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Discussing Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The veterinarian explains the diagnosis, discusses various treatment options, potential costs, and the prognosis with the pet owner.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Veterinarian (Male)
Mr. Lee, after reviewing Bella's lab results, it appears she has a mild urinary tract infection. It's quite common in older female dogs.
2
Pet Owner (Female)
Oh, a UTI. Is that serious? I've noticed her drinking a lot more water recently and having accidents in the house.
3
Veterinarian (Male)
It's not serious if we treat it promptly. Those are classic symptoms. We have a few options for treatment. The most common is a course of antibiotics, usually for about 10-14 days.
4
Pet Owner (Female)
Antibiotics, okay. Will she need to come back for another check-up after that?
5
Veterinarian (Male)
Yes, I'd recommend a follow-up visit in two weeks to ensure the infection has cleared completely. We'll recheck her urine. The estimated cost for the antibiotics and the follow-up visit would be around $80 to $120, depending on the specific medication.
6
Pet Owner (Female)
That sounds reasonable. What's the prognosis like if we go with the antibiotics?
7
Veterinarian (Male)
The prognosis is excellent. Most UTIs clear up completely with antibiotics. Bella should start feeling much better within a few days. We'll also discuss some preventive measures you can take at home.
8
Pet Owner (Female)
That's great news. Let's go with the antibiotic treatment then. What are the dosage instructions?

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

UTI

Short for urinary tract infection, a common health issue in pets like dogs, causing problems with peeing.

mild

Not severe or strong; used to describe something that is not very bad, like a mild illness.

lab results

Results from medical tests done in a laboratory; doctors use these to diagnose problems.

antibiotics

Medicines that fight bacterial infections; often prescribed for infections like UTIs.

promptly

Quickly and without delay; important for treating health issues early to avoid worsening.

symptoms

Signs or indications of an illness, like drinking more water or accidents in the house.

follow-up

A later visit or check to see if treatment worked; common after initial medical care.

prognosis

The expected outcome or recovery from an illness; good prognosis means likely to get better.

preventive measures

Actions taken to stop problems from happening again, like diet changes or home care for pets.

dosage

The amount of medicine to give at one time; instructions include how much and how often.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

After reviewing Bella's lab results, it appears she has a mild urinary tract infection.

This sentence uses 'after reviewing' to show sequence of actions, and 'it appears' to express a likely conclusion based on evidence; useful for describing medical diagnoses politely and professionally.

Is that serious?

A simple question using 'is that' to ask about the severity of something; common in doctor-patient talks to seek reassurance about health issues.

It's not serious if we treat it promptly.

This conditional sentence with 'if' explains a situation depends on action; 'promptly' means quickly; useful for discussing treatment urgency in medical contexts.

We have a few options for treatment.

Uses 'a few options' to present choices; helpful when discussing alternatives in services like healthcare, showing flexibility.

Will she need to come back for another check-up after that?

Future question with 'will' and 'need to' for obligation; 'after that' refers to time sequence; practical for asking about follow-up procedures.

The estimated cost for the antibiotics and the follow-up visit would be around $80 to $120.

Uses 'would be' for hypothetical or estimated future; 'around' means approximately; essential for talking about prices and ranges in budgeting for services.

What's the prognosis like if we go with the antibiotics?

Informal question with 'what's...like' to ask for description; 'go with' means choose; useful for inquiring about expected outcomes in treatments.

The prognosis is excellent.

Simple statement using 'is' for current assessment; 'excellent' means very good; reassuring response in medical discussions about recovery.

Let's go with the antibiotic treatment then.

Uses 'let's' for suggestion and agreement; 'go with' means select; common for deciding on plans together in conversations.

What are the dosage instructions?

Question with 'what are' for details; focuses on how to use medicine; vital for understanding medication guidelines safely.