Making medical decisions for your pet
When your dog or cat has a serious medical problem or is facing a big procedure, knowing what to do or how to deal with it can be sometimes be stressful and overwhelming.
Having practiced veterinary medicine for over 11 years, I have a clear vision for the best ways to help my patients and their people but when it comes time to make big decisions for my own animals, my training goes out the window. I can be just as worried and emotional about the decisions I am making for my own animals as my clients are when considering a big surgical procedure for theirs. This is precisely the reason why any time I have concerns about one of my animals, I rely on the advice and expertise of my trusted colleagues – my pets need me to be their mom, not their doctor.
Here at Sunstone Vets we firmly believe that our pets are the family we choose. As pet owners and animal lovers ourselves, we know what it is like to be in your shoes. Your family veterinarian may have referred you to us for a second opinion or for advanced care they do not provide. We are on your side, a part of your pet’s care team, and we are here to help you understand what is happening with your pet. We want to work with you and your family veterinarian to find the best way forward for you, your animals, and your family.
Making decisions as to how to treat will depend on your pet, their diagnosis and prognosis, your goals for treatment and what treatment options are available, your finances, and your ability to manage ongoing care. As veterinarians, we want to help you make the right decision for your pet and your situation.
The best way to partner with your veterinarian, with us, is to be honest – communicate openly about what you are hoping to achieve, what resources you are able or willing to invest, and whether or not caring for your animal and their current condition is feasible given your schedule and lifestyle.
We will also be honest with you about your pet’s disease process, their prognosis, our expectations for what might happen with each of the options we present to you, how much it will cost, and how much on-going care will be required. We will also honestly support you in making the best decision for your pet and your family – whatever that decision may be. Our goal is to be your partner in maintaining your pet’s health and quality of life, trust us to provide guidance and to support you through the care your pet needs.