THE VETERINARIAN’S RELATION TO CLIENT. 
475 
ance is placed upon their display by quacks. However, they 
should be near at hand, that they may be used to explain condi¬ 
tions more fully to client. An explanation by the use of patho¬ 
logical conditions which apply to case in question before client, 
is very useful and has much to do in making a good impres¬ 
sion upon client. You gain his confidence thereby, and should 
case not terminate successfully, he is not prejudiced against you 
and will give you the benefit of the fact that the best veterina¬ 
rians are not capable of saving every case. 
Having reached the point of making visits to patients, what 
has been said in reference to relation of veterinarian to client in 
office holds equally good here, added to it the fact that we are 
in the presence of patient, and our position to be more guarded. 
In coming before patient we should always make a general 
survey of our patient’s condition before proceeding to make our 
examination. Before making examination gain as full a history 
of case as possible from owner or attendant, which will often 
prevent you from making some embarrassing blunders before 
client. Proceeding to the examination, go about it in a system¬ 
atic way: one which will indicate to your client that you are 
fully competent and understand what you are about. After duly 
weighing all evidence in case, be quick to make diagnosis. Be 
firm in it, and should your client request a diagnosis, give it, 
but guarded in all uncertain cases. 
For our advantage before client, it will be found best not to 
give prognosis unless it should be in those cases where death is 
positive or a cure is beyond a doubt impossible. Give prognosis 
only in cases where it can be verified by patient’s condition in a 
very short space of time. Should the veterinanian be urged to 
give prognosis in doubtful cases, he can modify it somewhat by 
giving his opinion or his belief, and by such you will satisfy 
client equally as well, and find yourself in a pleasanter position 
should patient go contrary to your opinion of it. Ever be on 
the look-out for the preservation of your reputation. Many 
times we are called upon by people to give our opinion in cases 
where we are not expected to be paid, and of course expected 
