Questions For the Vet?

deege39 · 10-17-2009, 08:34 AM

Back in May of this year I came into a couple hundred dollars and decided to take Donatello for a much needed check-up.

Well, needless to say, I left the vets office very confused, feeling rushed and later completely disgusted with them.

They weighed Donatello and drew his blood, gave me a box of Heartworm Preventative, and sent me on my way... I later sat down and started questioning, "What is a checkup?" I adamentally expressed to three different workers there at the vet I wanted him to have a check-up. "Oh, check-ups are free, but it's $40 for the Heartworm test,"

Donatello never got his check-up... But I have got to ask, (I may have asked this before but I need to be refreshed.)

1) What does a check-up include?

Since I've had Donatello I don't think he's had a proper exam, so...

2) What kind of questions do I need to ask the vet?
3) Is there anything I should tell the vet to look at?

I'm going to asking a few of my friends where a good vet is in this area...

RonE · 10-17-2009, 08:56 AM

Different vets, like different M.D.s, may interpret "check-up" in different ways.

I would expect a more thorough examination during the initial visit, or for an elderly dog or if there are specific concerns and something more minimal for other situations.

deege39 · 10-17-2009, 09:15 AM

Okay. Everything looks good to me, Donatello's teeth, eyes, ears, all look good to me; But I was looking for an actual "doctor" to tell me the same, lol.

GroovyGroomer777 · 10-17-2009, 09:21 AM

For my animals, I would expect a checkup to include:

-weight (and to be told if my animal is in the normal, thin, or overweight range)
-eyes
-ears
-teeth
-check for fleas/skin conditions
-feel abdomen/run hands all over body to check for any lumps/bumps/sore spots

Then, MOST IMPORTANTLY, to be asked if I had any concerns or questions, or if there was anything I would like to discuss about my animal.

Labsnothers · 10-17-2009, 09:21 AM

I think it would start with a good visual, just looking over the dog, its ears, mouth, paws, etc. Take its temperature and listen to the heart and lungs with that thing I can't spell. Felling for the ribs is quite important too. Overweight is a very common problem and leads to many other problems.

Leroy&Lucy'sMom · 10-17-2009, 09:36 AM

I have had wonderful vets that are very thorough. If you feel your vet is not paying enough attention, then it is time to find someone better.

1. A yearly check up should include:
-Feeling the dog's whole body
-Taking a body temp
-Listening to the heart and lungs
-Checking eyes/ears/teeth
-Check to see lumps
-Heart worm test and fecal sample
-Vaccinations
-Most of the visit consists of talking about your dog's health/personality and any issues that you are concerned with.

2. If Donatello is healthy, you probably don't have much ?'s to ask... Talk about anything you want to cover. If you feel you need advice on diet, supplements, medication, personality issues, potty issues, training, alternative medicine/holistic.

3. Tell your vet about any/all concerns you have.

Vet prices differ from place to place but where I live it is expensive. The office visit alone is $40, and that does not include heart worm test or fecal tests; all of which is an additional $30-$50.

Find a vet you are comfortable with who will take the time to get to know you and Donatello. You should not feel rushed, and all your ?'s should be answered. Most Vets are like general practice docs, they do not know very much about specialized medicine and a specialist should be referred concerning a serious issue (allergies, neurological, behavior).
My vet is also very good about returning phone calls and follow up. Don't ever hesitate to call and talk to a vet tech or doctor, they don't charge for any of this.

lovemygreys · 10-17-2009, 10:25 AM

^^ pretty much what they said.

TxRider · 10-17-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy&Lucy'sMom

I have had wonderful vets that are very thorough. If you feel your vet is not paying enough attention, then it is time to find someone better.

1. A yearly check up should include:
-Feeling the dog's whole body
-Taking a body temp
-Listening to the heart and lungs
-Checking eyes/ears/teeth
-Check to see lumps
-Heart worm test and fecal sample
-Vaccinations
-Most of the visit consists of talking about your dog's health/personality and any issues that you are concerned with.

2. If Donatello is healthy, you probably don't have much ?'s to ask... Talk about anything you want to cover. If you feel you need advice on diet, supplements, medication, personality issues, potty issues, training, alternative medicine/holistic.

That pretty much sums up what I got from my vet when I took Hope in the first time after I adopted her.

I informed the vet she was a new dog to me, and I wanted to get a complete baseline on health and vaccinations and a good foundation for her health.

He did all the things you list, though I had to get the fecal sample and bring it in the next day.

He does weight, temp, ears, eyes and asks about feeding etc. every time he sees her for any reason.

I think I was lucky and the first vet I picked just happened to be a great vet. It might also help that he fell in love with Hope, as she looks just like his old dog he had when he was in vet school, he showed me the framed pic he keeps on his desk.

Next week it's Kayas turn, thought he already gave me a free checkup on her when I had Hope in last week. She gets the full workup and HW test Monday.

alphadoginthehouse · 10-17-2009, 02:31 PM

Mine does the same as L&L's Mom said. I provide the fecal (usually go to the DP because they ALWAYS poop at the DP!). With the blood test for HW (which is the more comprehensive tests because of where I live) and the fecal it runs be around $150 (the office visit alone is $55 for the annual) and includes the necessary shots (rabies is a 3 yr). They always ask questions about how the animal has been doing, eating, etc. And I NEVER feel rushed. My clinic is the best!

I think you are on the right track but finding a vet you are comfortable with and that Donatello likes (which is very important) is key to a dog's good health and your peace of mind.

deege39 · 10-19-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphadoginthehouse

I think you are on the right track but finding a vet you are comfortable with and that Donatello likes (which is very important) is key to a dog's good health and your peace of mind.

What is the best way to go about finding a good vet? Trial and error? Or would it be possible to go in the vet, take Donatello, and see how he does with the staff before deciding? Price won't be too much of a concern for now, but whenever I do get my own place I'm sure it will be, so I don't want to pay outrageous fees...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leroy&Lucy'sMom

I have had wonderful vets that are very thorough. If you feel your vet is not paying enough attention, then it is time to find someone better.

1. A yearly check up should include:
-Feeling the dog's whole body
-Taking a body temp
-Listening to the heart and lungs
-Checking eyes/ears/teeth
-Check to see lumps
-Heart worm test and fecal sample
-Vaccinations
-Most of the visit consists of talking about your dog's health/personality and any issues that you are concerned with.

2. If Donatello is healthy, you probably don't have much ?'s to ask... Talk about anything you want to cover. If you feel you need advice on diet, supplements, medication, personality issues, potty issues, training, alternative medicine/holistic.

3. Tell your vet about any/all concerns you have.

Vet prices differ from place to place but where I live it is expensive. The office visit alone is $40, and that does not include heart worm test or fecal tests; all of which is an additional $30-$50.

Find a vet you are comfortable with who will take the time to get to know you and Donatello. You should not feel rushed, and all your ?'s should be answered. Most Vets are like general practice docs, they do not know very much about specialized medicine and a specialist should be referred concerning a serious issue (allergies, neurological, behavior).
My vet is also very good about returning phone calls and follow up. Don't ever hesitate to call and talk to a vet tech or doctor, they don't charge for any of this.

Thank you very much for breaking that down for me.

Donatello is pretty healthy, I don't have any real concerns, but he's been long overdue for a check-up, and when I took him to the vet in May I was just crushed that he didn't get one... A couple of his shots expire in November, so I'll more then likely start looking around then for a good vet, but all this information is fantastic... I know what to look for now!

As far as any questions, the only question I would possibly have, is how to get Donatello to ignore his past... All of Donatello's behavior problems seem normal to me for any dog that's been abused... He has his good days and he has his bad days... Here lately things have been rocky, but we both have a lot of adjusting to do and once I get settled into a regular schedule we'll both be pleased...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Labsnothers

Overweight is a very common problem and leads to many other problems.

I'm an advocate for overweight dogs! I can't stand to see it, and I'm always harping to my step-mother and even my father that they have to be careful what they feed their dogs... Feed them a somewhat crappy diet, fine, but at least don't cave in and give them fat trimmings!

Just because they're dogs doesn't mean their bodies over look sodium levels, and calories!

Michiyo-Fir · 10-19-2009, 01:44 PM

Here a check up consists of the vet looking at the dog. Feeling ribs, legs, checking ears, eyes, teeth (especially teeth). And any other things you request like feeling for hip problems or luxating patella.

ara28 · 10-19-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deege39

What is the best way to go about finding a good vet? Trial and error? Or would it be possible to go in the vet, take Donatello, and see how he does with the staff before deciding? Price won't be too much of a concern for now, but whenever I do get my own place I'm sure it will be, so I don't want to pay outrageous fees...

I interviewed vets and then once I picked 2 that i liked I took my dog in to meet them to see which he liked better. Then we found our vet and he's awesome! You should always be able to take your dog in to meet the staff before deciding. There shouldn't be any reason why they wouldn't let you do that and if they say no, then I just wouldn't go to them because something isn't right IMO.

alphadoginthehouse · 10-19-2009, 03:37 PM

Ask friends where they take their pets and how they feel about them. Word of mouth is, in my opinion, the best advertising you can get.

Good luck. Your baby is very lucky to have you as his mom.

deege39 · 10-19-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphadoginthehouse

Ask friends where they take their pets and how they feel about them. Word of mouth is, in my opinion, the best advertising you can get.

Good luck. Your baby is very lucky to have you as his mom. : D

Awwww... Thank you! I just wish he knew how lucky he is.

I might go to where my parents take their dogs; I may not get any discount, but at least they would treat me and my dog right; They'd be worried they would lose a big bill every year! lol!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ara28

I interviewed vets and then once I picked 2 that i liked I took my dog in to meet them to see which he liked better. Then we found our vet and he's awesome! You should always be able to take your dog in to meet the staff before deciding. There shouldn't be any reason why they wouldn't let you do that and if they say no, then I just wouldn't go to them because something isn't right IMO.

Thank you, I didn't think it would hurt to try that, and I think I will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michiyo-Fir

And any other things you request like feeling for hip problems or luxating patella.

What is "luxating patella"?

Michiyo-Fir · 10-19-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deege39

What is "luxating patella"?

It's a knee problem in small dogs. All 3 of our breeds are very prone to it especially Nia so I make the vet check. It's where the back legs' knees like to pop out of the socket because the groove in the bones are too shallow or not wide enough.

alphadoginthehouse · 10-20-2009, 01:49 PM

Luxating patella...Roxxy is going through this right now. It's usually evidenced by limping and/or holding the leg up while walking; "skipping".

Kay Weber · 10-23-2009, 03:51 PM

I think it's important to find a vet you like.

In our area (western Oklahoma), there are lot of vets - livestock vets - cow, horses, etc. Dogs are just another animal...

We finally found a vet that specializes in pets. And I enjoy going to listen to their point of view. They know we love this animal and he's not easily replaceable.

Take a list of questions with you.

You will get a "good feel" from the vet if he's a good match. If not, keep looking!

Take Care,