Before beginning a file with me it is important that you compile a summary of your pet’s history. We can then go over that history together via telephone, where I will give you feedback on the history and educate you, and I will learn more about your pet’s well-being. Below I will describe how to format your history in a way that makes it easier for me to evaluate your pet and to better treat your pet. There will be a consultation charge for the time it takes on the phone, so make your summary concise and organized before calling to start a file with me. A simple call with general questions is free. For the history, it is best to call 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday or 11:15 to 11:45 A.M. on Saturday. I work at my desk 11-1 but most folks call near 11:00 or near 1:00 and it is hard for me to concentrate on you and your pet if I get interrupted often. It is difficult to talk outside the hours I work at my home office desk since I am a foster parent.

To prepare your history answer the following questions as completely as possible, using this format:

1. Start your story with the current problem, telling me, when did the signs begin and describe what signs you saw at the beginning. Then explain how the signs have changed, and when they changed. I need to know how you have tried to treat you pet for this problem thus far and what percent change in the signs did you see after each treatment. I would like names and dosages of all therapies, including all drugs or holistic therapies, plus things like rest, exercise, warm or cold, dry or damp, seasons, etc. and all changes seen in the signs.
   
2. Describe fully any other current problems your pet is having, with all the details described in #1. (i.e., when what, how, treatments, and percentage change)
   
3. As best as possible describe what your pet’s life was like before you got them (such as, from a large kennel, private home, pet store, friend, stray, shelter, abused, neglected, etc.) Early stresses can set the stage for diseases and health problems.
   
4. The first health problem your pet showed after coming to you will help me understand your pet’s inherited vital force and immune system better so please describe that first problem with all the details of #1 and #2.
   
5. Next write a brief overview of all other problems your pet has shown. List physical, mental and emotional problems your pet has shown. List physical, mental and emotional problems and what you treated them with, how often they occurred, how and what you treated them with, how often they occurred, how you responded to treatments and what you think caused them.
   
6. I would like to see all blood and urine test results. If many panels have been done, get copies of all of them and please make a chart with all results on one page. The chart would help you, me and anyone who needs to treat your pet. Just like on the lab form please put the names of the test procedures on the left column (urinalysis, chemistries, CBC, cultures etc.), then list the normals, then in dated columns write all of your pet’s results. Highlight the abnormal values. It is best if all tests were done at the same lab.
   

Borrow all x-rays of your pet for me to evaluate.

You will want to get the entire file from your veterinarian to do this homework. At this time tell your veterinarian to write, in bold or red, at the top of your file: ‘HOLISTIC CLIENT—NO STEROIDS, unless there is a life threatening condition”. I am sure you will learn a lot just reading the file. Ask the receptionist to help you interpret unreadable things. Keep a copy of this history summary readily available in case you ever need to go to an emergency clinic or to a specialist. The summary will help them treat your pet more accurately.

It is optional, but you can fax your summary to me just before we go over it by telephone.DO NOT FAX THE ENTIRE VETERINARY HISTORY My phone and fax number are the same: 773-761-4525. It is essential that we discuss the entire history via telephone so I can help empower you to be a more proactive guardian of your pet. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11:30 AM to 12:30PM or Saturday 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM are the best times to call with your history. I am looking forward to working with you.

	Sincerely,