Basic Diagnostic and Therapeutic Decision Making: A Guide to Apply Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine in Your Practice

摘要

In the exotic companion practice, veterinarians are commonly faced with many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in treating a great variety of relatively small-sized species. In particular, the lack of available scientific information and inabilityto perform certain diagnostic tests or treatment modalities may discourage veterinarians from practicing evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM). Veterinarians are, however, encouraged to think out of the box and apply knowledge obtained from other species. During this process it will become clear that, by following the basic tenets of problem-oriented medicine, critically appraising the current literature as well as applying sound clinical reasoning, a high quality of EBVM can be delivered. When theprinciples of evidence-based veterinary medicine are applied, whereby the best available research evidence, the perceived value of the pet and expertise of the clinician are integrated, our patients will be provided with the best possible care which istailored to the individual patient and is satisfactory for the clinician, the owner, as well as the patient. In addition, this process will stimulate us to critically evaluate the choices and decisions that are made on a day-to-day basis, thereby enabling us to work according to the highest standards of care and advance the field of exotic animal medicine.