My Vets Office Thinks I Am A Pain In The Behind

[posiepurrs]

I have always been the type of person who is the voice of my pets. If I disagree with the vet, I tell them and present proof of what I am saying. My husband tells me he feels sorry for the vets. Last week I noticed Sterling limping. He stayed in his bed mostly, only coming out to eat or use the box. I took him to the vet on Monday. I saw a new vet (whom I didn't care for) and she told me it was a soft tissue injury - all without an x-ray or much of an examination other than seeing him limp across the floor. She found out that I am a breeder and was more interested in how many cats I have rather than Sterling. She is NOT breeder friendly. I have a breeder friend who also uses that practice and she told me the same. By Wednesday, he was still staying in his bed the majority of the time. I had an appointment for our puppy so I asked if I could bring Sterling back to have another Doctor look at him. This time we saw a vet I like (she listens to the clients concerns). She did agree it was a soft tissue injury BUT she gave him medication for the pain. While he is still limping, he is better. I don't let him jump or go up and down the stairs. The vet I really liked at this practice moved out of the area. It would be a 2 hour drive to see him now - not good if we had an emergency.

 

[verna davies]

It is so important for us to trust our vets and as we know our pets better than anyone, vets should listen to us. Yes l know they have the training and experience but they should still listen. I hope Stirling is on the mend.

 

[AbbysMom]

She is NOT breeder friendly.

That's certainly not fair.

 

[neely]

If you're a pain in the behind then I'm the Bucket woman from the British tv show, Keeping Up Appearances. No, you're not a pain or fussy or anything else but a concerned cat parent. I have a vet story too about an intern they were training but don't want to hijack your thread so will remain silent. I'm glad you brought Sterling back to have a different vet look at him. You have to trust your gut and you knew something was not right so you advocated for him.

 

[ArchyCat]

neely Isn't that the Bouquet woman?

 

[kittyluv387]

At the end of the day we have the duty of being our pets' best advocate. Vets aren't all necessarily specialized in cats or care about your pet. It's ok to be a pain in the butt.

 

[verna davies]

neely Isn't that the Bouquet woman?

Both right. It was spelt Bucket but she pronounced it Bouquet.

I hope Sterling has improved. Please let us know

 

[Maria Bayote]

My pets' vet blocked me from sending any more messages on facebook messenger. Maybe I pestered them too much.

 

[posiepurrs]

I have a vet story too about an intern they were training but don't want to hijack your thread so will remain silent.

Please share. It is good to know I am not the only one who does this. I remember once I had a girl whose mammary glands were extremely swollen so I took her in. The vet diagnosed mastitis, which I questioned. I bluntly told him she was pregnant, not nursing so it couldn't be mastitis. It turned out to be mammary hyperplasia. This is why my husband doesn't like to go to the vets with me or take the animals in on his own. I drive him crazy with questions when he gets home. Sterling is showing signs of improving. He is still on the pain medication but is not limping as badly. I don't allow him to jump at all right now.

 

[KarenKat]

We had to take Gohan to the emergency vet for something similar - we think he pinched a nerve or wrenched his back somehow. During the follow up visit with a specialist, we were told he would have to go on crate rest. I casually mentioned to my BF that at least it might help him eat more wet food (a constant struggle since he is a die hard grazer and Olive will finish any abandoned food).

Now, after hearing a lot of stories here I was determined not to bring up any wet food vs dry debates with a vet. But she overheard me and very aggressively asked “Why would you feed him wet food. It’s gross”. And, unprepared, I mentioned for hydration. She replied “He’s perfectly hydrated. Just feed him dry food”. I had been getting weirdly hostile vibes from this lady - and my BF noticed too, completely unsure why - and we still talk about that vet that hated me lol. She seemed very knowledgeable about the injury, but was sooo mean! I’m not sure if I asked too many questions or what.

 

[neely]

Please share. It is good to know I am not the only one who does this.

No, you're not alone! I know you will understand this because you have such lovely Persians.

Carleton is a doll-faced Persian that we rescued. I use a Greyhound stainless steel comb to groom him which does a good job but several times a year he needs a professional grooming since he mats near his rear back legs and due to arthritis it hurts him when I try to get a knot(s) out. Fortunately twice a month our vet has a wonderful groomer who comes to the office. However, he needs a very small dose of Buprenex to relax him. I always call ahead of time to pick it up.

One time our regular vet was not in and a new vet fresh out of med school prescribed the dosage. Being an anal, crazy cat mom I always keep the label of his last medication. I thought the syringe looked more full than usual so got out the previous label and sure enough the new vet had given me a sedation dose.
I don't think I have to tell you what kind words I had for her.