Survey: What’s the answer when you don’t have the answer?

On any given day in general practice, a veterinarian could encounter cats, dogs, rabbits, and, in some cases, birds, snakes, and more. Within each species, there are numerous breeds (and mixes), many of which might be genetically predisposed to certain health issues. On top of that, these pets could be coming in for anything from a wellness check and vaccine update to digestive ailments, itchy skin, respiratory issues, lameness, lethargy, lumps … you name it.

In other words, veterinary professionals keep a lot of information in their heads.

But what happens when a client asks you about something you don’t know? What do you do? Do you have tips and tricks for balancing honesty and transparency with expertise? Is this something you struggle with?

We want to hear from you about how you handle this situation, because there are plenty of options. A future Trends article will use your responses to the short quiz below, along with expert insights, to examine how communication can help veterinary teams can provide the best experience to the families they serve, even when they don’t have the answer to a particular question or problem.

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If you've got questions, anecdotes, suggestions, or just want to weigh in on this topic, drop us a line at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

Photo credit: Hispanolistic/E+ via Getty Images 

Disclaimer: Trends™ content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.