What is it with Florida vets?

[YellowJakesMom]

That wasn't the only criteria. It's just a little way of knowing who's best. There were a lot more things that decided me...

Kevin

I'll say it: This is just silly.

There are about a million better ways to judge a practice than if a vet knows - on the spot - about cold tail. I have a minor in journalism, but if someone asked me a specific question about AP Style I can't guarantee I would know the answer offhand. I would be able to grab my stylebook and look it up quickly though - and follow up with an educated explanation. It's impossible to remember everything from 4 years of school (do you recall every detail you learned in college?), but it is possible to know how to find out what something is and do the appropriate tests to diagnose a condition.

Cold tail knowledge would not even be on my radar, even as a means of deciding "who is best." What vaccines do they recommend in their core program? Do they titer? What anesthesia protocols do they use? What is included with a spay/neuter estimate (I want preanesthetic bloodwork done, as well as IV fluids during surgery, and pain medication to go home)? Who do they recommend I see in case of an after hours emergency?

ETA: It's nice that you are very concerned about the care your dog is going to receive, but I think you are probably eliminating a lot of vets who otherwise could take very good care of your dog!

[NM Lab Lover]

Kevin - I would wait until you move (soon??) and then contact a local kennel club or rescue to get some recommendations. You have to be the advocate for Harley just like you would be for Alexander and Olivia. If a vet makes you uncomfortable or uneasy then you need to keep looking. Jacksonville should have a fairly large selection of vet practices. Keep Bob's suggestion in mind too. Gainesville is only a few hours southwest of Jacksonville and the university there might be a consideration if Harley ever needs expert or specialty care (hope that never happens!!)

p.s. Don't hold the cold tail part against them. I had no idea what it was until I read about it on JL. I had to goggle it to find out what it was and I grew up with lots of hunting dogs in my extended family circle. Who knew??

I would be much more concerned that the vet and the vet assistants love animals and connect with them. It will make a huge difference in your trust and confidence when you do encounter an illness or injury with Harley.

[kdryan]

I keep phrasing this wrong! The cold tail thing is not the most important factor in my search. It's just that I figured with so many having not heard of it, one that had would probably be better informed, and a more qualified vet...

Kevin

[kelli]

My vet has 2 labs and had never heard of cold tail, either. She's a wonderful vet and loves my dogs..

She knows about it now =)