09/12/2024
I hesitated to write this post, but I have decided that I would like to share because it explains a key part of veterinary medicine that few in the general public fully understand.
Pictured is Nellie who is my 7.5 year old Blue Heeler. If you have had an appointment with me, you have probably heard at least one story about Nellie or my other Blue Heeler, Sadie, who is photobombing Nellie's picture.
A few months ago, I noticed abnormal muscle wasting near Nellie's elbow, so I did radiographs and other testing. However, I wasn't able to pinpoint the issue. Due to my concern and lack of answers, I scheduled her for an appointment with the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital. At this appointment, they performed a thorough orthopedic exam and CT scan of her elbow and shoulder. This allowed us to find an area of chronic or long-term inflammation in her shoulder. She received shockwave therapy, and they further recommended a rest from activity with a slow return to normal activity. Nellie hates what she can only describe as house arrest, but I think that its what's best for her in the long run.
I share this part of my life to explain that me and the majority of local veterinarians are general practitioners. We can be viewed as a human primary physician. We know a little about a lot, but we have our limits. Oftentimes, we don't reach a full diagnosis because we don't have the specialized experience, knowledge, skill, and/or testing that's needed. This can only be achieved at a specialist. There are just as many specialists in the veterinary field if not more than in human medicine - Internal medicine, orthopedic surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists, cardiologists, etc. Each one receives additional training after veterinary school.
I don't take lightly when I need to refer patients to other veterinarians or hospitals. I do understand that specialists are expensive. As stated above, I just went to a specialist, and I paid my own bill. So, if referral isn't an option for you due to finances, I am willing to do the best that my training allows. Sometimes, this means treating multiple potential diagnosis at the same time. Sometimes, this means multiple follow-ups to find the treatment that actually works. During this time, it's important to be patient as each treatment is kind of a long duration diagnostic test. My hope is that you will read this and appreciate the complex nature of your pet's body and illnesses, and understand the limits of my knowledge.
Thank you if you made it to the end of this rather long post, and please pray for Nellie's recovery!
Dr. Ashlee
