My trip to the vet last week has set me to pondering on issues of medical confidentiality.
Gail tells me that for humans, the medical profession takes care not to discuss the patients' symptoms in public, and protocols are in place to protect all records of illness, treatment etc. from those not directly involved.
Apparently this is not the case for us pups, at least not in the time of Covid.
Picture the scene. It is the small car park outside the veterinary surgery. As we are in an urban area, many of the customers, including Gail and me, live close by and arrive on foot/paw. The waiting room is closed, so everyone stands outside. My eye is caught by a white Staffordshire bull terrier, a cute wee lass with a pink collar. I wonder what is wrong with her.
Unfortunately I don't have to wait too long to discover. The vet comes out to the car park and before taking the Staffie inside for an examination, he wants to discuss the pretty young pup's case with her owner.
The owner proceeds to give a lengthy and graphic account of his pet's recent bowel movements. One can't help but hearing the words, 'very runny', 'squirting', yellow in colour', 'foul smelling', 'sudden'...
Oh I do feel sorry for my little friend. What a humiliation. Surely there should be a law against these sorts of public disclosure?
imagine they would do that with twoleggers too... hello, hello, the woman with the yellow runs is next! oh my! we had more luck than brain, as we had the vet anyway in da hood, so she treated da nelly on da street, what was totally empty..
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right Bertie. Not only would I not like my symptoms discussed in front of strangers, but I don't want to hear other doggies symptoms either!
ReplyDeleteMy human says she's glad she had breakfast before reading this!
Love,
Inca xx
First let me say that today your photo is one of the best I've ever seen you look absolutely so beautiful sitting there and it shows all your pretty fur. How dare they talk about confidential things in a public spot I think you should start a protest. Get Gail to make you a protest sign that will hook on Your Collar and get out there and make the world aware that dogs have rights too
ReplyDeleteBertie you handsome self in that pose almost made me forget to read your commentary. WOW well don on the pose and mysterious man gaze.
ReplyDeletePoor little Staffie bless her heart..all her worst secrets disclosed in public for everyone to hear. She might need to hire an attorney to represent her. She has a case of slander on her paws...well slander and some other things.
Hugs Cecilia
We have to say we're glad the medical problem in your title wasn't one of yours. That was what we thought when we read it but are glad (for you) that you weren't the one with that problem. BOL!
ReplyDeleteHow embarrassing for the wee Staffie girl. We hope she feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteHope it wasn't too close to lunchtime for all standing in proximity...
And I am afraid this homoeopath could only think that was enough info to prescribe the remedy of Chamomilla 30c, two pillules thrice in the next 24 hours then await results... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Gail says: predictably, I overheard the vet prescribing anti-biotics.
DeletePoor girl, it's a wonder she could even show her face - how about a little privacy, Mom???
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Oh my! We hope the poor pup is on the road to recovery after such a graphic description of events!
ReplyDeleteYour friend Rosie
Very embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteWhile standing BEHIND the confidentiality post in the doctors, the receptionist yelled at an elderly man, 'Have you had a bowel movement this morning, Mr Brown?' So much for privacy.
COVID has finally begun to affect the dog world.
ReplyDeleteOh my! That's just not right. not right at all!
ReplyDeleteAt least in the parking lot at my vettie, Ma speaks my phone, some times she has to step out of the car cause I'm barkin'. so there is a wee chance that others have heard my personal stuffs too! maybe I should start shutting up 😄. I sure do hopes the gurl is okays now.
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
Don't you have some kind of HIPPA rules in your country on patient privacy?!?!
ReplyDeleteOh dear.
ReplyDelete