Case-file checklist before veterinary referral to Japan

Core records

1. Referral letter and working diagnosis from the primary veterinarian
2. Dated laboratory trends
3. Original X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound files—preferably DICOM—with reports
4. Pathology/cytology reports and location of slides
5. Drug, dose, duration, response, adverse events and reason for stopping
6. Three to five focused questions

Extra records for cardiac surgery and oncology

Cardiac cases should include recent echocardiography, chest radiographs, ECG, symptoms, body-weight and medication trends. Oncology cases should include pathology, staging, tumour measurements and prior response/toxicity in chronological order.

Boundary

Referral should normally proceed from the primary veterinarian to the Japanese specialist hospital. Complete records do not guarantee acceptance, surgery or trial eligibility, and coordinators or translators do not replace veterinary diagnosis.