Checklist of Questions for Your Consultation
About your pet's cancer and treatment:
- What is the name of my pet's tumour?
- Is the tumour benign or malignant?
- How often does this type of tumour metastasize (spread to other parts of the body)?
- If left untreated, what will the cancer likely do to my pet? How long will that take?
- If treated, what quality of life will my pet have? What is the expected survival time?
- What diagnostic tests do we need to perform to determine the location and extent of the cancer (i.e., the stage of the disease)?
- What are all the treatment options and what are the costs, side effects, time involved, and effectiveness of each treatment?
About your pet's pain management:
- Is my pet in any discomfort?
- How do you assess pain in cats and dogs?
- How do you treat cancer pain?
- What role does pain management play in your cancer treatment protocols?
- What happens if the pain is not relieved with the usual treatment?
- Is severe pain considered an emergency here?
- Who do I call after hours?
- How much am I involved in choosing the specific plan for pain management in my pet?
- Will I receive directions in writing?
- Who will teach me about the plan to alleviate discomfort?
- Who can help when you are away?
- What happens if the pain does not go away?
- Who will show me how to give medication to my pet?
About your pet's nutrition:
- Is there a special diet my pet should eat?
- Should I give my pet special dietary supplements or extra vitamins and minerals?
- How much should my pet eat?
- What if my pet refuses to eat?
- When should appetite stimulants be used?
- What is assisted tube feeding?
- When would we feed my pet intravenously?
- Is it true that we do not want my pet to lose weight? Why?
- How does my pet feel when it is dehydrated? Can dehydration cause other problems?
About ensuring your pet does not have an upset stomach:
- How will I know if my pet has an upset stomach?
- What can be done to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially relating to cancer therapy?
- When should I call for help if my pet is nauseated or is vomiting?
- Who should I call?
- What can be done if my pet is experiencing nausea and vomiting?
- What can we do to enhance appetite and to ensure a good level of nutrition?