, I consult with the primary care
vet as much as possible, in this case by examining digital radiographs delivered from Dr. Todd by email,” said Dr. Cook.
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