The evaluation of cats presented to the service for second opinion starts with collecting a detailed history of the present and past medical problems, and a careful physical examination. Recommendations are then made about appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments and their costs.

Depending on the patient’s presenting complaint, the diagnostic examination may simply involve routine laboratory tests, blood pressure measurement, and radiographic or ultrasound examinations. Other procedures such as endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts, or advanced imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans, may be indicated for patients with more complicated problems. Thyroid scans are performed routinely as part of the evaluation of cats with hyperthyroidism, in order to determine if the patients are suitable candidates for radioactive iodine treatment.

The faculty and staff of the service take full advantage of the professional expertise available in the many specialty services in the hospital to ensure that their patients receive a comprehensive evaluation. For example, consultations are sought regularly with colleagues in the cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, and surgical services.

Cats with special needs (for example those requiring constant monitoring, fluid and drug administration, and supplemental nutrition) are housed in the intensive care unit, where round-the-clock care is provided on-site. Specialists in critical-care medicine are available to provide consultation for cats in ICU with more serious and complicated problems. We recognize that some of our patients have significant discomfort associated with their medical conditions, and we use pain control whenever necessary to improve their quality of life.

We provide daily progress reports by phone to the owners of our patients. We encourage scheduled visits of hospitalized cats by their owners, when appropriate, as we believe that this human contact reduces stress and enhances recovery.