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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't you give a diagnosis over the phone?
In order for a proper diagnosis to be made, a thorough physical examination
of the pet and review of pertinent medical history is essential. Furthermore,
there are a variety of similar symptoms that may be the result of
very different medical problems. Additionally, by State of
Georgia law, a veterinarian must have a relationship with a patient
before that vet may diagnose conditions or prescribe any
medications.
What consists of a typical physical exam?
A physical exam includes the checking of the ears, eyes, teeth, skin,
coat, palpation of the body, listening to heart and lung sounds and
potentially blood work, urinalysis and checking for parasites. From
a traditional Chinese medicine standpoint, pulse and tongue diagnosis
may also provide relevant information in diagnosis.
Why do you schedule one hour for a new client appointment?
We here at Loving Touch Animal Center believe that it is very important
to establish a strong rapport between doctors and clients. Many clients
come to our clinic for a second opinion and therefore have much previous
medical history (i.e. blood work, other veterinarian's treatments/observations
and radiographs) that takes time for our veterinarians to review and
process. We try to allot plenty of time to give each client and patient
the time and energy they deserve.
Why do you require annual heartworm testing for all canines, even
if on monthly heartworm prevention?
Loving Touch Animal Center recommends year-round canine heartworm
prevention due to the weather variations experienced in the state
of Georgia. Due to the possibility of heartworm prevention "breaks"
(i.e. owner compliance or the possibility that the pet may have vomited
or spit out the preventative unbeknownst to the owner) it is part
of our clinic's veterinary protocol to check canine heartworm status
annually before we will authorize a refill on heartworm preventative.
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