Question about shots...

**msturbo209** · 06-17-2003, 06:00 PM

We took our newest family member, Snoop, to the vet yesterday. He was a "found" dog, and since we had no medical history on him, the doctor ran the full set of standard tests and gave him his necessary shots. I was reasonably assured that repeat vaccinations would not harm him, sold preventive heart worm medication and he was given a clean bill of health.

However, we did leave feeling rushed and dissatisfied with the overall visit, (the whole family went along for moral support, my little daughters didn't want him to be scared

)and we all felt that the doctor was unnecessarily rough. Today Snoop is very sore and not feeling well at all. Is this normal? Thank you for any insight you can give!

**lizbud** · 06-17-2003, 06:47 PM

msturbo,

If you honesty feel the Vet was unnessarily rough with your
dog I would find another Vet. No matter if he "knew" all the
technical aspects of being a Vet. I would not subject my dog
to ANY rough treatment by ANYONE at anytime.Period.
However, the soreness you mentioned might be due to the
vacs themselves. It sometimes happens that a dog could show
a reaction to a particular vac & not feel well for awhile. How is
you dog feeling/acting today?

**msturbo209** · 06-17-2003, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the info. We are definitely not going to see that vet again, and as you suggest, he was just very cold and clinical... not necessarily gentle, in fact rather than gently approaching the dog he basically just muscled him, although Snoop would have been a cooperative patient. He is the sweetest animal. When the "doctor"(I use that term loosely in his case) tried to check his underbelly, he tried to force him into position and the poor dog panicked and flipped onto his back. Today he is whining with certain movements, and he seems to be in pain. Moving stiffly, etc. Although all last evening after his visit he was his usual playful self, today he is like a completely different dog, and he seems scared to be feeling so bad.

My mom says its okay to give him a children's aspirin or small dose of ibuprofen. I'm a little hesitant since I know that some medications such as aceteminophen are extremely toxic to their systems. We don't want to have to take him out for another visit(to another Dr. of course) unless it's really necessary as he is so sore. Please advise me of any suggestions! Thanks!

**binka_nugget** · 06-17-2003, 08:02 PM

My vet told us that we could give Kai aspirin when Kai had a small fever. We didn't but it was an option. Personally, I don't like giving my dog any medicine unless entirely necessary. You could try calling the vet instead of bringing him in. They could suggest a few things.

**msturbo209** · 06-17-2003, 10:08 PM

Thanks!

**micki76** · 06-17-2003, 10:25 PM

Chester has had bad reactions to his vac, but one year in particular he had a very bad time of it. He was very lethargic and wouldn't eat or drink for about 24 hours. He barely moved from one spot, and looked very scared and pitiful. I do feel the vacs are worth it, though and so we get them every year. That was the worst reaction he's ever had, but each spring when it's that time again, I worry. I'm sure Snoop will be fine. Give him a day or two to recover. If he's not back to his old self, I'd visit another vet.
I'm with binka_nugget, I usually try to wait it out, rather than medicate.

**msturbo209** · 06-18-2003, 12:58 AM

Thanks so much, Micki. You are the first person out there to confirm what poor Snoop has gone through.
We have showered him with love, though, been really careful when petting him so as not to touch any sore spots, and have given him extra treats.
As the day has gone on, he has responded more and more to this, and although he is still moving around more slowly than usual, he definitiely seems to be improving.
Still, we will never let anyone else throw him around like the Vet was trying to (I was trying to comfort him and tell the "Dr." that our dog is sweet, and that there was no need to practically attack him), no matter how much they claim to know.
I guess you have to do the shots. But talk about tough love!

**msturbo209** · 06-18-2003, 01:11 AM

Thanks so much, Micki. You are the first person out there to confirm what poor Snoop has gone through.
We have showered him with love, though, been really careful when petting him so as not to touch any sore spots, and have given him extra treats.
As the day has gone on, he has responded more and more to this, and although he is still moving around more slowly than usual, he definitiely seems to be improving.
Still, we will never let anyone else throw him around like the Vet was trying to (I was trying to comfort him and tell the "Dr." that our dog is sweet, and that there was no need to practically attack him), no matter how much they claim to know.
I guess you have to do the shots. But talk about tough love!

**Akitasix** · 06-18-2003, 10:44 AM

MSTURBO209-
Sounds like you are in NY. My Vet had hired two other vets for his office. I got one of them at my last visit. He treated my pet rough. Gave him his shots. Didn't even weigh him or check him out. Something told me this guy is bad news. I looked him up and found he was suspended and fined because he misdiagnosed two animals. The suspension was put aside but the fine stayed and this ruling came down a week before my visit. If you are not satisfied in any way dump the Vet and go somewhre else. My present Vet is compassionate, gentle and even knows my pet's name. The only reason that I have my pet vaccinated is because it's the law in New York State...the boosters are good for three years but Vets stick the dog anyway each year. There's more to this story that could benefit your pet. Interested? email me.