RE: Vet nurses urged to take older cats' blood pressure annually

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:46:16 GMT

Oh yes - and a small fee payable for the full geriatric consult and a (slightly) reduced vet consultation fee if referred onwards. Then regular 3-6 monthly checks...

RE: Vet nurses urged to take older cats' blood pressure annually

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:43:24 GMT

Couldn't agree more - considered essential in all my consultations and referred to my Geriatric Clinics! I found loads were hypertensive and then referred them to my vet for a work-up. Caught many early and preventative/supportive tx's were prescribed and owners reported pet seemed 'younger'. What's not to like?! Better still would be a home visit to reduce stress on the trip to the nurse consult room but... in the absence of that..

Creating a work-place quiet and as stress-free environment essential... mine was a feline-only consult room with Feliway plug-ins and away from the hub-bub of the rest of the practice. Letting the patient settle into the base (lid removed) of their cat carrier a great tip; stroking, owner present, letting them settle before consult began (and no sitting in a crowded or 'woofy' waiting room) whatever kept them as calm as possible. Several readings.... I am preaching to the converted (hopefully) so am gonna keep quiet now!!