What
Veterinarians Are Saying
“From vaccinations and pet insurance to second opinions
and end of life decisions, dog lovers
often feel overwhelmed trying to make the best choice for their pup,
pocket book, and peace–of–mind.
Thanks to Speaking for Spot, we finally
have a book that makes sense of it all! With experience, warmth,
wit, and candor, Dr. Nancy Kay provides an authentic, user–friendly
guide for making all types of health care choices for your dog.”
-Marty Becker, DVM, resident veterinarian
on Good Morning America, nationally syndicated
newspaper columnist, and cofounder of petconnection.com
"If a dog owner could have only 1
book for health information, this is it. The
author explains that owners are the best
observers and advocates for their dogs. This is
not a do-it-yourself medical text; rather, it
explains how to find the right veterinarian and
become a partner in the decision-making process.
Veterinarians who schedule 10-minute office
visits and do not enjoy answering questions
might not like this book. The rest will welcome
clients who are good observers; provide a
succinct, relevant history and ask questions to
understand what has been said. Somewhat humorous
examples of histories are provided by
hypothetical owners: Ms. Succinct, Ms.
Talkative, and Mr. Wanderer. Chapters on
billing, second opinions, cancer, and euthanasia
will help owners know what to expect in these
situations.
A unique problem-based approach
to 43 common clinical signs helps owners know
what to look for and what information a
veterinarian needs. For example, for seizures,
the veterinarian will ask when it occurred, if
consciousness was lost, duration and description
of what happened, and any behavior changes or
recent environmental exposures. The next chapter
provides short explanations on > 200 diseases,
with questions an owner might ask. Both of these
chapters are up to date and clearly written.
The issue of texts and Internet
searches includes a caution to find reputable
ones (ie, those ending in .com, .org, or .edu).
A list of recommended references and Web sites
is provided.
I searched hard to find problems
or errors in this book. In my opinion, a bit too
much emphasis on adverse effects of vaccinations
may frighten owners who might overlook the
comment that benefits of vaccination outweigh
risks, assuming proper vaccines and intervals
are used. The author recommends owners and
veterinarians determine optimal individualized
vaccination protocols. One small error is
confusion between grading (histologic degree of
malignancy) and staging (extent of spread) of
malignancies. Overall, this is an excellent book
at a reasonable price. I highly recommend it."
-Susan M. Cotter, DVM Diplomate, ACVIM,
in the Journal of the American Veterinary
Medical Association, Sept. 15, 2009
“In previewing Speaking
for Spot I found myself
wishing that Dr. Kay’s book had been available when I was in
practice, and read by the clients who chose me to be their pet’s
veterinarian. I have to admit, as well, that I, too, could have benefited
from this book—as could some of my colleagues in practice today.
If you think your veterinarian might be in that category, you might
want to share this book with her. Working together, you and your
veterinarian will ensure that your pet gets the very best care possible.”
-John W. Albers, DVM, Executive Director, American Animal
Hospital Association
"Get this book. I would give this
book six stars if I could. It is a valuable tool
for pet lovers and veterinarians alike. Dr. Kay
offers a wealth of information that is easy to
read, memorable and even humorous at times. The
appendices of symptoms and diseases are packed
with information and could really be their own
book. They are cross-referenced to the main book
for additional questions to ask your
veterinarian, and when applicable, information
on veterinary anesthesia and surgery."
-Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM,
practicing veterinarian and author of About.com
guide to veterinary medicine
“It is easy to write overly sentimental ‘fluff’ about
dogs. It is much harder to write consistent, strong, useful information
that is actually helpful. Dr. Kay’s insightful Speaking
for Spot is a comprehensive, long-needed work. I know of no other book
of its kind for the American public that tackles the topic in such
detail. Speaking for Spot is of tremendous practical value to dog
lovers and should be mandatory reading for veterinarians.”
-Kevin T. Fitzgerald,
DVM, PhD Diplomate, ABVP,
Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets and
E.R. Vets: The Interns
|
Now in it's 3rd Printing
|
