What Exactly is Veterinary Telemedicine?
Through Virtual Veterinary Care, you can text, call, or video chat with our licensed veterinarian, Dr. Mark J. Nunez, to address any questions or health concerns you have about your pet. Similar to human telemedicine, pet telemedicine allows you to speak directly with a vet from the comfort and convenience of your living room. During your telemedicine appointment, Dr. Nunez can help you diagnose a condition in your pet, recommend a treatment plan, and answer any questions you have.
What Can Be Treated with Pet Telemedicine?
Dr. Nunez can assist you and your pet with a wide variety of health concerns and situations, including:
Coughing
Diarrhea or Vomiting
Skin Issues
(itching, redness, dandruff)
Acute or Chronic Pain
Ear Infections
Limping
Paw Infections
Minor Bleeding
(such as from a cut or nail)
Sneezing or Reverse Sneezing
Other Things We Can Discuss During Your Call
In addition to addressing physical changes and health issues in your pet, we can also use your telemedicine appointment as an opportunity to:
- Assist in chronic disease management (heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, etc.)
- Follow-up care after surgery or some other treatment
- Give a second opinion about your pet’s condition
- Offer advice on behavioral issues
- Offer guidance to help you with your pet’s care and needs
- Educate you on many general but important pet-related topics
What to Expect with a Telemedicine Exam
How can we examine your pet if we don’t get to see them in person? Certain medical conditions can be reasonably examined and diagnosed during a video call, or by sharing photos and videos of your pet to give the veterinarian sufficient information about their condition.
What Cannot Be Treated with Telemedicine
Pet telemedicine is convenient and affordable and can provide exactly what your dog or cat needs in certain medical situations. However, it is not a substitute for in-clinic care with your regular veterinarian. If for any reason Dr. Nunez believes your pet’s condition requires blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, or other extensive workups, he will recommend that you make an appointment with your regular veterinarian.
Additionally, if your pet’s condition is urgent, you should contact your regular veterinarian or take your pet to the ER as soon as possible.
For a list of emergencies that require in person visits, click here.