A cat straining in the litter box

Veterinarian · Who you talk to: The owner

A cat goes in and out of the litter box and passes little urine. Lower urinary tract disease was the most common reason cats saw the vet in Nationwide's data.

What this case adds

Decide early whether this is an emergency and say so to the owner.
Do not let the animal's welfare wait on paperwork: that is a fatal flaw.

Critical fails

Jeopardizing the health and well-being of the animal through action or inaction: fatal flaw, zero for the station.
Handling the animal in an unsafe or inhumane way: penalties up to dismissal from the station.
Recording a finding that is not actually present: points are lost.
A correct treatment plan for a differential list that misses the right diagnosis: points are deducted.

The full checklist of this mold, step by step with its official sources: Consult: the owner's story, physical exam and diagnosis.

Sources

AVMA ECFVG, Manual of Administration for the Clinical Proficiency Examination, 2025 edition, Small Animal Medicine (SAM01) https://ebusiness.avma.org/Files/Downloads/ecfvg/Candidate_Moa.pdf
Nationwide, Most common conditions that prompt veterinary visits (data from more than 1.1 million insured pets) https://news.nationwide.com/032822-most-common-conditions-that-prompt-veterinary-visits/

Making Synapses is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the AVMA, the ECFVG or Nationwide. ECFVG is a trademark of its owner and is named only to describe what this mold practices; always follow your veterinarian's guidance for your own pet.

Consult: the owner's story, physical exam and diagnosis