A veterinarian can properly interview your patient to conduct a primary epidemiological assessment of the situation. Diagnosis of Their Patients - Veterinarians use pretty much the same methods as you do. However, the same agent may take different pathways in different species. Thus, the laboratory sample procedure may be different from that of your patient. The metabolism of an antimicrobial is sometimes different in different animal species.
Antimicrobials sometimes have different secondary effects in different species.
Thus, the choice of an antimicrobial, route of administration, dose, frequency, etc. may be species-specific. The process and the reasons for follow-up are the same for veterinarians as they are for you. Their Client - Veterinarians are trained to teach their clients about how to avoid transmission of zoonotic agents. Consequences to Your Patient - The continuance of transmission by bravely going where no physician has ever gone before is not in your patient s interest. Consequences to Your Reputation - Being seen as responsible for the continuance of transmission by bravely going where no physician has ever gone before is not the best way to establish your reputation of professionalism.