Does your heart sink when you see “itchiness” or “ear problems” pop up on your consult list? Dermatology cases can be challenging, both medically and relationally, for us to deal with in a relatively short appointment. These are just a few tips to help make those appointments – and the follow-ups – go more smoothly.
1. Be Proactive
2. Be Prepared
Dermatology can be complex, with a myriad of diagnostic and treatment options available. While it is important to chat through these things in person, we also know that clients don’t retain everything we tell them.
Pre-printed handouts, leaflets, or signposts to reputable websites can all help clients to remind themselves of what you discussed and make subsequent conversations easier.
3. Be Compassionate
Having a pet with chronic dermatological issues sucks. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and above all distressing for the owners to see their dogs so uncomfortably itchy. We often forget these things because we consider these cases to be “routine,” but each and every one can be a real struggle for both pet and owner.
It’s important to listen to and acknowledge these difficulties in each dermatology consult that you take. In particular, pay attention to the problems that the owner prioritizes – not just the ones that you think are medically most serious. Make sure your treatment plan addresses all aspects of the problem.