'Ashamed to be a vet'.

[DJFyrewolf36]

Kokopup I think the term Canine was used by the author to reference the canine tooth, which a lot of animals have (anyone know why that particular set of teeth is refered to as the canines as opposed to anything else? Im curious now...)

Personally, I think the author is rather jaded if he thinks all vets are this way. I also get the feeling that he makes a blanket statement about not wanting to ever prolong an animals life. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but the judgement call is ultimately up to the owner of the animal whom I would hope has the best interests of the animal in mind (although sadly quite a few don't)

For my animals I would do anything to make sure they don't suffer. Quality of life is better than quantity and I would hope someone would keep that in mind when dealing with ME in my final hours lol. Sadly animals can't communicate what they want just by simply filing a form with the vet and the can't sign (or not sign) consent forms for surgery, so it is left up to us to guess. Thats why second (and third and sometimes fourth) opinions are vital to making a decsion. I would hope a vet would be professional enough to understand that.

[Pinot's Mom]

I, too, have many issues with this article. This person is, in my opinion, at the very least jaded. I cannot and will not believe the preponderance of vets are in the state of mind described. I may live on the "sunny side" of life, but I'm staying there! I have a great vet, have for 25 years or so, and will continue to put my faith in her.

You, as the consumer, are in a "buyer beware" situation. You should know your pet and should have a vet you believe in to make the best decisions with your input and the pet's best interest in mind.

[kokopup]

I guess I haven't spent ebough time in the dentist office

Canine teeth

In mammalian oral anatomy, the canine teeth, also called cuspids, dogteeth, fangs, or (in the case of those of the upper jaw) eye teeth, are relatively long, pointed teeth. However, they can appear more flattened, causing them to resemble incisors and leading them to be called incisiform. They evolved and are used primarily for firmly holding food in order to tear it apart, and occasionally as weapons. They are often the largest teeth in a mammal's mouth. Most species that develop them normally have four per individual, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower, separated within each jaw by its incisors; humans and dogs are examples. In most animals, canines are the anterior-most teeth in the maxillary bone.

The four canines in humans are the two maxillary canines and the two mandibular canines.

[aTailOf2Kitties]

sour grapes make bitter wine, and it sounds like this guy has enough to open his own vineyard

[pomtzu]

I believe there is good and bad in every profession, but this author decided to take all the bad and paint other vets with that same brush. I would want to know all of my options for an ill pet, but I wouldn't want expensive procedures pushed down my throat, and be looked down on if I elected not to extend the pet's life - just because it was medically possible.

I have a wonderful vet and have been with her for about 20 years. She's always been one to take a conservative approach first, rather than jumping in to some radical treatment with both feet.

The previous vet I used, was one that was in it for the money, and always pushed the expensive treatments, procedures, etc. I had a Lhasa with a broken tooth - it never bothered him - but she wanted to do a root canal. NOT!!!

[Twisterdog]

I believe there is good and bad in every profession, but this author decided to take all the bad and paint other vets with that same brush.

Agreed.