Love your pet; KNOW YOUR VET
Due to
the great
difficulty that Eve was subjected to because of the lack of care given
to her by the veterinarian before, during and after she was spayed, I
have
endeavored to compile a list of possible attributes that you should
look
for when searching for a vet to care for your pet.
Please
know that these are the qualities that I look for in my vet, they are
not
absolute. Your situation should be taken into account and the decision
made for your pet and your circumstances. I take no responsibility for
your choice of Veterinarian or his ability to care for your pet. I only
offer these as possible guidelines.
-
Communication Skills
-
The vet should be
willing to talk to you and take the time to educate you if necessary.
Does
he give you credibility and accept the fact that you may know more
about
your specific breed health issues (if in fact you do) than he does?
-
After Hours Emergency
availability
-
Will he give you
his home phone number if it is unlisted in the phone book? Be mindful
though,
that you do not abuse the privilege of having that number.
-
If he has an after
hours answering service, what is a reasonable time to expect a call
back
from him?
-
Is he current and
up-to-date on procedures, protocol, medicines, and equipment?
-
This would include
continuing education (you should be well read enough to know what is
current.)
-
Does he use all
of the equipment that he has? Does he us mechanical monitoring during
surgery,
or is it visual only. How many people assist during surgery? What are
their
duties?
-
If your pet is going
in for surgery, who EXACTLY will be performing that surgery?
-
Does he consult
with others if he does not know or is uncertain about a diagnosis?
-
Have there been
any complaints filed with the State Board of Medical Examiners. (The
phone
number and address must be posted in the Vet's office - at least in
Texas.)
-
Does he like what
he's doing? NO?! Find another vet immediately!!
-
Does he like my
breed of pet? If not, go elsewhere.
-
Is the facility
clean and uncluttered?
-
Is the staff courteous
and caring? Do they seem to be knowledgeable?
-
If, after surgery,
he wants to keep your pet over night, will someone be there all night?
If not, how often will your pet be checked during the night? Can you
take
your pet home the afternoon of the surgery? Would you know what to
watch
for if you did take your pet home?
-
Would your pet rest
better at home during the night? Would you know what to watch for in
case
he took a turn for the worse?
Remember,
there
are times when the absolute best place for your pet is at your
Veterinarian's
clinic. Your job, and his, is to know when. Remember too that it is
your
job to educate yourself. Don't leave your pet's care completely in the
vet's hands and give blind trust. You know your pet better than anybody
else. Rely on that knowledge and keep a level head.
A
piece of advice
given to me may years ago by a very good friend and breeder of champion
Basset Hounds is this: "When in doubt, call the vet!" If
you are in doubt, ACT. It may be a false alarm, but you'll still have
your
pet with you and you won't be lamenting his or her death because you
did
not take action!
©
June, 1999 - 2010
This
web site is owned by Donna Winslow.
You
may copy this section which pertains to EVE,
her
progress and care by the veterinary staff at Texas A & M.
If
you do, please link to Eve's page on our website.
