A NEW PUPPY WITH BLOOD IN THE STOOLS OR VOMITING AND
DIARRHOEA - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) AT TOA PAYOH VETS
When a new puppy has blood in the
stools or vomiting/diarrhoea, the following will be the procedures at Toa
Payoh Vets to provide the highest standard of care. This SOP defends the vet
during allegations of negligence litigation or complaint if the puppy dies later.
1. HISTORY. Record all vaccinations done and dates and by whom. Do
not forget to do so. Record your epidemiological study to determine
whether parvovirus is a likely cause.
2. GENERAL EXAMINATION. Demeanour. Weight, rectal temperature, pulse and
respiratory rate. Abdominal pain, gas in the GIT and other observations.
3. DETAILED EXAMINATION. Parvoviral test, blood test (haematology or
complete blood test), stool test. There may be a case for veterinary
negligence if the parvoviral test has not been done.
4. TREATMENT. According to symptoms. IV, SC or oral fluid therapy
depending on situation. Antispasmodic, antibiotics, multivitamins, protein
drip, Vit K1 when necessary. Times and amounts given will be recorded.
The vet in charge of the case is responsible for details of time,
amount and other information will be recorded in the hospitalisation
sheet.
5. COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE OWNER IN WRITING. A veterinary report
explaining the significance of the tests and case must be given to the
owner on discharge/death of the puppy. It is best to keep the owner
informed daily of the health of the puppy. Such phone calls must be
recorded in the medical case files.
6. RECORD AMA
(Against Medical Advice) the
owner's rejection of advices
of the test in your medical
record. Failure to do so
implies that the vet has not
advised at all in cases of
litigation/complaint. As
Singapore is becoming a
litigious society, I advise
that the highest standard of
care to be given at all
times. An example of a case
done by me is down shown in
the images.
TOA
PAYOH VETS
