ASK Doctor Before Changing Medical Care

Not so long ago I wrote a column about not changing medical care routines for your pet without first notifying your pet's doctor. I elaborated on the fact that we don't mind an inquiring phone call or office visit, and how it's better to inquire than to make a mistake that could be costly or deadly.

Doctor, heal thyself.

But, while you're at it, heed thine own advice.

Like most everybody else on the Coast, I have allergies. I've been going to the same doctor for prevention and treatment for over 10 years, and, mostly, they stay under control.

Well, wise guy me decided one day that I was doing so well on the current treatment I could modify it a bit and get by with less medication. So, I did. And, I was successful with the modification.

The comeuppance, though, came on my next office visit. After discussing how I'd been since the last visit, we discussed medications.

While he was pleased that the lowered dose had been effective, he was concerned that I hadn't checked with him first, just to be sure there would be no difficulties involved.

"Gee", I said, "that sounds like a familiar message". "I just wrote a column on that very subject not long ago, and look what I've done! You're absolutely right."

So, why should I be surprised when, still, some people don't call to ask before they make serious medical decisions about their pets without consulting their pet's doctor. We, and I'm including myself, make those decisions for our own medical care on the same uninformed basis. Why should we do otherwise for our pets?

The obvious answer is that we should do otherwise in both cases.