Mixed Practice

Sometimes you wish animals could communicate with you.

O: There’s something wrong with Miffy. She’s sick.
Me: Okay. What do you mean when you say she’s sick? Is she vomiting?
O: Oh, she’s just not right. Something’s wrong.
Me: Okay… is she eating? Drinking?
O: Yes, she’s eating and drinking well.
Me: Toileting? Are they normal motions and normal frequency?
O: Yes yes they’re fine.
Me: Vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing?
O: No, none at all.
Me: She looks like she’s quite bright and responsive here. Is she lethargic at home?
O: No no, she’s quite alert.
Me: So… when you say that something’s wrong, you mean….
O: …
Me: You mean, what exactly?
O: She’s just off.
Me: So her behaviour is abnormal?
O: Yes!
Me: What is the behaviour she is displaying?
O: She’s just not right.
Me: I.. um. Can you describe an example?
O: Well, she's eating and drinking, but sometimes, she, she just doesn't seem right. Like something's wrong.
Me: Uh. Well........ clinically I can’t find anything abnormal.
O: No she’s definitely unwell.
Me: I… well, I think she’s okay, but I can run some blood tests to double check.
O: Oh, I can’t afford that.
Me: I... uhh… look I think she’s fine.
O: Can’t you just give her an injection to make her feel better?
Me: No.
O: Oh.
Me: Yep.

Sometimes you wish owners could communicate with you.