Updated on May 14, 2012
Celebrating May
May receives double billing when it comes to pets and the people who love them. Not only is this Pet Cancer Awareness Month, May also happens to host National Pet Week. In honor of this special month, I have two special offers for you.
Consultations
Over the years, I’ve received many inquiries from readers requesting advice pertaining to their own pet’s health issues. If you are interested in such a consultation, please contact me at Dr.Kay@SpeakingforSpot.com and I will fill you in on the details.
While I am always happy to comply with such requests, it is important for you to know that, without direct hands-on contact with your dog or cat, my consultation must be limited to providing guidance for you. I can help you:
- Understand what you have been told by your veterinarian or have learned online
- Prioritize your concerns
- Figure out what information is needed (help you prepare a list of questions for your veterinarian)
- Clarify logical next steps
- Work your way through difficult medical decisions while prioritizing what is best for your pet as well as your own peace of mind
I recently received the following feedback from Kim (and Ollie) and am sharing it with you to clarify how a consultation might be helpful:
Dear Dr. Nancy,
It was really nice talking to you. I needed it more than you can imagine. I really felt that you would understand both the anesthesia and knee issues and the shock and emotional reaction I have been feeling. And you did exactly what I needed – validated my concerns, honed right in on important facts even though our history (and no doubt my explanation) has been a long and confusing one, offered clear, direct opinions, and gave me a strategy for my next steps (with extra emphasis on key points so I really understood them). That means so much to me. I really appreciate your guidance in our challenging situation. Ollie is the happiest creature that I have ever known. He is much-loved by family, friends, neighbors… he is really a special boy (and so cute it is ridiculous). I will definitely be in touch and let you know how we are doing and what we learn. Thank you so much again.
Best,
Kim & Ollie
Two-For-One Book Sales
In honor of this special month, between now and the end of May, I invite you to buy two of my books for the price of one. Purchase Speaking for Spot or Your Dog’s Best Health and get a second book (either title) at no extra charge. (If applicable, the price will be based on the more expensive book.) To take advantage of this May special, please use this link for the Two-for-One purchase page. The May special is not available on the regular purchase page.
Will you be doing anything with your pets to honor this special month? If so, I would love to hear about it.
Best wishes,
Nancy Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Author of Your Dog’s Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet
Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog
Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award
Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award
Become a Fan of Speaking for Spot on Facebook
Please visit http://www.speakingforspot.com to read excerpts from Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health. There you will also find “Advocacy Aids”- helpful health forms you can download and use for your own dog, and a collection of published articles on advocating for your pet’s health. Speaking for Spot and Your Dog’s Best Health are available at www.speakingforspot.com, Amazon.com, local bookstores, and your favorite online book seller.
As to cancer, Steve Brown writes that research shows fresh fruits and vegetables provide some protection against cancer, especially cruciferous vegetables.
One study from Sweden on skin allergies prompted me to learn more about how the Swedes treat their dogs. About 90% of dogs in Sweden are not spayed or neutered, and they have very few homeless pets. Homemade diets are also much more common.
I love that you do consultations. I wish I had known that over the 3 and a half years it took to diagnose my girl with chronic pancreatitis. I will remember in the future and mention it to others with “difficult” cases.
Thank you. Barb
Getting a 2nd opinion is ALWAYS a good idea. Getting a 2nd opinion from Dr. Kay is an excellent idea. When my clients ask me who to use as their vet I am reluctant to say. That said for routine visits I would go with recommendations for sure from family and friends. IF it is something serious I would get all the info from my vet and send it all to Dr. Kay. I have spoken with Dr. Kay many times about my animals and referred my clients to her and even via email they are so glad they did. She is frank, to the point and very loving.
I might ad that Skyping is also a wonderful way to do consultations. I Skype with clients all over the country in my training and it works wonders for the dog and the owners.
Thanks again Dr. Nancy for putting yourself out there in this way for all of us who loves our dogs so much.
Happy Spring,
~jill breitner
aka Shewhisperer
I think the consultation concept idea is absolutely great – I am very supportive of anything that helps pet owners navigate the increasingly complex world of animal healthcare. Your caveat that nothing can substitute for a physical exam is wise, but there is still a wealth of information and insight that pet owners can gain from talking with someone who has the time, patience and knowledge to help navigate through complex medical issues. There is so much plain bad information out there that having someone like you as a tour guide could be literally lifesaving!
How wonderful that you will offer consultations! That would have been so helpful for our beloved Maggie whom we recently lost to congestive heart failure. We have a newly adopted dog now, Esme (short for Esmeralda), who is currently young and healthy. But it is so great to know we can call on you if and when that changes!