DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a cyst on the top of my forehead. Now that my hairline has receded to the point where the cyst has become visible, I would like to have it removed. My insurance will not cover this, but I have a friend and neighbor who is a veterinarian. He says he will do it at cost.
Is there any reason why I should not let him? After all, I trust him to treat my dog and I love her like one of my family.
DEAR READER:
Wow! I am printing and responding to your letter because it is a first. No one has ever asked me to “cross party lines” before.
Veterinarians are qualified — in their field. Many programs do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance and prerequisites vary, however all programs require up to 90 semester hours at an undergraduate level. Mandated classes include chemistry, biology, genetics, and microbiology. A four-year degree in the field of animal science and a post graduate degree from a recognized school of veterinary medicine are mandated. By the way, there are 28 colleges in 26 states that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association. A state license is required before practice can begin. Some students prefer to intern in a group practice. Others choose to go solo.
Most veterinarians diagnose problems, medicate, vaccinate, set fractures, treat and dress wounds, perform surgery when necessary, and dispense advice. They use surgical instruments, stethoscopes and diagnostic equipment. Sounds like a medical doctor, doesn’t it? The only differential is that a pet cannot speak to tell his doctor what hurts. That’s up to the pet’s owner, but it certainly adds a vital element to the necessary examination.
Obviously I cannot endorse having a veterinarian anesthetize, perform surgical excision, suture, send the cyst for analysis if appropriate, and follow the wound for possible signs of infection. Would you consider making an appointment for your pet with your general practitioner or surgeon? Might he or she be put off if you did? Perhaps you should bite the bullet (or dog bone) and make arrangements to pay a surgeon over time through a payment plan to remove your cyst as an office procedure. I recommend you play it safe.
To give you related information (no pun intended), I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott