You have now narrowed down who you want to work with to one to three veterinarians. When you arrive at your appointment for the first vet visit, you’ll want to absorb as much information as possible. Questions you may want to ask yourself include:
- Was the clinic easy to get to?
- What’s the parking like?
- How friendly was the receptionist?
- Are you comfortable (as much as you can be)?
- Is the waiting area clean?
The Staff and Veterinarian at Your First Vet Visit
Keep an eye on the veterinary technicians and assistants. What do you think? Do they appear to be relaxed? Are they open to your questions, comments, and concerns?
Once the veterinarian comes in, did they provide you with undivided attention? Did you feel rushed? Did they make you feel hopeful? Did their thoughts and feelings align with your own?
What are the costs? Are you able to afford the costs associated with the clinic? Did anyone follow up with you once you left?
Traditional Questions to Ask at Your First Vet Visit
First, what tests will be done on my pet? If your veterinarian recommends a blood test or other diagnostic test, make sure you understand why these tests are necessary and what they will show. You should also ask about possible side effects from these tests or any risks associated with them.
You should also ask, ‘is there anything else I should know about my pet’s condition?’ Your veterinarian should be able to answer any questions that you have about your pet’s health issues, including any follow-up care that may be needed after treatment has been completed (e.g., medication adjustments).
Your Dog’s Cancer
You’ll also want to ask about your dog’s cancer. Before you go, you should write down all the questions, comments, and concerns you can possibly think of so you’re able to obtain as much info as you can in that session. Good oncologists and veterinarians are prepared to answer a list of questions when a dog has cancer. Don’t feel guilty about asking them.
A few of the most common questions I have seen in my cancer experiences include:
- Is my dog’s cancer rare or common?
- How many cases have you handled with this cancer?
- If the treatment works, what can I expect as far as the outcome? Will my dog be pain-free? Will she be able to walk, run, and play? How much longer will she have (estimated)?
- Are there any supplements or nutraceuticals you recommend to begin immediately?
- Are there any herbal remedies you recommend to begin immediately?
- What are the side effects of the treatment?
- Am I permitted to have a file containing my dog’s images to relay to other professionals in the industry? (Some veterinarians will do this; others are not comfortable).