Not knowing is exciting and stressful all at once.  Currently, we have a patient whose abdomen is filling up with clear fluid.  Why?  I don’t know.  I really like having answers to give my clients.  It feels a lot more productive when I can define a problem and prescribe a treatment.  I like to make progress.  So, when I get a case that stumps me, I feel frustrated.  On the other hand, it is also a challenge for my noodle. 

There are a lot of things that I can see now and diagnose really quickly:  flea allergy, kennel cough and reverse sneezing.  Other things take a little more testing, but are easy diagnoses:  parasites, diabetes and kidney disease.

So, where does that put Chrissy and her abdominal fluid?  Not in either one of these classes.  We have done a lot of testing and are not quite at an answer yet.  Why is this exciting?  It forces me to go back to basics.  I have to make a list of all of her medical problems and the possible causes.  I have to make a list of possible tests we must do to make a diagnosis.  I have to THINK!

I have spent a lot of time thinking this week.  Sometimes, no matter how much thinking and testing I do, I need to call in a specialist.  Chrissy saw a specialist late last week and we are waiting on the results of some follow-up testing.  I am grateful that her owners are trusting and patient.  That way, we can all work together to get Chrissy well.