I could really do with your opinions right now..

1148 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by agility collie mom, Jul 11, 2009

kaytee576

Discussion Starter · Jul 9, 2009

Hey guys. Hope you can help.
I have been at the same vet practice for years now and have always taken my cavaliver king charles Kaytee who is age 9. She has many health problems, Syringomyelia, dry eye, IBD and a heart murmur.
We moved house just over a month ago and today I visited a new vet that is local. Before they could dispense kaytee's tablets they wanted to see her, I chose to go to this vet as when I looked around most had vets that cover all illnesses and this place had someone who had trained and worked with a lot of heart patients.

Well I saw the new vet today and he said he can hear kaytee's murmur. she is on Vetmedin and frusemide for her heart and the vet asked why she wasnt on Fortekor, he explained that the vetmedin helps to pump the heart and work better pumping but fortekor helps in another respect something to do with hormones too and that she would be better off with these as well as the vetmedin.
You see the thing is my vet I saw for years said her heart was stable, all he ever did was listen to it but he said he wanted to leave well alone and not change any of the medication.

The new vet wants to do a "heart work up" or something, she is booked in for tomorrow to have a heart scan, Xray, Blood tests and blood pressure tests. They are not going to use anesthetic but they are going to do these tests so that he can have a better idea of whats going on with her heart.

Kaytee had one xray in her old vets a few years ago, they have only listened since and never did a scan as they didnt have the equipment.

I was wondering do you think I am doing the right thing? Im pleased someone is looking into kaytee's condition further yet Im worried, my last vet said leave well alone and the new one wants to see what else can be done for Kaytee.

I would really appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Maybe im worrying as its a new vet I cant help It I find it so hard to trust them after one a long time ago over dosed my first cav causing her kidneys to fail
PLEASE reply if you have the time thanks so much xxx

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dogchic

· #2 · Jul 9, 2009

I can completely understand your concerns.

This may be the best time for a new check up. If everything is stable as the old vet had suggested, then probably nothing will change. It is a good idea to do a work up if it has been a few years since she has really been checked out. No harm, no foul.

If it comes down to the new vet deciding that she needs different meds, then feel free to express your concerns about overdosing! Don't be afraid to speak your mind and let them know that while you are wanting the best for Kaytee, that you are very concerned about kidney failure, etc. since you have witnessed that first hand.

It will take some time for you to build a trusting relationship with a new vet. Trust your judgement and if you don't like what he says, then find someone else. It is in your hands.

Good Luck!

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FourIsCompany

· #3 · Jul 9, 2009

Just from reading your post, I got the feeling that your old vet would rather stick his head in the sand and hope everything works out all right and your new vet is the other extreme: wants to do all the tests and turn over every rock to find out if everything's ok or if he can help your dog live longer. Frankly, I'd be more comfortable with someone who wanted to do more tests then someone who didn't. That's just my take on your post.

But I also agree with dogchic. It will take some time for you to get used to this new vet and he sounds thorough, so give him some time. ASK him questions! See how you feel after being with him for a while. It's really about how you feel.

Good luck! I think you're doing the right thing by getting the tests.

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boon4376

· #4 · Jul 10, 2009 (Edited)

kaytee576 said:
The new vet wants to do a "heart work up" or something, she is booked in for tomorrow to have a heart scan, Xray, Blood tests and blood pressure tests. They are not going to use anesthetic but they are going to do these tests so that he can have a better idea of whats going on with her heart.

A vet is a business, the more of this fancy stuff they do, the more money they make.... I have a feeling most of it isn't really necessary, especially since your old vet did not refer you anywhere to get it done... Their machines are EXTREMELY expensive and they need to run as many tests as they can to pay them off... Now im not saying this guy is a quack... but you have to look at the situation from all angles..

If your old vet said he was fine, its ok to get a second opinion, but i'd personally say no to these tests, and tell your normal vet what the new wanted to do and get his opinion on it..
What are they going to tell you after the heart scan and xray? Whether your dog needs open heart surgery? I love my dog, but if hes born with a heart condition, I'm not forking over thousands of dollars for a surgery could slightly prolong his life... Shes ALREADY on a medication for it correct?

Is anything really going to change after these tests are run? IMO the blood tests and blood pressure are ok to get done every once and a while if necessary, but an xray and a heart scan when your old vet said hes fine is over the top and this guys just trying to milk as much money from you as possible.

..But its your money, If you're loaded then go ahead

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SweetJeannie

· #5 · Jul 10, 2009

boon4376 said:
A vet is a business, the more of this fancy stuff they do, the more money they make.... I have a feeling most of it isn't really necessary, especially since your old vet did not refer you anywhere to get it done... Their machines are EXTREMELY expensive and they need to run as many tests as they can to pay them off... Now im not saying this guy is a quack... but you have to look at the situation from all angles..

This was my initial thought after reading your post. Sounds... expensive... sounds like...business. Sounds like he may be taking advantage of you emotional attachment to your dog.

HOWEVER... I could be wrong.

It does seem a little excessive. Did he even request your dogs previous medical files from your old vet? I would probably tell him to do that first and then if he is STILL concerned maybe opt for some of the things he's requesting.

When people try to throw so much on you so quickly... reminds me of salesmans rather than someone who actually cares....

Just my opinoin. I wish you luck.

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agility collie mom

· #6 · Jul 11, 2009

I agree with fouriscompany. Cavaliers tend to have a high incidence of heart conditions. Here is a link about the new med that your vet wants to prescribe.
http://www.ah.ca.novartis.com/companion/dog/fortekor.shtml
Some vets are more knowledgeable about genetic problems of certain breeds than others. Information is never wasted. You can make a more informed decision on what course of action you wish to take. Good luck to you and your baby. Let us know what your vet says.

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