Читать книгу Pet-Specific Care for the Veterinary Team - Группа авторов - Страница 32

To truly appreciate an animal's need for appropriate care, it is important to first discern which factors may impact its healthcare risks, either positively or negatively (Figure 1.2.1). Some of these risks can be determined very early in an animal's life (some even before birth) by evaluating genotypic and phenotypic assessment of the animal, its parents, and/or close relatives.

Figure 1.2.1 Example of a canine risk assessment form.

Other assessments can be made based on local risk factors in the particular geographic area in which the animal lives. Location typically impacts the prevalence of many infectious diseases, environmental risks (snakebite, heat stroke, frostbite, toxicities, etc.), and other factors of significance. It is important not only to appreciate risks in the place of residence, but also in other environments in which the pet may find itself (e.g., travel, boarding, grooming, activities, etc.).

Assessing lifestyle information helps a practice determine the relative risks of one animal versus another in the same locale. Given a pet's risk factors from genetics, family history, and lifestyle, it is possible to discuss a lifelong customized healthcare plan that can be shared with the pet owner, so they can better anticipate the healthcare intervention that will be needed throughout a pet's life (see 2.7 Risk Assessment). A personalized pet profile can then be created to customize care for animals on an individualized basis (see Figure 1.3.1).