Problems with owner communications

This chapter deals with communication problems between the veterinary surgeon and the owners of animals undergoing treatment for intervertebral disc disease, an area that has often been neglected in other works that usually deal exclusively with pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Neurologic disease can be a confusing subject, especially for the untrained owner of an afflicted animal and many areas of potential confusion between the veterinarian and the owner can occur. Potential problems may arise during the discussion of the medical history, interpretation of the neurologic examination, explanation of differential diagnostic and treatment alternatives, and description of the operative and postoperative phases. Each of these areas is discussed relative to the veterinarian's interaction with the owner of the animal patient.