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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Veterinarians (long)
| There has been quite a bit of complaining about veterinarians lately. I am not related to a vet nor are any of my friends vets. Mind you, over the last year my vets became friends. Have you ever thought about it, how much these guys have to know? They go to school for about the same amount of time as a GP but they need to know about so many different species and specialties. They have to know orthopedics, obstetrics, oncology, dentistry, endocrinology and much more. And of course we want them to know about immunology especially AIHA. We also want them to have good bedside manners and deal politely with us pet care givers. My "old" vet did not take blood from Kahlu, because he did not like to have his feet touched, when he presented with almost white gums. Obviously there was no diagnosis. After three days I went for a second opinion and diagnosis and treatment happened within hours. Tutteli (the vet) thought she was quite experienced with AIHA, but after three weeks she told me I should go to a specialist 5 hours (including a 2 hour ferry ride) away. She felt she needed some guidance. Time and money did not allow me to do that and I asked if she could consult with Dr. Dodds. Tutteli happily did and I never regretted going that route. This scenario was clearly less stressful for Kahlu. He survived for a year and then relapsed and died. I am pretty sure the outcome would not have been any different would we have gone to a specialist. This has also benefited other dogs, because Tutteli has learned so much over the last year, while she was treating Kahlu. What I want to say is, if you don't like the vet you are with, change! If your baker sells you old bread you won't go back. If your auto mechanic can not fix your car you will go to somebody else. So if you are not happy with your vet do the same. I am in the fortunate position that we have five clinics in town and there is even a holistic clinic that also practices TCM 30 miles away. I would however happily drive for a couple of hours to have my dogs see a great vet. I don't think a great vet is one that knows EVERYTHING. I think a great vet is one that knows his limits and does not shy away of saying when he needs to look something up or consult with a colleague. Please DON'T waste your time and energy on bashing veterinarians. Concentrate on getting all the information you can get and educate yourself as good as you can. Talk to people in your area about vets and you will soon find out which one you will like. Being angry at your vet is not going to change anything. Look forward and not back and put your energy into something positive. Best wishes, Brigitte & the poodle boys |
| Brigitte BC Canada |
| I DO NOT expect vets to know all. However I DO expect them to admit what they don't know and seek more knowledgable advice. Not just keep plugging along without a clue I expect them TO have knowledge of good and poor blood values and that poor values can point to very serious things I expect them to know HOW to get more knowledgable advice from experts in other fields I expect to be treated like a valuable client who cares enough to DO my own research to try to help, and not like an "internet know it all" I have no patience for incompetence and blatant ego and I do expect to be listened to I also expect to not be nickel and dimed to death just so a buck can be made on a potentially pricey illness. Making a living is fine, covering costs and employment wages/benefits and paying the vets a GOOD salary so they stay is fine. Butchering your clients so you can go on 8 amazingly pricey vacations a year is NOT |
| Rottlady NH USA |
This thread was discussed on 27/08/2010
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