Not All Endings Are Happy

By David A. Rustebakke, DVM

Dr. Rustebakke is a long time veterinarian and owner of Rustebakke Veterinary Service

​            Veterinary practice can be exhilarating, challenging, and frustrating.  I like to post pictures and descriptions of medical cases where everything turns out well.  It is fun to do, and fun to read the comments that follow.
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          In the real world not everything turns out the way we would like.  We are constantly faced with cases that have no chance for a successful resolution.  Some injuries and medical problems are irreparable.  Combine that with the fact that farm animals (and many pets) are living outside, often with an owner who has other priorities and doesn’t take the time to check them every day.  Maybe the owner is ignorant on what constitutes an emergency  (ignorance does not equal stupidity or being a bad person; we all have areas where we are not particularly knowledgeable).  Maybe the owner is knowledgeable, has done everything right, calls for professional help in a timely manner, and has the resources to take care of any problem.  And we still may be faced with a situation that has no chance for a successful outcome.  In these cases, the best I or any veterinarian can do is give our best assessment of the case, give our opinion on the chances for a successful outcome, and leave it to the owner to make the final decision.

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