Laurie's Blogs.

Only a handful of responses came in regarding the Distance Consult Blog and Survey.  However, the handful that did come in are interesting.

Firstly, there was a response to it on the FourLeg Facebook page.

“Thanks for bringing this up, Laurie. I think it is one of those topics nobody talks about and we should be talking about! #elephantintheroom, #hitthenailonthehead 

..... palpation is what we do and the legal aspect of this is terrifying. ..... not to mention signs of pain, subtle signs of pain and reasons for pain, comorbidities, lumps and bumps and reasons for gait abnormalities and lack of range of motion you would miss.

I am thinking of the few, but very scary lameness cases I have seen that have been osteosarcoma or nerve sheath tumours. I know those cases are extreme examples but they do happen!”

Then there were the two survey replies from folks that do distance consults.

Both respondents said they provide consultation to persons & pets living outside of the state, province, or country in which they reside (and/or are licensed in).  In regards to working with the client’s local veterinarians, the responses were ‘if able’ and ‘yes’.  Both practitioners have the owner sign a consultation agreement before engaging in the consultation.  In regards to case documenting and keeping of notes, one practitioner uses a secret Facebook page and the other keeps records the same as if they were in the clinic.  For payment, Paypal and internet banking are used.  For follow-ups, the one respondent said, “They follow up with me but I check in on them now and then.”  The other respondent simply said, “Yes”.

When asked if there was anything else they’d like to share about doing distance consults:

• “I do enjoy them but it is challenging because I cannot put my hands on the dogs to see/feel what’s going on. Most of my consults are for conditioning work vs rehab.”
• “They are necessary for patients that live far away. First I get the Vet notes to see if the case is appropriate then I have the client complete a consent form and questionnaire, then I get the client to email videos and photos of what I need to prepare. I follow up with emails and very frequently additional phone consults. I sent my report to their vet as well as to the client.”

It really is interesting.  I can see both sides of this.  Some folks that live far away don’t have access to anyone that can help them in ways that we can… but the legalities and potential to miss things is huge.  However, if the dog has a regular veterinarian but is looking for additional help, then one can hope that the regular vet has found anything sinister, and that the consultation is just above and beyond good veterinary care.

However, I still think that if you are doing (or considering doing) distance consultation, read up about the things you may need to think about and formalize prior to doing your consultation.  Best of luck out there!