Be honest with me - is this going too far??

[Siwsan]

I'm thinking about taking photos of the different stages of Arthur's swelling issue to show the vet. The photos would be time stamped.

I just checked him again and there' a little redness and the tiniest little miniscule bit little bit swelling. The vet has only seen it when it is in full red rose bloom.

And I could ease into it by asking if it would be helpful for me to do that, and if he says yes then I'll pull out my phone. If he says no and gives me a side eye look, I'll delete them as soon as I get back to the car.

Maybe I should discuss this compulsively anxiety driven behavior with my therapist, today.

[MuseRider]

1. Anything you can give them

would be good. If it is not needed they will thank you and put it aside but as someone who was involved in patient care as a nurse we always appreciated any information. This is not compulsive it could be diagnostic. Do not ever feel bad about this.

[onecaliberal]

2. I would think it would be helpful.

[wnylib]

3. It might help. Who knows?

Just ask the vet as you plan to do.

Maybe the early stages will indicate something to the vet.

But I don't think I would document every single step of the swelling. That probably would be therapy territory.

[hlthe2b]

4. You could ask if it would be helpful, but I'd bet he/she would prefer a concise summary

of how often it flares up to the maximal extent that the veterinarian has seen it previously, under what conditions (diet, licking, other exposure to possible contact allergens like litter) versus when it is minimally or not at all inflamed. Also what it is that you think is working or conversely inciting Arthur to lick...

Remember, this is a problem that your veterinarian has undoubtedly experienced in other kitties so you may not need to do serial digital photos. But ask.

[wnylib]

7. Good points.

[3catwoman3]

5. Pictures can be very helpful in clinical situations.

Pictures of the variations in the irritated area will show your vet exactly what you are seeing. Descriptions are very subjective and what looks really awful to you may not look as alarming to an experienced clinician. Picture worth a thousand words, and all that.

I must say that I did find it odd when moms started taking pictures of their babies’ poop if they had questions about it. I’d rather look at the real thing in a diaper than pictures. I’m not sure why, but the mental images of a photograph of poop would linger in my mind, but a peek at the contents of a diaper would not.

[Raven123]

6. Photos are a very good way to document a visual finding

Helps you, your pet and the vet. Had a recent issue with a pet for which the photo (video in this case) was very helpful. Continuing to track progress.

[SheltieLover]

8. Great idea!

Vet might see something in pix.

If not, s/he will certainly appreciate your diligence!