In episode 4, I cover how a veterinarian goes about making a diagnosis. There are many formal steps to this process. The steps are: 1-the chief complaint (the problem or problems briefly summed up), 2-the history of the problem(s) and the animal, 3-a physical exam, 4-a list of possible diseases is generated, called differential diagnosises, 5-diagnostic testing, 6-rule in vs rule out (possible diagnosises ruled in or out based on test results), 7-a definitive diagnosis is made (hopefully, but not always), 8-treatment (there are many possible therapeutics (i.e. drugs, physical therapy) available today, also surgery may be required. As a veterinarian gains more experience they may abbreviate some of the early steps or a diagnosis may be made directly by visualization or the physical exam. The chief complaint and the history typically can be excellent guides to the diagnosis. I discuss 3 examples of patients I treated in my career ranging from the small, a chihuahua to the huge, a great dane! The odd cases are not easily forgotten. At about minute 16 you will hear a thumping noise and some random clunking. That's my dog, Penny a female black lab who has to make sure I'm ok and once she does then proceeds to gnaw on her bone. Got to love that. Near the last couple of minutes my voice becomes a bit croaky, I will try to remedy that for the future. You can contact me with questions or suggested topics by email at: askdrmatt@proton.me Thank you and I look forward to our next get together.