Vet's reaction to annual tests!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Franceen · 07-23-2010, 12:12 PM

Hi, I recently posted about annual tests and checkups. I made an appointment for an annual check up and dental descale and claws cut. I took a stool sample and a urine sample with me. I told the vet that I wanted a complete physical exam and full blood tests, urine and fecal tests for parasites. She looked at me as though I was mad! 'Why' she asked,'is Tootsy ill in any way?' I said she wasn't but as she was going under anaesthesia to have her teeth scaled and her nails clipped, I felt it a good idea to do a full medical at the same time. She is very hypo when she goes to the vet and they find it almost impossible to examine her. The vet said 'all these tests are totally unnecessary as Tootsy looks absolutely fine, but if you really must have them done then I will do them.' I asked her if it is not a good idea to do this so that you can catch things early on. She insisted that as soon as a dog has symptoms THEN you do tests. She said that dogs pick up parasites easily and doing a fecal test for parasites was a waste of money and that I should simply give her a worm tablet. Well I had them all done, anyway. She also said to me that if any of Tootsy's teeth are showing signs of decay, I will extract them! I said NO WAY! She looks puzzled and says 'well I have had Yorkies and we have found that they are prone to bad teeth and frequently requre extractions!! I said that if she found any signs of decay, to just let me know and I will take her to a veterinary dentist. She looked at me as if I was crazy, once more, and said 'you would have them filled!' I said, yes, if it was at all possible. I then mentioned that Tootsy sometimes 'skips' and that she has been reluctant to walk much in past month or so. She checked Tootsy's knees and said they were in place and absolutely fine. She has no explaination as to why Tootsy has suddenly become less inclined to walk or why she skips occasionally.

I coillected my sleepy, confused baby a few hours later and the vet was too busy to see me, so I don't know what she found or did not find during her examination. I asked the nurse there, and she said that the vet never mentioned anything, so it must all be fine.

I feel angry! I think after spending all that money, the vet could have at least phoned me, or sent me an email or letter, to say that Tootsy was not showing any signs of illness, that her teeth were fine etc.etc Am I expecting too much? The nurse said that I should get a letter with the blood test results, in a couple of weeks.

What do you think? Would you feel angry, am I asking too much? I have changed vets 3 times so far, and I am beginning to think it is me? Please be honest and tell me if you think I am expecting too much in this case. I won't be upset, I promise. When I tell people the reasons I left the other 3 vets,they all said that they, too, would have definitely left. I am feeling confused now! Thanks for reading all this.
Hugs
Yvonne

Ellie May · 07-23-2010, 12:22 PM

Wow. Some vets don't think preop bloodwork is necessary, but most will comply. You are definitely not asking too much. I hand Ellie's vet the list of things that I want done at a minimum and tell her to addw hatever she thinks should be added and she is more than fine with that. And there is no reason to wait two weeks for blood work. A simple call back from a tech to tell you that it is normal or a call back from the vet if it is abnormal would be nice. It's hard saying b/c things are different in the US. But I can tell you I would not want a vet constantly trying to talk me out of preventative blood work/care. I do agree about the teeth though. Sometimes a dentist can save them. A lot of times, they do need to be pulled. But if they are cleaned often and/or kept up with at home, then that should minimize the problem.

Rhetts_mama · 07-23-2010, 01:09 PM

If it were me, I would be looking for a new vet.

Franceen · 07-23-2010, 01:17 PM

Thanks for your reply. Next time I will do as you did and just bring a list of what I want done. Does your vet tell you what she found or didn't find in the physical exam? Are you meant to assume that all is well unless they tell you otherwise? Thank you for telling me about the teeth. I will keep that in mind. I would have a vet dentist check the tooth, if the vet thinks there is a chance to save it. I will phone next week and ask for the blood results. They may have them. I must say the vets in the USA sound a whole lot better than the ones I have dealt with around here.

Franceen · 07-23-2010, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

If it were me, I would be looking for a new vet.

Thanks! I must say I feel the same - but, maybe this is the way they do things here - I am going to ask around.

Ellie May · 07-23-2010, 03:49 PM

You should just be able to ask for blood work and such without a vet trying to talk you out of it. I'd be very uneasy about that.

It depends on the exam thing. If she is listening to her heart or something and doesn't say anything, then that would mean it is ok. If I ask her to look at something specifically, she tells me what she finds. Her or her tech call within a day or two of running most tests with results. That is the norm in the US.

Ringo1 · 07-24-2010, 05:54 AM

I agree. I might check around and see if there is another Vet that you are more comfortable with. Your Vet should not be looking at you or talking to you like you are crazy; even if she doesn't necessarily agree with you. It should be something you could discuss and she could explain her reasoning and you could explain yours and come to a mutually acceptable conclusion. Also, she should have told you how the dental went and what she found. JMO.

maria1989 · 07-24-2010, 01:21 PM

Since we're mentioning this topic do you think I should be doing these types of annual check ups? My vet sounds similar to yours he seems to always tell me not to worry when I have questions. I took Coco for his annual vaccine and heart worm medication? Do you suggest I can do other tests to be sure and as you said to prevent and be on the safe side? I think it's absolutely correct what you're doing and you're well informed and have all right to suggest anything you want! The vet should comprehend, and do what he or she can. Afterall our little yorkies are our babies and we wouldn't want ANYTHING bad to happen to them!

Franceen · 07-25-2010, 01:46 PM

Thanks for these replies. I did ask her about her knees and she said that they are fine and not slipping. Why is she skipping then? I thought that this was a definite sign?

I feel she should have told me about the dental work, too, Ringo1 and I will look around for another vet.

I think it is a good idea to have blood tests, Maria1989, as it will show up problems, with things like the liver, kidneys etc, early enough to sort them out before any damage is done. This is how I feel. After all, we are paying for the tests and I don't see why the vet should be unhappy about having them done. It is only once a year. I particularly wanted to make sure that my home feeding was not causing Toots any health concerns and that she was getting all she needs. It is the first time I have had a dog, so I feel at a disadvantage. (I am so grateful for this forum - it has helped me so much.)

Thanks again everyone for your helpful replies.

107barney · 07-25-2010, 02:24 PM

I have to agree that I'd be pissed and I'd drop the vet. Don't feel bad, I'm on my 4th vet in 10 years. It's not me, it's them

Franceen · 07-25-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 107barney

I have to agree that I'd be pissed and I'd drop the vet. Don't feel bad, I'm on my 4th vet in 10 years. It's not me, it's them

That makes me feel so much better! Thank you. I was beginning to feel that it WAS me!!

TwoforFun · 07-25-2010, 09:21 PM

I would suggest you find a vet that specializes in toy breeds. For some reason they show more concern for our furbutts. Just remember a lot of vets just make sure they do the basics to save their butts of any claims. It is hard to find one that will go an extra mile. It will also be a good idea if you find one that doesn't try to squeeze as many pt's as they can. Unless of course it's an emergency. Good Luck!!

tjdmom · 07-26-2010, 04:29 AM

Well I would say that since for all you know, the vet may have been in surgery or with another patient but she should call you back at least. A lot of vets don't think all the bloodwork is necessary but that's ok if you want in then don't worry what they think. It is hard to find a good vet sometimes....

Franceen · 07-26-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoforFun

I would suggest you find a vet that specializes in toy breeds. For some reason they show more concern for our furbutts. Just remember a lot of vets just make sure they do the basics to save their butts of any claims. It is hard to find one that will go an extra mile. It will also be a good idea if you find one that doesn't try to squeeze as many pt's as they can. Unless of course it's an emergency. Good Luck!!

I didn't realize that some vets specialize in toy breeds - thanks for letting me know. I will see if I can find one. I think you may well be right about the squeezing as many pt's as possible. They always seem to be very busy.

Franceen · 07-26-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjdmom

Well I would say that since for all you know, the vet may have been in surgery or with another patient but she should call you back at least. A lot of vets don't think all the bloodwork is necessary but that's ok if you want in then don't worry what they think. It is hard to find a good vet sometimes....

Oh, I do agree that the vet may have been busy at the times, but at least she could have phoned me, as you say. It certainly does seem hard to find a good and caring vet. Thanks so much for your reply.

07-23-2010, 12:12 PM	#1
Franceen YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 581	Vet's reaction to annual tests!! Hi, I recently posted about annual tests and checkups. I made an appointment for an annual check up and dental descale and claws cut. I took a stool sample and a urine sample with me. I told the vet that I wanted a complete physical exam and full blood tests, urine and fecal tests for parasites. She looked at me as though I was mad! 'Why' she asked,'is Tootsy ill in any way?' I said she wasn't but as she was going under anaesthesia to have her teeth scaled and her nails clipped, I felt it a good idea to do a full medical at the same time. She is very hypo when she goes to the vet and they find it almost impossible to examine her. The vet said 'all these tests are totally unnecessary as Tootsy looks absolutely fine, but if you really must have them done then I will do them.' I asked her if it is not a good idea to do this so that you can catch things early on. She insisted that as soon as a dog has symptoms THEN you do tests. She said that dogs pick up parasites easily and doing a fecal test for parasites was a waste of money and that I should simply give her a worm tablet. Well I had them all done, anyway. She also said to me that if any of Tootsy's teeth are showing signs of decay, I will extract them! I said NO WAY! She looks puzzled and says 'well I have had Yorkies and we have found that they are prone to bad teeth and frequently requre extractions!! I said that if she found any signs of decay, to just let me know and I will take her to a veterinary dentist. She looked at me as if I was crazy, once more, and said 'you would have them filled!' I said, yes, if it was at all possible. I then mentioned that Tootsy sometimes 'skips' and that she has been reluctant to walk much in past month or so. She checked Tootsy's knees and said they were in place and absolutely fine. She has no explaination as to why Tootsy has suddenly become less inclined to walk or why she skips occasionally. I coillected my sleepy, confused baby a few hours later and the vet was too busy to see me, so I don't know what she found or did not find during her examination. I asked the nurse there, and she said that the vet never mentioned anything, so it must all be fine. I feel angry! I think after spending all that money, the vet could have at least phoned me, or sent me an email or letter, to say that Tootsy was not showing any signs of illness, that her teeth were fine etc.etc Am I expecting too much? The nurse said that I should get a letter with the blood test results, in a couple of weeks. What do you think? Would you feel angry, am I asking too much? I have changed vets 3 times so far, and I am beginning to think it is me? Please be honest and tell me if you think I am expecting too much in this case. I won't be upset, I promise. When I tell people the reasons I left the other 3 vets,they all said that they, too, would have definitely left. I am feeling confused now! Thanks for reading all this. Hugs Yvonne

07-23-2010, 12:22 PM	#2
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Wow. Some vets don't think preop bloodwork is necessary, but most will comply. You are definitely not asking too much. I hand Ellie's vet the list of things that I want done at a minimum and tell her to addw hatever she thinks should be added and she is more than fine with that. And there is no reason to wait two weeks for blood work. A simple call back from a tech to tell you that it is normal or a call back from the vet if it is abnormal would be nice. It's hard saying b/c things are different in the US. But I can tell you I would not want a vet constantly trying to talk me out of preventative blood work/care. I do agree about the teeth though. Sometimes a dentist can save them. A lot of times, they do need to be pulled. But if they are cleaned often and/or kept up with at home, then that should minimize the problem. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

07-23-2010, 01:09 PM	#3
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	If it were me, I would be looking for a new vet. __________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny.

07-23-2010, 03:49 PM	#6
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	You should just be able to ask for blood work and such without a vet trying to talk you out of it. I'd be very uneasy about that. It depends on the exam thing. If she is listening to her heart or something and doesn't say anything, then that would mean it is ok. If I ask her to look at something specifically, she tells me what she finds. Her or her tech call within a day or two of running most tests with results. That is the norm in the US. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

07-24-2010, 05:54 AM	#7
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I agree. I might check around and see if there is another Vet that you are more comfortable with. Your Vet should not be looking at you or talking to you like you are crazy; even if she doesn't necessarily agree with you. It should be something you could discuss and she could explain her reasoning and you could explain yours and come to a mutually acceptable conclusion. Also, she should have told you how the dental went and what she found. JMO. __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

07-23-2010, 01:17 PM	#4
Franceen YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 581	Thanks for your reply. Next time I will do as you did and just bring a list of what I want done. Does your vet tell you what she found or didn't find in the physical exam? Are you meant to assume that all is well unless they tell you otherwise? Thank you for telling me about the teeth. I will keep that in mind. I would have a vet dentist check the tooth, if the vet thinks there is a chance to save it. I will phone next week and ask for the blood results. They may have them. I must say the vets in the USA sound a whole lot better than the ones I have dealt with around here.

07-24-2010, 01:21 PM	#8
maria1989 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Montreal Posts: 75	Since we're mentioning this topic do you think I should be doing these types of annual check ups? My vet sounds similar to yours he seems to always tell me not to worry when I have questions. I took Coco for his annual vaccine and heart worm medication? Do you suggest I can do other tests to be sure and as you said to prevent and be on the safe side? I think it's absolutely correct what you're doing and you're well informed and have all right to suggest anything you want! The vet should comprehend, and do what he or she can. Afterall our little yorkies are our babies and we wouldn't want ANYTHING bad to happen to them!

07-25-2010, 01:46 PM	#9
Franceen YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 581	Thanks for these replies. I did ask her about her knees and she said that they are fine and not slipping. Why is she skipping then? I thought that this was a definite sign? I feel she should have told me about the dental work, too, Ringo1 and I will look around for another vet. I think it is a good idea to have blood tests, Maria1989, as it will show up problems, with things like the liver, kidneys etc, early enough to sort them out before any damage is done. This is how I feel. After all, we are paying for the tests and I don't see why the vet should be unhappy about having them done. It is only once a year. I particularly wanted to make sure that my home feeding was not causing Toots any health concerns and that she was getting all she needs. It is the first time I have had a dog, so I feel at a disadvantage. (I am so grateful for this forum - it has helped me so much.) Thanks again everyone for your helpful replies.

07-25-2010, 02:24 PM	#10
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	I have to agree that I'd be pissed and I'd drop the vet. Don't feel bad, I'm on my 4th vet in 10 years. It's not me, it's them __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

07-25-2010, 09:21 PM	#12
TwoforFun YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TX Posts: 646	I would suggest you find a vet that specializes in toy breeds. For some reason they show more concern for our furbutts. Just remember a lot of vets just make sure they do the basics to save their butts of any claims. It is hard to find one that will go an extra mile. It will also be a good idea if you find one that doesn't try to squeeze as many pt's as they can. Unless of course it's an emergency. Good Luck!! __________________ XOXO JiJi , JiJa Lil' Man and Mommy

07-26-2010, 04:29 AM	#13
tjdmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 5,847	Well I would say that since for all you know, the vet may have been in surgery or with another patient but she should call you back at least. A lot of vets don't think all the bloodwork is necessary but that's ok if you want in then don't worry what they think. It is hard to find a good vet sometimes....