What Does an Appointment Look Like?
Time
The amount of time we schedule for an appointment depends on what the appointment is scheduled for. Here are our most common appointment types and how long we schedule them for. The times listed are for one animal (except herd health). Additional animals will add to the time for an appointment, but not necessarily double it.
- Routine/wellness 30 minutes
- Herd health 40 minutes
- Non-routine 60 minutes
- Urgent 60 minutes
- Fit-in emergency 90 minutes
Location
For all appointments we come to you. Depending on the species we are seeing, different locations around your home/property will be best. See the list below for some examples. In all cases we ask that you have your animal(s) contained and ready for their appointment.
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Dogs:
We can do the exam plus most diagnostics/treatment/services wherever the dog is most comfortable. This may be in your home, in the yard, or in a barn/field. We must be able to easily work with the dog - their comfort and everyone’s safety is priority.
Cats:
Most cat exams are done in your home – this is usually safest for the cat and for us. Depending on the cat’s temperament, they may need kept in a bathroom or small room (or even a carrier) prior to the appointment to ensure they will be present for their appointment. We can do cat exams outside, in a barn, etc. – so long as the cat will not run away, and it is safe for all involved (people and animals).
Goats, Sheep, Camelids:
We do most goat, sheep and camelid appointments in a small pen or stall. Generally, we do not need a chute or stand, but we must be able to easily work with the individual animal(s). They need to be ready in a small area prior to the appointment.
Cattle:
Most cattle appointments take place in a barn or field. Either way, they need to be confined to a small pen prior to the appointment, and there needs to be some sort of restraint system ready. Cattle chutes are a great restraint system but they need to be set up and in place prior to the appointment. It is also important that you know how to use your system. Every system is different, so for everyone’s safety it is important that the owner is operating the equipment.
If there is no chute/restraint system present, the doctor can do a visual exam, but may not be able to do a full exam/workup.
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Pigs:
We do most pig appointments in a small pen or stall (or the home if they are a house pig). Pig boards and/or a restraint system are ideal, but not always required. We must be able to easily work with the individual animal(s), therefore they need to be ready in a small area prior to the appointment.
Poultry:
We can do the exam plus most diagnostics/treatment/services wherever the bird is most comfortable. Usually this is in their pen/enclosure. The bird does need to be contained prior to the appointment to ensure they will be present for their appointment. This can be a pet carrier, dog crate, or just a small area. Individual bird exams can also be done in your home if you prefer.
Herd/Flock health:
Herd health and flock health do not require the doctor to do a physical exam on individual animals. Generally, these appointments take place in the normal environment for the animals. For cattle/sheep/goats this is normally a field. For poultry it is generally the birds’ enclosure. While the doctor does not need do a physical exam on all of the animals, she will need to see all (or most) of the animals at a distance where she can determine that the animals appear healthy. Essentially, the cows can’t be on another property or across an impassable creek.
Appointment Agenda
Doctor and possibly an assistant show up. Our typical vehicle is a silver Toyota Tundra.
Once we arrive, we will have you show us to where the animal(s) are. We will start our initial discussion which generally includes animals’ diet, medications, symptoms, and concerns. The doctor will then do a full exam on each animal and discuss her findings.
If diagnostics are warranted that is next on the agenda. This may be getting a blood or urine sample, doing an x-ray or ultrasound, or aspiration of lumps.
Next the doctor will administer any treatments that have been deemed necessary and agreed upon.
Finally, a final discussion will happen and the doctor will answer any last-minute questions you may have. The doctor will take a couple minutes to put notes and charges into the computer and then ask you to pay your bill. Once everything is settled and your questions answered, the doctor and assistant will be on their way to their next appointment.
What is a Herd/Flock Health Appointment?
A herd health (cows, sheep, goats, etc.) or flock health (chickens, ducks, etc.) appointment is a once-a-year appointment that establishes and maintains a relationship with your veterinarian. Many farms and ranches both big and small do a lot of their animal care on their own. Every animal owner has their own level of comfort as to what they will do with their animals and what they refer to someone else to do. Some things it is safe for an owner to do, and others it requires a licensed veterinarian. There are two primary reasons to do a herd/flock health appointment on a yearly basis. The first is to develop a relationship with your veterinarian. Even if you never end up having them out that year for a health concern, you know who you are going to call if something comes up. Not only that, but now the veterinarian has seen your animals, your facilities, and has had a conversation with you about your unique situation. In other words, if something comes up the doctor is not starting from scratch to try and help you.
The second reason is that there are a few scenarios where if you have had your herd/flock health appointment within the last year, there is a chance that you can avoid another appointment. If Dr. Furrer has seen an animal or herd/flock for a particular issue, or the issue was discussed at the herd/flock health appointment, we can potentially help with advice/recommendations or medications without another appointment. If it is a new concern that has not been previously discussed, an appointment is legally required. For example, say you have a small herd of cows. You normally castrate the bull calves yourself and you prefer to give them pain medication. When you are making sure you have everything for this year’s calves you realize that you don’t have enough pain medication for all of the calves. If you have had your herd health appointment within the last year, you and the doctor discussed your practice of castrating the calves yourself, and discussed the proper use of the medication, the doctor will probably be able to get you the medication that you need without having her out for an appointment. If you have not had a herd health appointment within the last year, there is no chance that the doctor can get you the medication without an appointment. Legally that would not be allowed.
So, what does a herd/flock health appointment look like? Mostly the entire appointment is discussion and observation of the animals. The primary requirements are that Dr. Furrer needs to physically be on the premises, see the facilities and animals, and discuss husbandry and any/all medications used throughout the year. There will be time dedicated to answer any questions or concerns. The primary purpose of a herd/flock health appointment is to start and keep an open dialogue between an owner and the doctor, while being a combination of what we are legally required to cover plus individualized conversation.
Surgery
We love being a mobile clinic, however it is not feasible to do all of our surgeries on the road. It is not safe to have sedated animals in the van while driving. Therefore, being stationary/in one place for the duration of the pre-op services, procedure, and full recovery of each animal maximizes our efficiency and allows us to help more patients. We park our surgery van (Beast) at our local feed store and have clients bring surgery patients to us. The patients are dropped off at the van in the morning, and picked up in the afternoon.
