What your Vet won't tell you???

Tiffany0204 · 10-08-2005, 05:36 AM

I was browsing through stuff researching for Gizmo and came across this article. (hopefully it doesn't get edited out, not sure if I can post the link)

But it does go to show that people really should take just as much caution in choosing their Vet as they do with choosing their family doctor.

(The dental thing really bothered me in this article)

What Your Vet Won't Tell You - Article

HarleysMom · 10-08-2005, 05:51 AM

Hmmm--interesting

I agree people need to choose vets like they do doctors--the clinic I work at is a member of AAHA and we are inspected yearly---also as for the animals that are very sick and left over night--we tell owners that no one is in the building between certain hours--animals that are very ill either a: go home with the doctors for over night care b: go home with owners for over night care or c: are sent to the ER clinic for over night care--at our hospital any way...ALL animals in our clinic any way--that have sutures and are to be left over night alone are fitted with E Collars to prevent such things that happened in that article though and that is sad that it did not happen in that case as well...All offices are different and Im sure all have had issues just like doctors but I totally agree RESEARCH is best....

calgal · 10-08-2005, 09:17 AM

I've seen quite a bit over the past 4 decades and have also had personal experiences not to know to check a Vet. out very, very carefully and thoroughly. It is not easy and sometimes impossible. I think we need a system that can get all the information we are looking for. It will probably take an act of congress but would be worth the effort to start writing letters.

Raised By Wolves · 10-08-2005, 10:23 AM

Schooling and PHD's don't make you a god. People are still only as good as their hearts and character. In the end, I believe you are what you do. I question everything, and draw my own conclusions based on the information, and my own gut feeling.

Some very foul and heartless people, hide behind uniforms, robes, and stethescopes.

feinwerkbau · 10-08-2005, 10:42 AM

I could tell you all a LOT more - specifics, having had my run-ins (as well as working with different surgeons) with the good and bad, but I'm not sure if it would be allowed here.

Give me a feeler here...or better yet, PM me if you want me to post up as I don't really have much time to track threads these days (still taking care of my wife after her op).

linnie · 10-08-2005, 08:42 PM

I never EVER leave my pets overnight at the vets.
My Specialist vet does like to do whatever he can to save your pet but he is also very honest and upfront about risks etc.
My local vet doesnt agree with vaccinating dogs every year once they are mature.
I must be ine of the lucky ones. My vets are great. But like all proffessions some are in it for the love of it and others for the money

Crossfire Bulldogs · 10-08-2005, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised By Wolves

Schooling and PHD's don't make you a god. People are still only as good as their hearts and character. In the end, I believe you are what you do. I question everything, and draw my own conclusions based on the information, and my own gut feeling.

Some very foul and heartless people, hide behind uniforms, robes, and stethescopes.

Amen! Always a bad apple somewhere in the barrel but that doesn't make them all bad or vice versa.

Susa · 10-09-2005, 05:28 AM

I am scared to death to take my Isabel back to the vet for her next set of shots. She has had a shot reaction every time she has had her vaccinations. The shots last January were the absolute worst. My vet said he will give her a Benadryl shot with her shots the next time.

I have no clue how to find out what vet to take her to, now, but we are not getting the next set of shots, at least for a long, long time.

Shadowkins · 10-09-2005, 05:45 AM

Woah! that article really make one think. However, I can relate to it in a way... when my dog came down with spondylitis the vet I had at the time was not on call so lucky me I got #2. All i could tell him was that Shadow was in excruciating pain and that it came on suddenly...his words to me were " Oh well it's probably just a sprained leg anyways if I go back to the office now it will cost you alot of money". My reply was " I don't care how much...he needs help" but those words fell on deaf ears.
To make the story short, the next morning I went to another vet who told me ( after blood tests and general exam) that Shadow had a massive infection which had migrated to his spine and damaged some vertebrae. I was stunned because he had seemed fine till then...but the infection was so bad that I nearly lost him.
I guess the moral of the story is finding a good vet is the about the same as finding a good human doctor....alot of luck and research and word of mouth. Another way is to see how your vet treats your pet...is he gentle and loving towards your pup?
Does he genuinely care what happens? Those two qualities are very important too.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 10-09-2005, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susa

I am scared to death to take my Isabel back to the vet for her next set of shots. She has had a shot reaction every time she has had her vaccinations. The shots last January were the absolute worst. My vet said he will give her a Benadryl shot with her shots the next time.

I have no clue how to find out what vet to take her to, now, but we are not getting the next set of shots, at least for a long, long time.

My mini Doxi had the same issue, as she got older it only got worse and we went from giving one injection after tons of benadryl to half one day followed by the other half the following day. This worked for awhile but then we were right back in the same boat.....I had to make a decision and that decision was to not risk losing my girl over her annual vaccinations.

Hopefully it won't come to that but it isn't worth the risk sometimes. We lived within the city limits at the time which required vaccinations, we were simply given a waiver by our vet to cover that and had no problems.

Shalva · 10-10-2005, 01:12 PM

try running a titer instead of vaccinating....
it might cost you a bit more BUT
it will tell you what the level of immunity your dog has and then if it is at the acceptable level you don't have to vaccinate.

The other thing is if you need to vaccinate... do one shot at a time.... over a couple of weeks or a month... dont do all the shots at once.....

The AVMA has gone to a three year vaccination protocal for all but rabies and that is dependant on what state you live in.....

however, if you run a titer which is a simple blood test, you may find that your pups level of immunity is fine and you dont have to vaccinate at all.
good luck
s

Susa · 10-10-2005, 03:13 PM

I think the titer test is exactly what I want to do. I need to find a vet who doesn't mind doing that. When I mentioned it to my vet, he just kept telling me how expensive it is. It seems it would be far less expensive than the shots and the weeks of cure.

Here is a picture of Isabel's back ten days after her shot last January. She still had quite a lump.

Barrett · 10-10-2005, 04:15 PM

My vet told me Dachshunds are known for having adverse reaction to shots. Both of my dachshunds had severe reactions. I get thier shots one at a time instead of a 3-in-1 booster. This way I can tell excatly what they are allergic to and decide if I want to give that one each year. Both of my dogs are allergic to Rabies vaccine but I have no choice not to give that one every 3 years. Lucy is so bad she has to spend the night for observation because of rabies vaccine. After my pups get thier puppy shots I get titers run every other year to see what they need.

I copied this from a website on vaccinations:

Most adverse side reactions are immune-*mediated. "Because immune-mediated reactions are genetically determined, some breeds – especially certain families of dogs *are at increased risk of adverse reactions," Mansfield says. Among breeds that appear to have increased risk are: miniature dachshunds, West Highland white terriers, Old English sheepdogs, Akitas and Weimaraners. Dogs with coat-color dilutions, such as double *dilute Shetland sheepdogs and harle*quin Great Danes, also are vulnerable.

Here is the entire website if you want to read it.
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/vaccine-study.html

It says the distemper ( Lepto) vaccination is the one that causes most of the adverse reactions.

Susa · 10-10-2005, 08:09 PM

Thank you for the website. I will read it the first thing in the morning. I want all of the information I can get on this.

CTDog · 10-10-2005, 09:23 PM

Maybe it is the area that I live in but I have worked for two different small animal hospitals and have used a few different vets (I own some exotics and goats) and I just don't feel that the linked posted in the beginning of this thread applies too much to them. I think more vets than you know try really hard to be good. Like was previously posted, they are not god. It is up to you to really know your pet and ask questions! You know your pet better than your vet. Communication on both ends is key.

There is also the big problem with owner compliance. Owners sometimes wait to long when their pet is ill before they call us, don't follow instructions, expect everything to inexpensive forgetting that vets have overhead such as staff to pay, mortagage to pay, equipment to purchase etc.

I know everyone wants a vet that is sweet and kind to their pet but please don't confuse this with competence (yes, I know there are vets that are both...I have one now

. The one vet that was absolutely perfect with my cats also seriously misdiagnosed an illness leading to his death. I much prefer a vet that competent and straight forward...who tells me exactly like it is without hemming and hawing and beating around the bush. I can give my pet the heavy lovey, dovey stuff....I don't need my vet for that LOL

Most veterinarian staff care deeply for the pets they take care of. I can't tell you how many animals we have routed for to get better and cried along with their owners when they have passed. I can't speak for the larger animal clinics but I know the smaller ones I have worked at have had incredible staff who have considered their patients as family. .

10-08-2005, 05:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tiffany0204 Due in December! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Barrie, ON - Canada! Posts: 867 Rep Power: 87	What your Vet won't tell you??? I was browsing through stuff researching for Gizmo and came across this article. (hopefully it doesn't get edited out, not sure if I can post the link) But it does go to show that people really should take just as much caution in choosing their Vet as they do with choosing their family doctor. (The dental thing really bothered me in this article) What Your Vet Won't Tell You - Article
	__________________

10-08-2005, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
feinwerkbau Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 432 Rep Power: 85	I could tell you all a LOT more - specifics, having had my run-ins (as well as working with different surgeons) with the good and bad, but I'm not sure if it would be allowed here. Give me a feeler here...or better yet, PM me if you want me to post up as I don't really have much time to track threads these days (still taking care of my wife after her op).
feinwerkbau Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 432 Rep Power: 85

10-08-2005, 08:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
linnie tibbie girl Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 3,051 Rep Power: 170	I never EVER leave my pets overnight at the vets. My Specialist vet does like to do whatever he can to save your pet but he is also very honest and upfront about risks etc. My local vet doesnt agree with vaccinating dogs every year once they are mature. I must be ine of the lucky ones. My vets are great. But like all proffessions some are in it for the love of it and others for the money
	__________________ Caution...Dogs can leave footprints on your heart

10-10-2005, 04:15 PM	#13 (permalink)
Barrett dachshund Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 2,758 Rep Power: 154	My vet told me Dachshunds are known for having adverse reaction to shots. Both of my dachshunds had severe reactions. I get thier shots one at a time instead of a 3-in-1 booster. This way I can tell excatly what they are allergic to and decide if I want to give that one each year. Both of my dogs are allergic to Rabies vaccine but I have no choice not to give that one every 3 years. Lucy is so bad she has to spend the night for observation because of rabies vaccine. After my pups get thier puppy shots I get titers run every other year to see what they need. I copied this from a website on vaccinations: Most adverse side reactions are immune-mediated. "Because immune-mediated reactions are genetically determined, some breeds – especially certain families of dogs are at increased risk of adverse reactions," Mansfield says. Among breeds that appear to have increased risk are: miniature dachshunds, West Highland white terriers, Old English sheepdogs, Akitas and Weimaraners. Dogs with coat-color dilutions, such as double dilute Shetland sheepdogs and harlequin Great Danes, also are vulnerable. Here is the entire website if you want to read it. http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/vaccine-study.html It says the distemper ( Lepto) vaccination is the one that causes most of the adverse reactions.
	Last edited by Barrett : 10-10-2005 at 04:25 PM.

10-08-2005, 05:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
HarleysMom Wrinkles In The Way Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 191 Rep Power: 59	Hmmm--interesting I agree people need to choose vets like they do doctors--the clinic I work at is a member of AAHA and we are inspected yearly---also as for the animals that are very sick and left over night--we tell owners that no one is in the building between certain hours--animals that are very ill either a: go home with the doctors for over night care b: go home with owners for over night care or c: are sent to the ER clinic for over night care--at our hospital any way...ALL animals in our clinic any way--that have sutures and are to be left over night alone are fitted with E Collars to prevent such things that happened in that article though and that is sad that it did not happen in that case as well...All offices are different and Im sure all have had issues just like doctors but I totally agree RESEARCH is best....

10-08-2005, 09:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,696 Rep Power: 225	I've seen quite a bit over the past 4 decades and have also had personal experiences not to know to check a Vet. out very, very carefully and thoroughly. It is not easy and sometimes impossible. I think we need a system that can get all the information we are looking for. It will probably take an act of congress but would be worth the effort to start writing letters.

10-08-2005, 10:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Raised By Wolves Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,523 Rep Power: 125	Schooling and PHD's don't make you a god. People are still only as good as their hearts and character. In the end, I believe you are what you do. I question everything, and draw my own conclusions based on the information, and my own gut feeling. Some very foul and heartless people, hide behind uniforms, robes, and stethescopes.

10-09-2005, 05:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
Susa Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 47 Rep Power: 56	I am scared to death to take my Isabel back to the vet for her next set of shots. She has had a shot reaction every time she has had her vaccinations. The shots last January were the absolute worst. My vet said he will give her a Benadryl shot with her shots the next time. I have no clue how to find out what vet to take her to, now, but we are not getting the next set of shots, at least for a long, long time.

10-09-2005, 05:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 127	Woah! that article really make one think. However, I can relate to it in a way... when my dog came down with spondylitis the vet I had at the time was not on call so lucky me I got #2. All i could tell him was that Shadow was in excruciating pain and that it came on suddenly...his words to me were " Oh well it's probably just a sprained leg anyways if I go back to the office now it will cost you alot of money". My reply was " I don't care how much...he needs help" but those words fell on deaf ears. To make the story short, the next morning I went to another vet who told me ( after blood tests and general exam) that Shadow had a massive infection which had migrated to his spine and damaged some vertebrae. I was stunned because he had seemed fine till then...but the infection was so bad that I nearly lost him. I guess the moral of the story is finding a good vet is the about the same as finding a good human doctor....alot of luck and research and word of mouth. Another way is to see how your vet treats your pet...is he gentle and loving towards your pup? Does he genuinely care what happens? Those two qualities are very important too.

10-10-2005, 01:12 PM	#11 (permalink)
Shalva Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: here...pointing to palm of right hand Posts: 442 Rep Power: 0	try running a titer instead of vaccinating.... it might cost you a bit more BUT it will tell you what the level of immunity your dog has and then if it is at the acceptable level you don't have to vaccinate. The other thing is if you need to vaccinate... do one shot at a time.... over a couple of weeks or a month... dont do all the shots at once..... The AVMA has gone to a three year vaccination protocal for all but rabies and that is dependant on what state you live in..... however, if you run a titer which is a simple blood test, you may find that your pups level of immunity is fine and you dont have to vaccinate at all. good luck s

10-10-2005, 03:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
Susa Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 47 Rep Power: 56	I think the titer test is exactly what I want to do. I need to find a vet who doesn't mind doing that. When I mentioned it to my vet, he just kept telling me how expensive it is. It seems it would be far less expensive than the shots and the weeks of cure. Here is a picture of Isabel's back ten days after her shot last January. She still had quite a lump.

10-10-2005, 08:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
Susa Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 47 Rep Power: 56	Thank you for the website. I will read it the first thing in the morning. I want all of the information I can get on this.

10-10-2005, 09:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
CTDog Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Conn. Posts: 164 Rep Power: 59	Maybe it is the area that I live in but I have worked for two different small animal hospitals and have used a few different vets (I own some exotics and goats) and I just don't feel that the linked posted in the beginning of this thread applies too much to them. I think more vets than you know try really hard to be good. Like was previously posted, they are not god. It is up to you to really know your pet and ask questions! You know your pet better than your vet. Communication on both ends is key. There is also the big problem with owner compliance. Owners sometimes wait to long when their pet is ill before they call us, don't follow instructions, expect everything to inexpensive forgetting that vets have overhead such as staff to pay, mortagage to pay, equipment to purchase etc. I know everyone wants a vet that is sweet and kind to their pet but please don't confuse this with competence (yes, I know there are vets that are both...I have one now . The one vet that was absolutely perfect with my cats also seriously misdiagnosed an illness leading to his death. I much prefer a vet that competent and straight forward...who tells me exactly like it is without hemming and hawing and beating around the bush. I can give my pet the heavy lovey, dovey stuff....I don't need my vet for that LOL Most veterinarian staff care deeply for the pets they take care of. I can't tell you how many animals we have routed for to get better and cried along with their owners when they have passed. I can't speak for the larger animal clinics but I know the smaller ones I have worked at have had incredible staff who have considered their patients as family. .

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)