Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Problems with owner communications.
- Journal:
- Problems in veterinary medicine
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Thacher, C
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgery · United States
Plain-English summary
This chapter talks about the communication challenges that can happen between veterinarians and pet owners when treating animals with intervertebral disc disease, which affects the spine. It highlights that many pet owners may find the medical details confusing, especially when discussing the animal's health history, understanding the neurologic exam results, and exploring different treatment options. The chapter emphasizes that clear communication is essential during both the surgery and recovery phases to avoid misunderstandings. Overall, it aims to improve the way veterinarians interact with pet owners to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Abstract
This chapter deals with communication problems between the veterinary surgeon and the owners of animals undergoing treatment for intervertebral disc disease, an area that has often been neglected in other works that usually deal exclusively with pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Neurologic disease can be a confusing subject, especially for the untrained owner of an afflicted animal and many areas of potential confusion between the veterinarian and the owner can occur. Potential problems may arise during the discussion of the medical history, interpretation of the neurologic examination, explanation of differential diagnostic and treatment alternatives, and description of the operative and postoperative phases. Each of these areas is discussed relative to the veterinarian's interaction with the owner of the animal patient.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2520128/