SPECIALTY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT: and Its Role in the Triangle of Pet Care

摘要

Author's Note: During my years in general practice, the veterinarians referred clients to the specialty hospital when their pet needed specialized care. The specialty hospital was a mysterious place, with more advanced equipment and procedures. Then,when I began working at a referral practice, I realized how all the different aspects of patient care fit together. The best pet health care can be described as a triangle - the three sides being the pet owner, the general practitioner, and the specialist, if and when needed. Each side has a unique role. The owner provides unconditional love and companionship to his or her pet and seeks preventive or attentive health care as needed. The general practitioner provides overall care throughout the^-pet's life, including vaccinations and nutritional and dental care and preventive medication to protect the pet from such dangers as heartworms and parasites. The specialist provides additional care, which cannot be provided by the general practitioner, during an illness or tragedy. This triangle is key to providing the best care for the pet.