I'm feeling a bit anxious and could really use some advice. I recently switched vets because we moved to a new area, and I need to get my hands on the x-rays that our old vet took of my dog, Benny. He's a big part of my life and has had some ongoing issues with his joints. The new vet wants to take a look at those x-rays to get a better understanding of his history before we start any new treatment. I'm not really sure of the etiquette here—do I call my previous vet or email them? Do I need to explain the whole situation or will they just send them over? I’m worried they might need Benny to have another appointment, and I’d like to avoid any unnecessary stress for my sweet pup. Any advice or similar experiences would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!
Hello! It’s great that you’re being proactive about your pet’s health by ensuring their medical records are current and available for your new vet. Asking your previous vet for your pet’s X-rays is quite common, and most clinics are happy to help. You can start by giving them a call or sending an email, kindly requesting a copy of your pet’s X-rays. It can be useful to include details such as your pet's name, the date of the X-rays, and mention that you’re transferring to a new vet.
Clinics typically provide digital files of X-rays, which makes it easy to share with your new veterinarian. They might email them directly to you or send them directly on to your new vet.
If you feel unsure about the process or if you encounter any hesitation, don't worry—vets are legally required to release medical records to the pet owner (of course, they might need a little time to get everything organized).
Keep an eye out for any reluctance or if they take longer than expected, as this could delay care for your pet. In the meantime, if your pet is experiencing any discomfort or changes in behavior, be sure to let your new vet know as soon as possible.
If it’s easier, you could book a video consult with Dial A Vet, and we can guide you smoothly through this process.
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