I was wondering if anybody has any advice on how to find a good vet? What are some things to look for or avoid? I emailed a couple of Vets in my area and asked them if they use Lepto in their puppy shots and adult boosters (which I've read is not recommended). I also asked them what kind of anesthesia they use when performing surgical procedures on small breed dogs. Out of the following responses, which vet would you think is better and which one would you choose? Thanks in advance
Vet #1:
"Kingsdale would be happy to provide veterinary care to your new family additions. In our area there have been cases of Lepto so as a result we do vaccinate puppies and adults. We started this protocol 6 years ago will excellent success.
Surgery patients are evaluated with a physical examination, pre-operative blood work and placed on iv fluids during surgery. Anesthesia protocols are premedication with hydromorphone/acepromazine/glycopyrolate, induction with either valium/ketamine or propofol iv and maintained on isoflurane. All patients are monitor with a pulse oximeter (blood oxygen levels and pulse), and apnea-alert (respiratory rate) as well as a registered veterinary technician with 15+years of experience. We have a surgical laser unit with cauterizes as it incises blood vessels and nerves resulting in significantly less blood loss and less post-op pain."
Vet #2:
"Thank you for contacting Chicopee Hills Animal Hospital.
As a general response, yes, we do use a Leptospirosis vaccination. However, as with all vaccinations we treat pets as individuals so there will be situations where we do not recommend a given vaccination. Our recommendations are based on the pet's lifestyle, risk factors, history of vaccination reactions, and breed just to name a few. I am assuming by your question that you have a concern with the Leptospirosis vaccination. Certainly, part of the consultation process is to discuss these issues and address any questions you may have.
Unfortunately, the question regarding anaethetic agents is not amenable to a brief email response. We use a variety of anaesthetic agents which are selected on a case by case basis. We can also discuss this issue more specifically once we are familiar with your pets and their unique situation."