irritated with vet

sherrymyra · 10-16-2009, 10:39 PM

I am so irritated with my regular vet.

Months ago I posted about my westie growling when being picked up. I was advised on this forum to take her to the vet to rule out that something may be medically wrong. Which I did. The vet looked her over for a minute and told me that she has a behavior issue. Said she is a terrier and she has an attitude. Charged me for a behavior consult. I tried scolding my baby for growling at me. I feel really bad about that. So I finally just didn't pick her up if I didn't have to.

Recently she started lifting her back leg and not walking on it. In a few days she was pretty much walking on it but still not normal. One day she came in and just sat still. I walked up to her and she growled at me. I took her back to the vet. They took xrays of her hips and knees. I was told there was nothing wrong. That evening she was trembling a bit in her back leg.

I took her to a different vet. He looked at the xrays and diagnosed that she has arthritis/degenerative disk disease in her spine in the hip area. So all of this time I think that she has been in pain when picked up and so the growling. He prescribed a joint supplement and he sounded like the results will be positive. I hope so.

About 3 weeks earlier, my other westie had a breakout of blister sores, mostly on her belly. To the vet. They prescribed antibotics for a week. The sores did pretty much clear up. Then a few weeks later they came back. Blisters, scales, scabs. . Took her back to the vet. Prescribed a weeks antibotics and bath her in selson blue shampoo. In a few days she was almost covered in blisters and scabs.

Off to the new vet. He thinks it is an allergy. He gave her a different antibotic. He thinks it is a really deep infection now and it may need a month of antibotics to get control of it and also prescribed something to help with the sores and blisters. And to eat a limited ingredient food. Right now a week or so into the treatment she is doing so much better. The sores and blisters are mostly gone. It may take time to figure out if she has algeries but at least she is comfortable.

I have written off the old vet in favor or this new one. I have totally lost faith in the old one.

I know this was a little long but I am really annoyed in the diagnosis and treatments the regular vet prescribed.

Has anyone had similar experience with their vet?

Keechak · 10-16-2009, 10:56 PM

I'm glad you found out what was wrong with your Westie, that must be a bit of a relief.

Leroy&Lucy'sMom · 10-17-2009, 09:41 AM

IMO, a good vet that takes their time to make the right diagnosis and proper treatment is worth the extra drive/money.

I'm glad you found someone thorough. Hope things keep on improving with your babies.

Darkmoon · 10-17-2009, 10:14 AM

Yes, and i have still been unable to find a good vet.

I'm currently going to the 'best' vet in town, but I really don't care for them at all. The first dog I had, had food allergies really really bad, but I didn't want to call it that without a vets opinion. Next time, I'm ignoring the vet and going with my gut instinct. I spoke to 3 different vets at 2 different vet places, and not one would consider a food allergy. It HAD to be fleas even though there was no sign of them, or it was normal (Chewing your tail base bloody is normal? wow...). Both vets wanted to run a full scale allergy test and try about 7 different options. When I asked "Could this be food allergies?" Every vet said "Not likely. Food allergies are rare..." which is where I stopped listening. Food allergies are FAR more common then ever. I could spend $1000's on test or $40 and a non-corn based food. I spent the $40 and all his itching went away.

The same vet when I went in for the first checkup on Nubs, refused to get close to him. Nubs was just laying on the ground getting his tummy rubbed, and the vet wouldn't step an inch near him *rolls eyes*. I've learned if I was going to that vet's office, to ask for the "GSD Guy". One of the vets owns and breeds GSDs and LOVES large dogs. He comes into the room, and just LOVES on Nubs. Loves kisses, does commands with him, and just pets him all over (and while doing the petting, is feeling for anything out of the "normal"). He still isn't the best vet in the world, but I trust him over everyone else in that building.

When you find a really good vet, you'll find you'll drive hours to get your dog to them. I've recently found a vet too late the next town over that many of the rottie and bully breeders use to use that retired last year

Great guy too. All well. When one finds another good bully/big dog vet, they'll let me know. Luckily I don't need a vet visit for 5 more months...

alphadoginthehouse · 10-17-2009, 02:39 PM

I have been very fortunate in my vets. I went to a solo guy for years and loved him (he gave me a discount for being such a long time client). He retired from solo and went to a chain (won't say which one).

I met my current clinic when I had to take a dog to them for a necropsy (she died over a holiday weekend) and then had to put another dog down less than 2 weeks later). One of the staff put her arms around me and let me cry the first time I met her. She is still one of my favorites!

Dr Moss is the best...he gets down on the floor with both of them and lets them love all over him (he's Roxxy's favorite). The staff are wonderful as well (they know me too well, IMO, but I guess that's ok).

A little pricey but it's worth the cost because I know they have my pets best interest at heart.

sherrymyra · 10-17-2009, 04:07 PM

This vet is really into finding a problem and a solution rather than try to cover up the problem. And he spent about an hour with me to explain things.

He is also one that loves the animals. He get right down with them and talks them. Some are just in it for the money I think.

TxRider · 10-17-2009, 08:48 PM

Fortunately no, I don't know if I have just been lucky or not though.

My last vet was 300 miles away though, had to find a new one here. I really just called the clinic I drive by every day, looked nice enough, and the vet I got an appointment with there (there are 3-4 at this clinic I believe) turned out to be the best vet I have ever taken my dog to I think.

He really loves dogs, and mine seems to have become a favorite as she looks just like a long lost dog he had when he was younger that he keeps a picture of on his desk.

After a few diagnoses like that I would have written off that vet as well.