ABSTRACT
A good history contributes 60-80% of the data needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Information obtained from conversations/history taking between the veterinarian and the client is the basis for a clinical diagnosis. The history contains the biomedical information and background information about the pet. It is also vital to understand the ‘story’ or the client’s perspective. Many times the story the client shares about their pet is just as important as the biomedical history. It gives the veterinarian a basis for what to ask next and a chance to understand/appreciate where clients are coming from and what concerns them most. In order to get an effective history, the veterinarian needs to be able to elicit the story from the client, therefore he/she needs to be a good communicator. Practicing good communication is essential to practicing good medicine.
