Grrr Vet Rant

[Freedom]

I just have to spout off a bit.

I have used my vet for 15 years. I don't always go with their recommendations, but I DO trust them. (There are 3 vets itn he practice.)

Well, in July I started fostering for the bichon rescue. My vet does not offer a discount for rescue groups, so I was required to find another vet for the foster dogs. I found one, he handles 9 or 10 different dog and cat rescue groups. There are 4 vets in the practice, the owner (his name is on the clinic) is the one who sees the rescue groups.

So I started taking the 2 foster dogs there. I looked at the receipts, and even before the 20% rescue discount, his prices were lower than what I have been paying. So I took my 2 youngest and newest cats to him as well. (Bobby and Chaplin)

Since Aug 3rd, I have had FIVE mix ups! One medicine for my cat, Bobby, the label said give every 12 hours. The vet had told me it would last about 14 days. At 7 days I was out. So I took the bottle and went in to the office. The label was WRONG! It should have been once every 24 hours!

Then Bobby has allergies and was itchy and scabs were forming. I was doing food trials. The vet gave me the low allergen formula. Nope, didn't work. then I asked to try the venison diet. No, he said there is more than food involved. So I did a few more food tests, narrowed it down (The itching lessened) and finally got Bobby in to a vet dermatologist. I had photos of how Bobby's skin looked at its worst. She said she would not have even bothered with the low allergen food with such an outbreak, and she put him on the venison diet. In FOUR DAYS he stopped itching and I could stop the daily allergy pills (they were over the counter, no benefit to the vet in buying them). It cost me $250 at the derm to get the venison prescription. UGH!

Ozzy is a foster dog; he is at least 14 and has many issues which go along with old age and being a rescue dog. I got him in to see a vet eye specialist, and she made recommendations for eye drops. Worked everything through the local vet so I didn't have to travel 45 minutes to her office. Well, I phoned in the 3rd refill last Tuesday; when I called this morning, they had not even placed the order yet! I've been out of the eye drops since Saturday morning. I just phoned the eye specialist. They told me I can pick it up after noon today. I'll do the traveling, as long as the eye is safe!

There are 2 other issues which developed with Ozzy, one a medication mix up similar to what I had with Bobby.

I am NOT using this vet anymore!!!

I just phoned to move Bobby's and Chaplin's info to the vet I've been using right along.

Finding a rescue vet is a bit more challenging. I've phoned a few places, they have to find out and get back to me whether they handle rescue work and what the discount is.

But I WILL do it. I just don't like how things are messed up at this place.

Sorry, just had to spout off a bit in between phone calls to find a new rescue vet.

[lvpets2002]

I am sorry to hear of the problems your having with your Vet/Vets.. Its always good to vent & you know we always listen.. Yes I would be upset & venting too.. I guess you should change Vets..

[Medusa]

Hey, I think I can safely say that we've all vented on PT at one time or another. I know I have. Nowadays we're all trying to save money, especially if we have multiple pets, so we seek out discounts wherever we find them. But if it endangers the safety and/or lives of our pets, it's not worth it, obviously. Good that you're going back to your old vet.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear that you've had so many problems with this rescue vet. I hope that you'll be able to find a good one this time. I've had to switch vets 3 times since I've owned Storm and he'll be 12 in Jan. I also had quite a few mix ups and very bad customer service at my old vets so it was time for a change. Now I'm very pleased with my new vet. Sometimes change is very good. Good luck.

[Craftlady]

It seems bigger the vet practice more problems.
That is why we are back with our orginial vets office (new doc who took over practice).
Here they always go over the medication and doseage before you leave the office. He or gals read the instructions right of rx label, so they know it's all correct.

[Catty1]

I hope the rescue groups this vet works with know about these screwups???