I hope that my friends here at LS can help me......

At present, we are taking our furbabies (that we adopted 3/6/2004 - Lucy is 5 and Yo-Yo is approx. 6 years old) to Ernestine's "old vet", for lack of wondering if we should even change..... The vet "isn't old" - he's about 55 ---- (he was Ernestine's vet..)

1. His office never sent a bereavement card after our girl was put ot sleep; which, I had heard so many of you have received.....
(I know this isn't probably really something "to go by", but considering how sick & heartbroken we were on the day that she was put to sleep, and for a long while after, it would have been "a nice touch") - especially for the "small price" it would've cost them!!

2. He's just like a "regular run of the mill vet", he doesn't do any surgery; except for spaying/neutering..... And, of all the times that I have gone there -- I have seen about 70% furdogs. That probably "doesn't matter", but I know that he does see more doggies....

3. Does it make sense to bring our kids to a "feline only" veterinarian??

4. I just need advice ----- What criteria do all of you use in trusting a vet to take care of your furbabies????

Thank you!!!!

Love, Denise

p.s. Lucy is my fur-kid that I worry about most...... She goes on "coughing spells", which two vets have said was "asthma", yet, she was only given one injection of Depo-Medrol..... Her lungs were stated to be "clear" one week ago.
And, she continues with diarrhea, on occasion..... Two cultures have turned up negative.
I know at one point, she brought up a "fur-ball" --
I just really worry about something more serious!!

Thank you everyone for listening!!

I hope it isn't too serious with Lucy. I'll be keeping her in my thoughts. My vet, I think also has more dog then cat clients, but he is good at sending bareavement cards, he's done it for Kitt, and several others of my cats that have died. He also sends my cats Christmas cards! . Maybe if your not too happy with your vet, you should look into a "cats only" vet. Maybe that would be the best choice for you. Of course, that's only my opinion, the choice is up to you.

cats only clinics generally have vets more skilled at cats, some even have board-certified cat vets (my
ex being one of the few in the country). the experience for the cat is much more enjoyable without
the barking of dogs. but in any practice, you find great, tolerable, and not so good. best bet? ask
friends, do some calling around and if you dont like the first choice you can always shop around again.

Hi! Great question!

I guess what I would look for would be
--how genuinely caring they seem to be (I've met some vets where I've wondered why they were in that profession), toward their patients and their patients' parents
--do they welcome my questions or do they have their hand on the doorknob, ready to bolt (!)
--do they have up-to-date equipment such as ultra-sound machines, EKG equipment, etc.
--do they offer emergency hours

Those are the things that come to mind right now.

I hope Lucy will be doing better and better. She certainly has the best Mom anyone could ask for!

I have been thinking a lot lately about what makes a good vet. The vet that put Hannah to sleep sent a bereavement card, and that was as you said, "a nice touch," but really only good manners though, I believe.

Anyway, I agree that they should have an up-to-date office with good equipment. The most important thing is that they care and they show they care. They listen to your concerns AND ASK QUESTIONS. (Hannah did have a vet once who wasn't the friendliest guy, but overall I thought he was a good vet. He was thorough in his exams.)

We take them to the vet regularly for their shots and exams, and they should be EXAMINED, not just given shots. I don't really remember any vet for a long time pointing out anything TO ME. I always pointed out little bumps, etc., to them. So, it's just like with any doctor, he needs to spend some time with the animal so that he too is familiar with it.

Again, if the vet tells you something or gives you meds for the baby, they need to be willing to take the time to explain what the problem is, if and how it can best be cured, and exactly what the meds are for and how they work.

I hope to find one who offers traditional treatment as well as alternative treatments, maybe even such as chiropractic, massage and/or acupuncture. (I know some people don't believe in this kind of treatment, but I certainly do.)

I realized myself that Hannah's little lymph nodes under her neck were swollen and under her chin too. The vet never touched her there. I don't understand that -- why don't they do just like you would a person???

Anyway, as MD said, talk with your friends about their vets and get recommendations. Then go visit the vet BEFORE you really NEED him/her and see what you think for yourself. I wish I'd taken more time.

Also, Hannah and I moved numerous times in the last ten years or so. I wish I had gotten her records transferred from vet to vet. I am sorry we had to switch from vet to vet over those years. But I definitely next time will make a very deliberate search for the right vet. I don't know where you live, but I'm sure there are lots of good vets out there. We just have to find the right one. Oh, last but not least, and this goes I think with the vet having an up-to-date office -- make sure the vet is not old-fashioned in his thinking and make sure the vet holds animals in high regard and treats them and you with the utmost respect, no matter what the problem or your question is. (I hate it when they say, "Oh, it really doesn't hurt. . . HOW DO THEY KNOW???" I don't want anyone with an attitude like that when they are dealing with a helpless little animal. The vet has to show empathy and sympathy to the animals and to their parents!!

I wish you the best of luck. I hope this helps. I am still thinking about this, and it is so important. I'm afraid I haven't expressed exactly all as I would have liked.
Marcia

wow. i didn't know vets did send berevement cards. what a nice touch.
we got a card from the behaviourist who had seen our kitties. i was really very touched because i didn't expect anyone to send me one. one of my friends sent me one too and that meant a lot. i did miss that people didn't think of it, but i'm just used to a less emotive culture here now. (i am american, but a british national now)

also, i've never seen 'cat only' clinics over here . but i think the idea is a good one. i always worried that my cats would become distressed by the doggies. although they are kept seperately when staying overnight at our vet.

personally, i feel happier with a vet that is sympathetic, empathetic (in which case you may feel the berevement card very important), and not overly eager to over medicate. but then that's how i'd choose a doctor for myself. i don't like being brushed off with a perscription for tablets when i'm not sure that the extra chemicals are completely necessary. one who takes notice of the importance of diet and natural therapies is good. i guess i would decide on a vet the same way i'd decide on a doctor for myself.

although the verdict is still out on our vet practice after the incident with the horrible vet the morning cleo died. we've stayed because the other vets in the practice we're happy with. we'll see.

have you had any other reasons other than the lack of card and the abundance of doggies for wanting to change your vet?

I found this site regarding choosing a vet for cats.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/howto.html

You may want to check it out.

I love my vet...
We moved out of state for awhile, and for the first couple years, we'd drive our pets down for their annuals... the pets were young then...

Eventually, we got a vet in that state. I never did like her. I got used to her. She got used to me. But I never did care for her much. When all the pets got geriatric and needed a lot of care, I was afraid to switch bc she knew all their histories.

But then we moved back home again, and I was happy to return to our first vet...

What I like about him:
1) None of our visits take less than an hour!!!! He looks at the pet, PETS the pet (outside of examining), and talks about the pet --asks lots of questions.

2) He used to always come in and sit down on the floor (he's a little older now, and doesn't do that as much). But he'd just sit down on the floor and start talking before he ever touched the dog. The dogs always liked that -- getting used to him before they got poked.

3) He can't do everything, but he keeps on top of everything. All the newest info, technology, specialists.... If its out there, he knows about it.

4) The stuff he can't do, he will work with you to get it done somewhere else. If you need a specialist or highly specialized equipment, he will get you one, talk to that vet in detail, fax records, xrays etc. etc. etc.

5) He presents options. Treatment is TAILORED to your pet and you -- not standard...

6) He says he does not handle the grief and sadness of his human clients well. That is not true. I don't know how many times I've cried in his office!!! I guess maybe it is hard for him, that he feels the sadness too, but he is always compassionate. He is always patient. (And yes, he sent us cards when our animals passed).

7) He's given me his home phone number.

I've had vets I don't like. I've wondered about them. I think a lot of people go in to vet medicine bc they like and relate to animals more than people. As a result, some of them have REALLY crappy people-skills. Perhaps they didn't realize when they chose the field how many people they would have to deal with. Also, I think they see a lot of really bad people. People who abuse their animals, don't love their animals, want to put their animals to sleep bc they don't match the decor of the house ... and sometimes they confuse those of us who adore our pets with those bad ugly people...

Anyway, I guess we started with this vet we love in 1989! We are now on our second generation of pets with him. It will be a sad day for me if he ever retires.

I do hope you find one as good as him.

--Jennifer

THANK YOU MY FRIENDS FOR ALL OF YOUR SPECTACULAR ADVICE!!!!! (AS USUAL!!)

You know, I don't really like "looking back", but I remember when our Ernie was put to sleep, so many people (and articles in the computer) talked about "getting an injection (for the kitty), to make them less nervous, BEFORE the injection that would stop her heart.......Ernestine didn't receive that; but, I Thank God, she did go peacefully...

Thank you CATTYBIRD, MD Cohn, Kathy, Marcia, Izzy, BabyHannahsMom & Jennifer!!

I have my work cut out for me today; I want my "kids" to ALWAYS have the best care that is available; not just a "run of the mill vet" ----- Maybe that quote isn't fair to this vet.... He is a nice man, but pretty much, he's just into making sure that they are "up to date" with their shots.... He never once held Ernie with "any love" at all.... Our girl was the light of my life ---- and, Ernie deserved someone who cared more.... Instead of looking back, I will look ahead for Lucy & Yo-Yo Ma.

After all, they are our children; Ben & I don't have the Human kind......

I intend on writing to each of you that answered my "HELP letter", but I do want to say to Marcia, "I know what you mean about a VET saying, "Oh, they're not in any pain"....
NOTHING PISSES ME OFF MORE!!!!!

I'll never forget when Ernestine had a thyroidectomy, and had about a 2" scar in her neck area; and I was to bring her home about 3 hours after the procedure....(which I did)..

I said, "Isn't there any medication for pain????"

This vet, (who I was told is #1 in doing this procedure) said, "Oh, no, she won't be in any pain!!!!" Why is she moaning right now????????

Well, why do cats scream out when you step on their tail and then they go hide for about an hour, I'm sure that doesn't "tickle"......
He didn't have an answer for me......... (Yes, I'm sure there are probably lots of nerve endings in a cats or dogs tail, but still...his answer angered me!)

I've spent my life working in human medical offices, and I have treated each & every individual with the most respect & caring that I would want shown to me, my family, and people that I care about.... (Even people that I don't know)....

Thank you everyone and I look forward to writing each of you!!!!

Love, Denise

Muffin,

Sorry I am late getting to this ... I was away for the weekend.

If you are asking this question then you obviously are not feeling all that comfortable with your current vet. I would start looking around. I have dogs so I don't know that much about cats but if bringing your little one into a vet's office with dogs is upsetting I would try to find a cats only vet (I know they have them around). It is upsetting enought for the little ones just being there without having to deal with dogs.

The things I look for in a vet are how they treat my little guys (I would prefer a vet that treated my little ones well over one that treats me well but doesn't treat the furry ones all that well). Having the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment is not all that important to me ... what is important is that the vet keeps up to date on the latest information and is able to provide referrals to places to get the pet diagnosed. A lot of time the equipment is very expensive and that is why certain offices may not have it.

Most important is gut feelings ... if you are not comfortable with your vet that feeling rubs off on the little one and makes him/her even more nervous.

The lack of a card while in and of itself is not all that important it does speak to how the office feels about their patients. My vet did send me a card ... it was a nice touch and I did appreciate it as I was hurting quite a bit.

Good luck on the search ... find a vet that you feel comfortable with and that will listen to your thoughts and questions.

Hugs,
Beth

Hi Denise,

As you know from my previous posts, I LOVE my vet. Megan was a challenge (healthwise) and my vet always rose to the challenge. I think for me the atmosphere and techs are a big part of why I like my vet so much. They would go bonkers over Megan anytime we were there, they truly loved her. They also treated me so well, I think of all of the times I sat in Pam's office (the vet) and cried. There was always a hug (and box of Kleenex) for me. No matter how behind schedule Pam was, there was always time for my questions. One day I was there with my people girls and my daughter asked if she got a sticker for being good (something the kid's doctor does) and Pam looked at her and said "what a great idea" and guess what, the next time we were there, there were stickers for the kids. When Megan was put to sleep it was very hard for Pam, she cried with me and hugged me and reassured me. The techs made a pawprint for me (something I'll always treasure), they sent me a card, AND made a donation to out vet school's companion animal health fund in memory of Megan. All of these little "extras" makes me feel special, that I'm not just $$ to them, and that my dog was loved by them. I just get a good vibe when I'm there and to me, this means that my pets will be well cared for.

I don't know if this helps. I seem to be one of the few here that has a great vet. My experience with putting Megan down was painful but I came away knowing that we had done everything for her and that she was loved and most importantly, at peace.

Tracey

Hi Beth & Tracey..........................

Thank you for giving me some really wonderful advice, and it's nice to see you guys here.......

Tracey, "yes", WE WOULD ALL BE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOUR "PAM" in all of our cities/states
to take care of our furbabies...................
No question, you are very, very lucky..............AND I KNOW THAT YOUR SWEET MEGAN WAS SOOO WELL-LOVED!!!

I cannot imagine that Dr. Pam does all that she did in Megan's memory for every patient, but wow, Megan really touched her heart......and I know that you will never, ever forget her love & kindness!!!!

I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE COME TO A DECISION ON A NEW VET FOR OUR KIDS..... Dr. Shawn is a feline only, board certified vet and his office is about 6 miles from our home.....

I'm going to get the kids records, and Lucy is going to see her new vet on Friday...... Her cough, though not getting any worse, is still very worrisome to us..........she's had a steroid shot....and, has meds for "fur-balls"..... But, I'm not really sure that this "is just asthma"...... I wonder, and I surely hope it is nothing serious!!!!

BETH: You are sooooo right...............I want someone that treats my kids better, than the way they treat me.... I want them to care for them.............love them...... You know.....?????
Not just draw blood, give their yearly shots, and that's it......I want someone to show that they care about them!!

Thank you both for answering as I truly appreciate your answers, as well as everyone else who answered me.....

It truly means a lot, that, all of you were here when I needed help with the passing of my "favorite girlfriend, Ernestine"...

I never, ever, ever thought I would EVER feel better.... But, time goes by, and as much as I will always & forever love my special, sweet girl....... I know that Ernie never wanted me to be sad....Ernie was there, at the shelter, when we picked out of new babies......

I thank you very special friends for being here for me, when I have questions that concern our new furkids.....

Thanks again!!!
God Bless !!!!!

Love, Denise xo