Once your pet’s veterinary treatment is complete, ask for a report of what was done. Most veterinary clinics in Contra Costa County provide a detailed receipt for all treatment and routine health costs. Many will also offer detailed copies of blood work, test results and diagnostics.

Your veterinarian must give you copies of your animal’s treatment record if you request them. Make sure that the record includes details of medications provided, records for any overnight stays, and a record of what happened during those stays.

Diamond Certified window contractors are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. If the window company is Diamond Certified and you can’t resolve the issue by talking with the owner, contact the mediation department at [email protected] or call 800-738-1138.

Easy Ways to End Disputes with a Contra Costa County Veterinarian
Having a sick pet or animal causes worry, and on top of that, you don’t always know whether your animal is responding as well as he or she is expected to. The best way to alleviate this concern is to have a good relationship with your veterinarian. You should feel free to express any concerns you have about lack of progress.

Listen carefully to the veterinarian’s answers. As with human illnesses, healing times vary among particular animals. If you don’t feel pleased with your pet’s progress, you can always seek another opinion. If you do look for another vet, your veterinarian by law must provide copies of your pet’s records. Your veterinarian is allowed to charge a duplication fee for the records.

When you seek veterinary advice about your pet’s progress, try to remain calm. For your part, bring as much detail as possible. When did the issue first show itself? Compile a list of all the steps you have taken, whether change in diet, change in outdoor habits, medicines, procedures, operations, and the like. Ask your veterinarian for records of treatment during any overnight stays. Try to be calm and focused. Explain your expectations. Be open to revising unrealistic expectations to a more realistic approach.

For fee disputes, try to resolve the matter with your veterinary clinic. Fees should be clear upfront, and changes should be discussed with you, when possible. Sometimes a veterinary clinic cannot quote an exact price, for example, if work is being performed by an outside laboratory. In this case, the veterinary clinic should be clear about the possibility of increased fees. If you cannot work out a fee disagreement, the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) recommends small claims court to resolve the issue. You can also report the firm to the Better Business Bureau.

For those who need financial assistance with vet care, some help may be available. The organization RedRover offers some grants, based on need and circumstances. Their Web site describes how to apply for these grants. The site is also a good place to look for additional resources for pet care funding, including state and national programs, as well as programs devoted to certain breeds or diseases.

If you believe your pet has suffered from poor treatment or that a veterinary clinic is acting in a way that harms or may cause harm to animals, you can file a complaint with the VMB by downloading a form from the Web site. When filing, focus on factual information, rather than any conclusions you have drawn. The VMB requests the following information:

• Animal’s name
• Breed
• Age
• Current condition
• Dates of veterinary visits
• Complaint summary
• Supplementing information including bills, forms from veterinary hospitals, letters, and any witness statements

A complaint can take two-four weeks to be received by the VMB. The VMB then reviews to ensure that they have jurisdiction. The VMB explicitly does not address issues of fees or fee collection. The VMB takes cases related to fraud, incompetence, negligence, unprofessional conduct, and facility standards, among others. The VMB resolves the case with a range of outcomes, from fines, to closing the case, to referrals for further investigation or review.

Veterinary clinics treat all kinds of animals for all kinds of reasons – preventative care, accidents, diseases, increased production in farm animals, and poisonings, to name a few. The reasons for veterinarian visits also vary according to the species or breed involved. The following are some of the most common reasons that patients see a veterinarian.

Preventative Care
Pets see a veterinarian for standard examination and care. Routine care can include vaccines against contagious diseases. The rabies vaccination is required in all states. Other vaccine laws vary by state. Routine care can also include heartworm prevention, or neutering or spaying, or follow-up care. Preventative care schedules vary based on the species and age.

For example, a young puppy may need several visits a year to get all required vaccines and to check on healthy development. Dogs from one to five years may only require an annual visit, if generally healthy. After five years, more frequent visits may be required to monitor health, especially in large breeds.

Accidents
Accidents that require a visit to the vet can range from car accidents with bruising and broken bones to accidental poisoning . Vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea may be signs the animal has eaten something he should not have.

Ear Infections
Ear infections typically occur when bacteria causes inflammation. Infections could also be caused by tumors or polyps in the ear, foreign objects in the ear, or trauma, such as that from an auto accident Signs of an ear infection range from no visible symptoms, to head shaking or pawing at the infected ear, to balance problems. Most bacterial infections are treated by antibiotics. Cleaning your the ears regularly can help prevent infections, but at the same time, too vigorous and frequent cleaning can hurt the ear.

Skin Allergies
Skin allergies cause itching, licking, scratching, and rubbing. Sometimes there is a family history of skin allergies. Pollens – from weeds, trees, or flowers – can cause problems for allergic animals. Mold spores and dust mites, and even animal dander can also excite allergies. If the allergy source can be identified, veterinarians may be able to inject the allergen into the animal, decreasing sensitivity to that allergen. In other cases, anti-itching treatments are applied. Diet may also contribute, and changes may be recommended.

Stomach Upsets
Stomach upsets happen for a any number of reasons. Often the animal has eaten something he should not. Other causes include parasites and irritable bowel syndrome. A noisy stomach, diarrhea, bad breath, bloating, pain, no appetite, and vomiting are all signs to pay attention to. Resolution depends on what the underlying cause is.

Intestinal Inflammation
Intestinal inflammation can be caused by parasites, sudden changes in what the animal is eating, or by foreign objects. Look for not only frequent defecation or runny stool, but also a failure to defecate. Treatment often includes medication and fluids to replace any losses. Change in diet may also be recommended.

Eye Infections
Eye infections appear as redness in the eye, swollen eyelids, discharge, and scratching at the eyes. Eye infections can turn serious quickly, eventually causing permanent vision damage. Act as soon as you see signs. Eye infections causes range from allergies to conjunctivitis. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but usually requires medications or steroids.

Lower Urinary Tract Diseases
Especially common in cats, lower urinary tract disease has no defined cause, though there are some thoughts about why it happens, some considering viruses as the source.

Cats with the disease have a hard time urinating, may have blood in the urine, may urinate frequently, or may urinate in inappropriate places. The treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Some cases require surgery when the urethra is blocked. In other cases, medication is used. In some cases, changes in diet designed to increase urine volume to improve bladder flushing are sufficient.

Hypo/Hyper- Thyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, which regulates metabolism. Indications of hypothyroidism include weight gain without increased food, droopy eyelids, flaky skin, dull coat, baldness, and stiff joints. The treatment requires thyroid supplements, for the life of the animal.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is too much of the thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism. Indications can include weight loss, bigger appetite, poor appearance, breathing problems, heart murmur, lump on the next indicating an enlarged thyroid gland, or hyperactivity. Treatment can reduce the amount of excess hormone produced.

Diabetes
Diabetes occurs in animals, as well as humans, including dogs and cats. In early stages, animals can be very thirsty and hungry. They may lose weight even if eating the usual amount of food and will have lots of urine. Later on, they may lose all appetite and show depression and lethargy. Diabetes can be treated with diet and exercise, though in some cases, insulin therapy is required.
 

Below are some terms you may come across in your veterinary adventures. Use the definitions below to help understand your animal’s issue, but never be shy about asking the veterinarian for further explanation about any term or phrase you would like explained.

acute renal failure
The animal’s kidneys no longer function.

Also known as: ARF

anorexia
A refusal to eat or decline in appetite. In animals, often a signal of an underlying medical condition.

bumblefoot
In guinea pigs, the feet can become red, swollen, overgrown, or have sores. In very severe cases, amputation may be required, so quick treatment is recommended.

The simplest preventative is to keep the guinea pig in a smooth-bottomed cage, instead of a wire-bottomed cage, and to keep the environment clean and dry. In cases that have gone beyond the basic remedies, the feet may have to be cleaned and treated and medications prescribed.

Also known as: pododermatitis

caudal
The part of the animal toward the tail, or cauda. The region toward the head is called the “cranial” region.

cloaca
In lower vertebrates, turtles, birds, a tube used to pass body fluids include excrement and reproductive matter.

cruciate
A “cruciate injury” refers to damage to ligaments in the knee, often apparent from limping or refusal to walk on the leg. Treatment, up to surgery, is required to prevent long-term damage.

Also known as: ruptured cruciate

decubital ulcer
Appears when the animal has had pressure applied to a specific point for too long – a skin or tissue is lost and a sore appears.

Also known as: bedsore

diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body lacks sufficient insulin (Type 1) or does not respond properly to the insulin present (Type 2). As a result, the body cannot convert glucose to energy for use by the organs and muscles. Diet and exercise are part of the treatment, but some animals will need insulin.

dystrophy
A phenomenon that occurs when a body part or muscle grows in a way that is not expected, or that is defective.

eye infections
Eye infections have many causes, from foreign objects in the eye, to allergies, to conjunctivitis. Eyes appear red, or swollen, or watery. Get help as soon as possible, since permanent eye damage can occur.

epizootic catarrhal enteristis
In ferrets, this viral disease attacks the intestinal lining, so that the animal cannot absorb or digest food.

Symptoms include watery greenish diarrhea, black stools, weakness, or weight loss. ECE is treated with medication and possible changes to diet.

Also known as: ECE

fungal infections
In fish, fungal infections can attack several body systems, including the brain, liver, and kidney. Treatment varies but may include medicating the fish’s water or adjusting salt, calcium, and electrolyte levels, or even raising the tank’s temperature.

The Saprolegnia fungus appears as cottony growths on the fish, light grey in color. The fungus appears when dead and decaying organic matter is present in the environment.

The Ichthyophonus hoferi fungus is less common, and symptoms vary by fish species. All fish show small growths, black in color. It is most often caused by infected raw food.

glycosuria
Glucose appears in the animal’s urine.

heartworm
Heartworm develops when an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito and acquires the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Prevention offers the best approach, and medications are readily available to prevent heartworm.

Symptoms vary based on the species involved, and can include anything from coughing to weight loss and lethargy. Once established, heartworm can be difficult to diagnose or treat, depending on the species.

histology
The science devoted to understanding how body tissue behaves.

immunization
When an animal is immune from a disease, they are cannot contract that disease. It’s important to know that if a vaccine fails or the animal does not react properly to the vaccine, the animal is not protected against the disease. A vaccination must succeed to product immunity.

inflammatory airway disease
In horses, inflammatory airway disease appears as a loss of energy or performance, along with nasal discharge, mucus in the airway, and coughing. No one knows exactly what causes this respiratory condition, but horses of all types can get it. There seems to be a correlation between horses that spend large amounts of time in dusty stables and the presence of the disease. Antibiotics typically clear the disease.

Also known as: IAD

low passage vaccine
A low passage vaccine is used on young animals. Vaccines are biological products that contain microorganisms designed to prevent animals from contracting the disease contained in the vaccine. In the low passage vaccine, the disease organism in the vaccine has been less weakened than that used in a “normal” vaccine, which may work more effectively with young animals.

lymphocystis
In fish, lymphocystis is a viral disease that attacks both freshwater and saltwater fish, creating growths that resemble cauliflower. Sometimes medication is prescribed, but often no steps are taken because the disease does not harm the fish, and the medicine may not be effective.

mange
Mange is caused by mites and occurs in dogs and cats. Animals may show patches where lesions occur. If more generalized, manage can be identified by red skin, loss of coat, or lesions and scales.

Also known as: demodicosis

metabolic bone disease
In reptiles, metabolic bone disease occurs when animals do not have the proper balance of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous. The disease appears most often in reptiles fed only plants and insects. Reptiles that eat whole prey typically do not suffer from the problem.

Symptoms can include a soft lower jaw, limping, lumps on the jaw, legs, or spinal column, or bowed legs. Treatment can range from changes in diet to supplements.

Also known as: nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

mucosa
Membrane, such as those of the mouth and nose, that covers body cavities or passages that are exposed to the air. These specialized membranes often provide diagnostic signs – for example, dryness can indicate dehydration, while yellowing may indicate liver problems.

Also known as: mucous membranes

nephrosclerosis
Hardening of the kidneys.

parvo
This canine viral disease spreads most often through contact with an infected fog or through an infected dog’s feces. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and significant weight loss. Young canines are especially vulnerable to catching it and are more likely to die from it. Some breeds are similarly susceptible, including Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and English Springer Spaniels.

Also known as: canine parvovirus, CPV

pet insurance
Pet insurance provides coverage for cats and dogs. Most companies cover only cats and dogs, but one company is available to cover exotics. Pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. You may have to choose from a network of providers.

Also known as: pet health insurance

pleurisy
Inflammation of the membranes lining the inside of the lungs.

rabies
Can be fatal and can pass to and infect humans. A disease transmitted by virus spread by saliva from infected animals.

raddle
In sheep breeding, a ram is marked with colors on its chest- known as a raddle. These colors transfer to the ewe during mating, making it easy to determine which animals have mated.

Tyzzer’s Disease
In hamsters, watery diarrhea and pain mark this bacterial infection. The hamster may also have not want to eat or show a hunched posture. The disease is highly contagious, since spores disperse throughout the environment. Treatment includes antibiotics and possibly supplements.

Also known as: Clostridium piliforme

urinary tract infections
This disease of the bladder and urethra does not have a known cause. Sufferers may have blood in the urine, painful urination, frequent urination, or blocked urine flow. They may also urinate in unusual places. Treatment can be a simple as changing to a moist food diet or as complex as surgery for a blocked urethra.

Also known as: Idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (IFLUFD), Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), Interstitial Cystitis, Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS)

vaccine
A biological substance introduced to make the animal resistant to a specific disease. The vaccine often includes substances that are or are similar to the microorganism that actually causes the disease.

vital signs
The vital signs are temperature, respiration, and pulse; they indicate whether life is present or not.
 

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified Veterinarian?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a veterinarian with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only veterinarians rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified veterinarian.

Q: Who is taking care of my pet while it stays in your veterinary clinic?

A: In California, all veterinarians must be licensed and must display that license on their premises. If you are seeing a farm vet who comes to you, the veterinarian should carry a pocket version of the license. Veterinarians may also employ licensed and unlicensed help. Registered veterinary technicians must be licensed and display and carry their licenses. These technicians can perform some tasks on their own and can perform others under the direct or indirect supervision of a veterinarian. Unlicensed workers may also work under supervision, direct or indirect, of veterinarians or technicians.

In an emergency situation, you will see on-call staff. If they are veterinarians or registered veterinary technicians, they must be licensed.

If your animal stays overnight in a facility, you may want to ask what the overnight arrangements are.

If your animal has a serious condition or a condition your general practice veterinarian does not or cannot treat, you may be referred to a specialist veterinarian. Specialists focus on either a specific type of medicine – cancer, behavior, nutrition – or on a specific species – birds, cats, dogs.

Q: What are registered veterinary technicians or unlicensed veterinary assistants allowed to do? And what does direct or indirect supervision mean?
A: Direct supervision means the supervisor is on the premises where the pet care is happening and can quickly be reached. Indirect supervision means the supervisor has given instructions but does not have to be present.

Under direct supervision of a veterinarian, registered veterinary technicians can remove teeth, create a hole in the skin for a catheter, put on a splint or cast, give anesthesia, or stitch skin and mouth tissue. Under indirect supervision of a veterinarian, registered veterinary technicians can draw blood or run lab tests, give medications, bandage animals, give some lifesaving emergency procedures, and operate x-ray equipment.

Unlicensed staff can give medicine. They can help a veterinarian under direct or indirect supervision and can help a registered veterinary technician under direct supervision. They are not allowed to work on animals except in a hospital. 

Q: Does pet insurance save me money?

A: Pet insurance, also called pet health insurance, is designed to help manage costs for pet health care. If you have no significant costs or crisis, you could end up paying for an insurance plan, and you will never get back as much as you paid in premiums.

If you do have a major crisis, pet insurance will be able to help pay the costs of treating that crisis. Pet insurance is best thought of as a risk management tool, not an investment vehicle.

Q: What should I look for in a pet insurance plan?

A: Pet insurance plans come in two major types. One covers emergency, or crisis, situations only. The other includes both crisis situations and routine health visits.

For plans that cover routine health visits, you may have a co-pay for each visit. You should be aware that you will have to pay your entire bill at the veterinarian’s office, then you will work with your insurer’s process to get reimbursed for your co-pay. Pet insurance operates differently from human health care plans because it is a form of property insurance.

Some pet insurance plans allow you to choose any veterinarian, while others require you to choose from a network of providers. Pet health insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. Be careful about how the plan defines pre-existing conditions. For example, if your animal has had a knee injury to one knee, the insurance company consider that a pre-existing condition and determine that any subsequent knee injury is a pre-existing condition, even if the injury is to different knee.

Q: Should I have my veterinarian neuter or spay my pet?

A: Both spaying and neutering refer to the ability to reproduce. For cats and dogs, spaying and neutering is recommended as a way to manage the overall population and avoid unwanted animals that can end up in shelters and euthanized. Spaying and neutering is also known to prevent reproductive system diseases, including some cancers. Neutering and spaying your pets can also have behavioral effects, and can limit marking and aggression in many animals.

Q: Why should I see a vet regularly if my pet is in good health?

A: Of course you want your animal to be healthy, but you also don’t want to feel you are paying for nothing.

It’s still a good idea to see a veterinarian on a regular schedule. This will help you establish a relationship with the veterinary clinic so that if something drastic does occur, you will feel comfortable accepting the veterinarian’s assessment. You’ll have a sense of what the veterinarian typically recommends and how aggressively he or she typically treats issues, so you’ll be able to judge the reaction when bigger issues arise.

Preventative treatment can also identify issues while they are still very curable or treatable. You can save considerable care and money if you can catch diseases in the earlier stages, when treatment is often less aggressive and less costly.

Discuss with your veterinarian what a reasonable schedule for visits would be for animals of your species, breed, and age.

Q: How do I know my veterinarian is properly licensed?

A: Veterinarians are licensed to work at the state level. In California, you can check for veterinarian’s license using tools on the Veterinary Medical Board’s Web site. The listing will also show information about complaints and pending complaints against the veterinarian.

License information for registered veterinary technicians is available at the same site.

Veterinarians in California are required to renew their license every two years and to take continuing education classes during each two-year period.

Q: What can I do to help my animal get the best care?

A: Always keep good records about your animal. Note down your animal’s age, which can be easy to forget in the heat of the moment. Keep a record of vaccines, as some vaccines must be administered over time, and some must be renewed at different periods, for example, annually.

You’ll also find it helpful to keep a record of veterinary visits, what happened, what treatments were given, what medications were prescribed. It’s important to note any surgeries or procedures your animal had and their dates. If your animal has particular trouble with one form of medicine – for example, if you find it difficult to give your cat a pill –ask about optional forms of the medicine in the future. If you move or change veterinarians for any reason, you can ask for a copy of your veterinary records. The veterinarian must give you your animal’s medical record, though they are allowed to charge duplication fees for preparing the material.

Q: I just saw a very dirty veterinary clinic. I am concerned about my animal’s health! What do I do?

A: To report unsanitary conditions, or any act or situation that causes harm or could cause harm to animals go to the VMB. You’ll need to include information specific to your animal, including name, breed, and age.

When describing the situation, be as factual as possible.

Q: Are microchips useful?

A: A microchip is an electronic device that can be put into an animal. As small as a grain of rice, the microchip stores an identification number for your animal.

The microchip does not include any battery or power source. A scanner must be used to activate and read the chip.
Microchips come in several different frequencies. The scanner must match the chip’s frequency to detect the microchip. Many scanners today can read all frequencies, but there is a chance that an older scanner might not read a newer chip. You can get multiple microchips implanted, if desired; they will not cancel each other out.

Most importantly, keep your contact information updated. The chip only stores an ID number. That number appears when scanned. The number is then compared against the database information for that chip. You can only be found if the database information found for your pet’s ID number is current. So if you move, make sure you update your information with your microchip service!