Its just a scratch...

*** picture is not of actual pet- similar bruising pattern though***

Timeline: We had a NC ( new client) come in today with a pet that presented with lethargic, not wanting to eat and a 104.3 temp. upon exam we notice bruising and swelling on the upper chest to last rib, with a few "scrape like" wounds with some bloody discharge and general swelling. The O stated the pet got in a fight and pinned a cat about a week ago, around the time the symptoms started. With recommendations of BW, Xray, observation, clotting profile, tick serology and antibiotics the pet ended up going home with Cephalexin and a pen g shot only due to the O stating he could get xrays and such cheaper thru a source. A few hours later the O called stating it seemed the pet was getting worse, we again recommended to get him in ASAP , the O said okay then later called back to cancel. The next day the O came in to get additional meds after the BW was reviewed( again refusing hospitalization) and happen to have brought the dog with. We asked if we could examine the dog to see how he/she was doing- at that same moment the wife ran in stating the pet wasn't breathing! DOA. Couldn't resuscitate. The Dr. DDx( differential diagnosis)of Cat scratch fever. Cat scratch is actually caused by the same bacterium that is transmitted by ticks- Bartonella. Thus the tick profile would have diagnosed the disease. Interesting, egh?

Discussion: What to do when a client refuses service even in the most grave situations? Is that considered "animal abuse" ?

Future:Trying to finish the Feisty Acres Feline rescue newsletter- motivation!! motivation!! motivation!!

Broken Bones and a Broke wallet

Timeline:Has been a busy month between sick pup at home, chem class and full time work. Sick pup got diarrhea after a sudden change in food for a weekend when visiting the parents. Took over a week and a half to correct thru a bland diet of rice, chicken, pumpkin and yougert. THANK GOSH THATS OVER!
Chem is the root of all evil( my calculus teacher would disagree and say he can prove woman are- its right on his wall)
Cases at work have been pretty disappointing.... a lot of cancer, some FeLV cats, and a little dental dz. One case in particular was a 6m MN pup that while playing managed to break his leg. First had issues that the pet came from another clinic that only took xrays( that were basically black with shadows- they messed them up and didnt fess up) and sent them out the door without anything. They then came to us where we had to reshoot, re sedate, and splint. This break was not sitting well so we informed the owners to recheck in 3 weeks and if not healing correctly to do ortho sx. Poor pup and poor owners sx can be EXPENSIVE!( Not to mention they have double paid already for thing having to be done twice now!)

Discussion:how do you handle situations with clients from other clinics that have had poor service with out bashing the other clinic?
Future: The end of the month is when "operation pawprint " with the local girl scouts is taking place. All the spaces are filled an entire month before the event!! Very exciting and scary at the same time. Hope all goes according to plan!