Veterinarians have this pesky document titled the Veterinary Practice Act for their state.
Oregon’s Veterinary Practice Act includes a provision that requires the licensed veterinarian to “perform and document a complete physical examination” covering specified body systems “immediately prior to administering or prescribing any drug”. Additionally, any time a patient is presented with ANY new problem, that full and documented examination is required by the Practice Act before the doctor is legally allowed to make any recommendations, including home remedies.
Any pet owner’s description of their pet’s problem is extremely useful, but the doctor needs trained observation also. We have had clients call about their dog’s “gaping wound” that runs out to be a laceration less than an inch long that never produced any notable bleeding. We have had clients call about their cat’s “minor scratch” that turned out to be a 3″ long laceration with jagged edges and an air pocket beneath extending into the abdominal cavity.
That exam is in your pet’s best interest, and also yours. Let’s figure out the problem before just throwing medicines at it that may not help, cost you money, and may have adverse reactions.