Your pets medical records

[LORHEL]

Is it possible to request a copy of our pets Medical Records, such as our own.... I was just wondering, if anyone has done this and if there were any problems getting them. I don't have particular reason, but I am having an ongoing skin problem with my girl and want to get the whole picture including her health, etc....

[ladawn]

I just asked my vet for them and it was no problem. We moved from one city to another and I wanted the vet in the new city to know her complete history.

[Miabella]

When I moved after college, my vet made copies of my cats' medical records for me (I didn't have any dogs then). Just call and ask, they should be happy to oblige. :)

[WorkinDogz]

ALWAYS keep a copy of your pets medical records current and in your file cabinet.

You never know when an emergency will come up (can't plan for those) and the pets medicial history can be an INVALUABLE resource for the attending Veterinarian.

You know how it goes....... sometimes things slip your mind when there is a crisis. :( Time becomes clouded and it could be tough to remember the "when was the last time......" question a Vet may ask.

[TrishB]

Some vets may charge you for copies of the records (for the cost of copying), some won't. It really depends on your vet. Especially when a dog as an extensive history, it is their perogative to charge you for the time and cost of copies.

Transferal of records due to a move, referral, etc. are mandatory.

This goes to a human story I'd like to share:

The patient had a nagging cough. She went to have it checked out, was prescribed some medications and went on her way. She moved. Once she got settled in, she went to a new doctor to get the cough checked again and got more medications. After 2 more moves and 3 more doctors - one finally decided to do a complete work up (chest Xrays, blood panel, etc.).

It was found that she had lung cancer that had spread to her esophagus and liver.

Had she been careful about transferring her records with every move, the doctors would have seen that this was a reoccurring problem over a period of time. By the time the connection was made, 3 - 4 years had passed since it first presented itself.

If my Aunt would have been dilligent about her records and her care, I may not have lost her, too soon, at the young age of 43. :(

Don't let it happen to you, your family, or your pets. ALWAYS transfer your full medical history to your current doctor to give them the full picture of your health. It's your responsibility to do so. It could save your life.

[LORHEL]

Sorry I forgot to ask this.... the part I particularly interested in is Prior to my formally adopting makita... she was in the hospital from 9/22- for three weeks, and I adopted her after she was "released"... would I have any right to those?? She was hit by a car and I would very much like to know the entire story behind exactly what was injured besides her fractured leg.. but techinically since I wasn't the owner, I may not be entitled to them??? Thanks everyone..:D

[TrishB]

Technically, you may not be entitled to them. However, the majority of vets WILL pass them on, now that you are the legal owner of the dog. If there was a fracture, there could be a plate / pins that need to be removed. Without those records, you won't be able to care for her properly.

I would talk to the receptionist / assistant. The vast majority of them will understand and will forward the records.

[LORHEL]

Thanks Trish, and again, congrats on that puppy breath...:)

[babydungeon]

when i changed vets i asked for his records and they just printed off a list of what all has been done. they would not give me the records or the x-ray to hand carry to new vet. they said they wanted them for THEIR records. i do have the printed receipts from every vet visit since birth. i keep everything. if space wasn't an issue i wouldn't delete e-mails either, i like to keep EVERYTHING...just in case!;) -kevin