Cases to check up on tomorrow...

[paulpomes]

1) 12-yo MC Labrador, BCS 8/9 originally presented for coughing, subsequently diagnosed with DCM and hypothyroidism. Treated with furosemide, enalapril, soloxine, and recommendation for echocardiogram.
2) 17-yo MC minature schnauzer originally presented for purulent nasal discharge, subsequently diagnosed with multiple tooth root abscesses and oral-

Comments

[free_of_whip]

Do you ever get the easy cases?

[paulpomes]

Oh certainly. Most of the things I see can be dealt with that day. Things like flea allergy dermatitis, hot spots, abscesses, etc, get treated and go home within the appointment period. What I've learned to do with the more extended cases is make note card summaries with the owners cell phone number that go into my pocket. During down times I call to get progress reports that I later dictate with Dragon Medical and print to paste into the medical record.

[free_of_whip]

I'm glad to hear it. Because from the tone of the original post, I was beginning to think your next post was going to be, "Dog presented with suspected ingrown toenail, diagnosed as having swallowed a ticking time bomb..." ;-)

[otterdoc]

I'm curious about your feelings on Pimobendan. We haven't used it much on bigger dogs due to cost, but I've been really happy with it for most of my cardio cases.

That's quite a run of intense cases!

-M.

[paulpomes]

*Love* Pimobendan. Clients have been very happy with the results. I only prescribe it after an echo study since half of what the echo study does is adjust client expectations to the realistic side.

[otterdoc]

That's a good approach. We have trouble getting folks to get an echo done, so if I've got a dog where MVD is the most likely diagnosis and it's Vetmedin or dead, we give the vetmedin and see how things go. Just LOVE this down economy. ;\

-M.

[paulpomes]

1) Owner has appointment with imaging center for echo study.
2) Patient is barking at the cats, chowing down, and acting 5 years younger. Owners are ecstatic. I'm relieved and happy.
3) Patient is back to using litterbox. Will run glucose curve next week.
4) Owners elected euthanasia.