Get a Veterinary Second Opinion for Your Cat

There are several reasons why you may choose to seek a second veterinary opinion for your cat. Fortunately, most vets will support your choice to seek more info and choose the best, most well-informed care for your pet. By carefully deciding to seek a second opinion, seeking the care of a specialist, and effectively preparing for your appointment, you can get the very best care for your cat.

Steps

Informing Your Current Vet

1. Outline your reasons. Before you speak to your current vet, spend some time thinking about your reasons for seeking a second opinion. Also, think about what you'd like to ultimately outcome to be. Here are some questions to consider:
   • What is the reason for the second opinion? Are you disputing a specific diagnosis? Do you think the current treatment plan isn't working? Do you need to see a specialist?
   • Do you intend to keep using your current vet, or are you hoping to switch?
2. Be straightforward. If you hope to maintain your relationship with your current vet, your best course of action is to be direct. Make a list of your reasons for wanting a second opinion. Then call and ask to speak to your doctor. In many cases, you may need to leave a message for your vet to call you back. A good vet will support your decision, and will not be offended. You might say:
   • "I am calling because I am afraid Eddie's treatment plan isn't working. I was thinking of seeking another opinion on the matter."
   • "I'm afraid I may not be able to afford the treatments you have suggested. I may need to seek less expensive care, if I can find it."
   • "Eddie doesn't seem to be getting better. I think it might be time to consult a specialist."
3. Keep your vet in the loop. If you want to keep a relationship with your current vet, you can do so by keeping them informed. Put them in touch with your new vet, and contact them with any major changes to your pet's health and/or treatment plan. You may even consider scheduling a follow-up with your current vet, after your second opinion, in order to discuss all of your options.

Visiting the New Vet

1. Bring all necessary records. Since you will seeing a vet that is not your regular doctor, you will need to provide some medical and shot records. If you make the appointment far enough in advance, you may be able to provide the new vet with the contact information for your other doctor, and they can retrieve the necessary information themselves.
   • At the bare minimum, you will need to show that your animals shots are up to date.
   • If your vet has run tests regarding your pet's condition, the results of these tests will be very helpful to your new vet.
2. Be ready to answer some questions. When you go in for the appointment with your new vet, you are going to need to provide some information about your cat and their condition. Be ready to explain:
   • Your cat's age and medical history.
   • What symptoms your cat is experiencing.
   • When these symptoms began.
   • What diagnosis the first vet provided.
   • What treatments have been rendered and when.
   • What medications your cat is currently taking (or has taken for this problem).
   • Any other health problems your cat has been diagnosed with.
3. Ensure your ability to pay. Before you agree to any treatment plan, inquire about the cost. Some services and treatments can be quite expensive, particularly specialized care. Many animals clinics will require you to put down 50% of the anticipated cost of treatment before services are provided. Make sure that you can afford treatment before you agree to anything.

Seeking the Care of a Specialist

1. Recognize the difference between a "second opinion" and a "referral." Generally speaking, a "second opinion" mean you are seeking the advice of an equally qualified general practitioner. A "referral" on the other hand, means you are seeking the advice of a specialist.
   • If you simply don't trust to prognosis or treatment plan of your current vet, you may choose to see another general practitioner.
   • However, most of the time, you will be able to gain greater insight into your cat's health problems by seeking the help of a specialist.
2. Ask for a referral. Don't be afraid to discuss this with your vet. Explain that you'd like to seek the advice of a specialist and ask for a referral. In some cases, it may even be your vet's idea for you to seek the care of a specialist. Your vet simply wants the best care for your cat. Different types of veterinary specialists include:
   • Behavioral specialists
   • Surgeons
   • Internists
   • Ophthalmologists
   • Dermatologists
   • Oncologists
   • Dentists
3. Find a specialist yourself. If your current vet has not been able to provide a referral, you can turn to friends and family, search the internet, and make some phone calls in order to Find a Vet for Your Cat. Ask your cat-owning friends and family if they can recommend the specialist you need. Perform an internet search for feline-based veterinary specialists. Once you locate some potential veterinarians, call each one and explain your situation. Select the doctor who seems best able to accommodate your needs, and make an appointment.
   • A practice that is listed as "secondary referrals only" means that they only accept patients referred by other vets and do not take appointments directly from the public.

Deciding to Seek a Second Opinion

1. Dispute a poor prognosis. There are a number of reasons why you might want to seek a second opinion. One strong reason is to dispute or question a poor prognosis. If you receive quite dire news about the health of your cat (such as a degenerative disease or serious illness), it never hurts to speak to another vet. Get a second opinion before opting for expensive treatments or thinking the worst.
2. Question complicated or expensive care. If the treatment plan a veterinarian proposes seems overly complicated or too expensive, it can be helpful to speak to another professional. A second opinion can help you decide if a complicated/expensive treatment plan is truly necessary.
3. Notice a lack of improvement. If the treatment plan laid out by your practitioner does not seem to be working, it can be helpful to speak to someone else. In these instances, often your veterinarian may recommend that you speak to another doctor or specialist, and give you a referral.
4. Honor your intuition. If you just plain have a bad feeling about the diagnosis or treatment provided by a particular veterinarian, honor those feelings and speak to someone else. You know your animal best.
5. Don't feel guilty! Most veterinarians will welcome the opinion of a second vet, especially a specialist. A good vet will understand and honor your desire to be well-informed, and support your choice to seek a second opinion. In many cases, your vet can refer you to another veterinarian.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Care for a Cat's Paws
• Use a Cat Comfort Bag
• Care for a Cat with a Holter Monitor
• Diagnose and Treat Cholangitis in Cats
• Handle Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
• Feed a Feline Cancer Patient
• Supplement Taurine for Cats
• Handle Degenerative Joint Disease in Cats
• Diagnose and Treat Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Cats
• Give Steroids to Cats with Inflammation

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