The Importance of a Complete History in Veterinary Medicine

Every year continuing education seminars and journal articles provide us with more and more knowledge about more and more diseases, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.

However, within the confines of our practices we may find ourselves facing a sometimes dismaying reality: Many practices and those who work in and patronize them possess limits that may preclude the maximalist approach.

Faced with this reality, veterinarians typically take one of three approaches not unlike those taken by the attendees at the minimalist art show. Some eagerly embrace the challenge of reducing the latest information to those components that best compliment the needs and any limits of the practice, practitioners, clients, and patients. Dr. Green eagerly acknowledges the advantages of laser surgery for certain conditions, but also accepts that acquiring the equipment and proper training to use it exceeds the financial capacity of the practice at this time. Based on that awareness, she enjoys refining other skills that may offer her patients comparable benefits under similar circumstances, and compiling a list of those competent in the new technology to whom she can confidently refer her clients if her other options won’t best fill their needs.. Dr. Black finds the lack of state-of-the-art equipment in the practice where he works intolerably boring; within months, he quits and returns to academia to pursue an advanced degree. A third veterinarian, Dr. Brown, also chafes at the lack of facilities in her practice. However, unlike her colleagues, she neither sees this as a fascinating challenge nor a reason to leave; instead, she grumbles and complains about the deficits, making herself and everyone around her miserable.

Learn more about how different veterinarians approach their patients:

NB: I think it is extremely important for your veterinarian to carefully investigate the totality of your pet’s individuality. Both in a health maintenance situation and especially when there is a clinical problem. This careful inquiry into the gestalt of the disease should occur in every clinical medical situation. Careful (often lengthy) history, examination and indicated diagnostic testing are all performed by the trained veterinary homeopath.–Dr. Jeff

Please note: The information provided here is intended to supplement the recommendations of your veterinarian. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment based on information on this site. Nothing can replace a complete history and physical examination performed by your veterinarian. -Dr. Jeff