Finding a Vet (kinda long) Criteria for a long happy relationship?

[Spike's Mom]

I'm in this position again When I had the pug and the old vet I was going to started getting arrogant I started going to a new vet (Dr. H)who put him on meds that helped for a while (he needed surgery but no matter who I saw, they told me his protein was too low to have the surgery safely. The first vet told me "He needs surgery, call me when you're ready to have it done" the end). So anyway now with Spike I was still going to the new practice. Had a vet I liked but they turned me over to Dr H when Spike got sick. All was going well, we were trying to figure out why he had the big seizure. His kidney values were getting back to normal (as they still are) but slowly. Then I guess stuff wasn't happening fast enough and she started insisting on a kidney transplant and I kept telling her we weren't interested. Then one evening she called and told me that he's got 25% function, his life is limited, it was genetic and started talking transplant again. After the conversation I got in touch with the breeder because she said it was genetic and it would only be fair (although I didn't think it was genetic). Breeder asked me to go to her vet. I did. He needed Spikes vaccination records, got them. He was in touch with people from UC Davis and a nutritionist (possibly from there) and put Spike on new food and a vitamin for his anemia (which you wouldn't know he had any of this by looking at him). Anyway that's all he's done. They think it's a vaccination reaction which would kind of make sense since his numbers are slowly improving. So anyway, fast forward. I call the practice of Dr H to see if Spike needs a retest on the tick titer because of the rocky mountain. I think I could just get the info and make an appt with the receptionist but no. Dr. H calls back later and we talk briefly about the tick titer and then she goes back to the kidneys. I said that once she mentioned genetics I notified the breeder and I'll just leave his kidney care with that vet and carry on with regular stuff locally. She doesn't like that vet, he shouldn't be on that food (I told her he's thriving on it, didn't matter) then I can hear her getting more and more angry and she blurts out " I did all that research and he's getting credit, he has all my notes, I put alot of time into those, but that's ok" - she said this 2 or 3 times. I told her she was starting to get nasty and she got nastier - not upset, belligerent. Not sure what research because she just kept pushing transplant and wasn't so keen on switching his food. I got off the phone and after talking to hub realized that I had them fax the vaccination record but I needed all the notes for insurance. I needed all the notes from all the vets (ugh - but did get another 1200.00 back). And she doesn't seem to get that this guy has been practicing for probably 40 or more years, he doesn't need nor want her notes. He is still eager to learn and no question is dumb to him. Only problem is that he is an hour away so going in for something that "just doesn't look right" will be a big deal. I'm getting tired of playing switchies. I realize that everyone has bad days but I shouldn't have to take my dog to a practice or a vet where I feel uncomfortable. What is the criteria when looking for a new vet who will respect that what I am doing for my pet is what I feel comfortable with it being the best for him through our entire relationship?

[HersheyK's Dad]

(1) You do need to find a new vet and not go back to Dr. H.

You need to have a mutual respect relationship with your vet, and maybe one that is not worried about getting credit, and only about the animal's health.

You may be able to find local recommendations, but it will be the face to face experience that will tell you when you found the right one.

[deidra]

Sorry who had to go through that! Could you ak your breeder if she knows of any good vets that are closer to you?

[HeySquirt]

What Ed said...

Nancy... I drive 45 min one way for my vet (with good traffic) and I live in Metro Detroit. I probably pass at least 100 vet's on the way to mine. Honestly I trust her and have been with her for 17 years and that's how long she's been out of school. I was in the waiting room when she lost her first patient and had to reschedule (a vac apt) because she was taking it pretty hard, that just made me love her more.
We worked with her brother and when she graduated, we switched to her... we were young and my GSD/Husky was a year old. My DH was like lets support someone we know... that seriously was our logic back then... Well we got lucky because she is awesome.
I think a big part of it is trusting your gut feeling and talking to a prospective vet and asking questions that you know the answer you WANT to hear and seeing how they answer it... Sometimes that drive will actually save you money.

When Reckless was about 10 months old he wasn't walking... He's a GSP they NEVER stop moving expecially that young. Well my vet was closing in 1/2 hour (45 min away) so rather than drive that 45 for ER vet I went to one by my house that was open late (but not an ER) The dumbass doctor told me that his knee was sprained(this dog would run on a broken leg) and that we would need to recheck his hips at 2 yr old because there may be something wrong with him... $270.00 later my poor pup was not any better, the next day the DH takes him to our vet and he's worse... Because he actually had an intestinal infection and the drugs they gave him were irritating the infection... AWESOME! Oh and 13 years later he doesn't have a drop of arthritis in his hips or knees.

Sorry for the long stories... it was my way of saying you could spend the next couple months or even a year looking for the right vet but you'll know when you find them... and don't be afraid to keep looking.

[ScorpianAbarth]

Can't be of any real help from England, but just wanted to sympathise! In Zack's first year, we went through 5 vets. It's such a mine field but when you know you've found 'your' vet, you just know. For us it was last January when Zack had a horrible stomach upset. I tried a new place and felt a good vibe immediately. The guy we were seeing is a partner, so I had a bit more confidence in him from the beginning. Anyway I'd accidently left Zack's stool sample in reception so left Zack for 2 seconds while I went to fetch it. When I returned I saw through the glass pannel in the door, the vet had got on the floor with Zack and was stroking his face telling him it's okay and that I'll be back in a minute. That and the fact Zack gave him kisses at the end of the appointment had me sold!

[BigBrownDog]

I think word of mouth from other friends with dogs (or other dog people you are acquainted with) is a great way to find a good vet.

You might also want to check out some online reviews of vets - I had to take Diesel to a vet when we were on vacation in Vermont a few years ago. He had a sudden bad case of conjunctivitus (yuk) and I found a vet in a town about an hour from where we were staying who (if they were in NJ) I would switch to in a heartbeat! He was an awesome, awesome vet. Spent a lot of time with us - very interested in Diesel's diabetes (not often seen in a young dog) and he had a lot of great advice totally unrelated to what we went there for.

I firmly believe in the validity of consumer experience - ask your friends and people you meet with dogs. I bet you can find a better choice for a vet.

[Spike's Mom]

Can't be of any real help from England, but just wanted to sympathise! In Zack's first year, we went through 5 vets. It's such a mine field but when you know you've found 'your' vet, you just know. For us it was last January when Zack had a horrible stomach upset. I tried a new place and felt a good vibe immediately. The guy we were seeing is a partner, so I had a bit more confidence in him from the beginning. Anyway I'd accidently left Zack's stool sample in reception so left Zack for 2 seconds while I went to fetch it. When I returned I saw through the glass pannel in the door, the vet had got on the floor with Zack and was stroking his face telling him it's okay and that I'll be back in a minute. That and the fact Zack gave him kisses at the end of the appointment had me sold!

One of the other dogs mom in Spike's obedience class was talking about her vet and how after her dog had surgery didn't want to get near her but then she gave him some treats and petted him and they are friends now. I'll have to ask her tomorrow - I've known her on and off for 10 years so I trust her judgement as far as wanting the best for her furry brood. I looked up who I think she is talking about and it doesn't look like she's connected with either of the practices. She seems to be involved in alot of animal stuff too. Don't know if she is taking new clients.

[Spike's Mom]

Went to the vet to pick up Spike's food. They were going to order more but I told them about the phone call and that I wasn't coming back. After I got the food one of the desk gals followed me out and asked me to write a note about my experiences to the practice owner (also a vet there) . She said she is getting alot of complaints about this one vet and even tho they are passing them along they are not having the impact that client letters would. There is another vet there who I like so I'm still up in the air but I'm going to write the letter...