Читать книгу Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team - Группа авторов - Страница 129

Blair Donaldson is a 3‐year‐old neutered male Dalmatian, who has been previously diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. He has been well controlled for the past several months with a daily Janus kinase inhibitor, but started scratching significantly in the last few hours. Since Blair had previously experienced pyotraumatic dermatitis (a hot spot) from his scratching, Mrs Donaldson immediately telephoned ABC Veterinary Hospital to bring him in without delay.

Julie, the customer service representative who answered the phone, was very concerned about Blair and recalled how tragic Blair seemed after his hot spot. Julie would book Blair for an appointment the next day, which was the first availability, but asked if Mrs Donaldson might be interested in a telehealth consult that could be scheduled for that afternoon, when Julie would try to create some time between existing appointments.

When Dr Green and Mrs Donaldson connected on that telehealth call, it was very apparent that Mr. Donaldson was concerned and was afraid of what Blair might do to himself if the scratching could not be curtailed.

Dr Green suggested that the likely culprit was ragweed pollen in the environment, which was wreaking havoc with many pets in the practice as the pollen count was at an all‐time high for the season. He advised that Blair be given a cool‐water soak for at least 10 minutes, gently toweled dry, and then a mild antipruritic spray be used on affected areas. During the bathing, Mrs Donaldson was to do a thorough check for fleas and other parasites, and verify with her husband that Blair's parasite control product had been administered on schedule. It was advised that Blair remain indoors with windows closed and air conditioner on and it was recommended that an over‐the‐counter antihistamine be considered (suitable products and doses were provided). It was unlikely that the antihistamine would have a major impact on the pruritus, but it might help a bit and also have some sedating effects which might make Blair more sleepy and less likely to do damage to himself. The plan was to repeat the cool‐water soak and spray before bedtime, but if Blair was not significantly more comfortable by then to give another dose of his allergy medication just this once to keep him comfortable overnight, and they would address whatever issues remained at the appointment scheduled for the next day.

Mrs Donaldson was relieved that there was now a plan in place, and felt the telehealth consult provided her with peace of mind, and she was more than happy to pay for the service.