vet school vs pvt. personal vet WARNING long post

[matese]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

In addition to what ChaCha and others have pointed out, most vet schools have all the cutting edge technology and the equipment to teach procedures with. You have specialist all congregated under one roof in a vet school. I know what A&M does with animals, and even if it is a "teaching facility", they provide the best medicine and treatment around. I think it is like a teaching hospital....our Medical Center here in Houston is the largest medical center in the world, and every hospital is a teaching hospital, and is responsible for the finest medical care and most advanced research in the world. Patients that come here from all over the world, know they are not used as "guinea pigs".....they are benefactors of the very best, most current, cutting edge medicine and research available. If it exists, it more than likely came from this medical center. I can completely understand your fear of your baby being treated as a learning tool, but you have the best vets teaching and doing research in vet schools around the country. Grads of these vet schools usually stay close in touch with their alma maters and they are always learning from and along with ideas that are being continually formed and researched and proven and then dissiminated all over the country.... They are researching "fecal implants" in some schools to treat colitis and other disruptive bowel diseases.....this research is being done for humans and on a lesser degree right now, as well as animals....vet schools are great and you have some truly magnificent treatments and procedures and research coming out of vet schools!
"Teaching facility" is not a bad word!

The more posts I read from members that have used vet schools the more confidence I am getting about them. Thank you so much for your response

[matese]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

In addition to what ChaCha and others have pointed out, most vet schools have all the cutting edge technology and the equipment to teach procedures with. You have specialist all congregated under one roof in a vet school. I know what A&M does with animals, and even if it is a "teaching facility", they provide the best medicine and treatment around. I think it is like a teaching hospital....our Medical Center here in Houston is the largest medical center in the world, and every hospital is a teaching hospital, and is responsible for the finest medical care and most advanced research in the world. Patients that come here from all over the world, know they are not used as "guinea pigs".....they are benefactors of the very best, most current, cutting edge medicine and research available. If it exists, it more than likely came from this medical center. I can completely understand your fear of your baby being treated as a learning tool, but you have the best vets teaching and doing research in vet schools around the country. Grads of these vet schools usually stay close in touch with their alma maters and they are always learning from and along with ideas that are being continually formed and researched and proven and then dissiminated all over the country.... They are researching "fecal implants" in some schools to treat colitis and other disruptive bowel diseases.....this research is being done for humans and on a lesser degree right now, as well as animals....vet schools are great and you have some truly magnificent treatments and procedures and research coming out of vet schools!
"Teaching facility" is not a bad word!

Please excuse my ignorance, I am not medically savvy, never went through something like this with all the yorkies I have had. What does "A&M" stand for. (if you tell me I will only look medically ignorant one time lol)

[matese]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I have to agree with you in this....but since she was specifically asking why vet schools are recommended and she was hesitant to go to a vet school because she was under the impression her baby would be treated like a practice dummy for learning purposes, I was trying to explane why vet schools are teaching facilities and should not be considered second rate medical care. We are VERY fortunate to have GCVS....they are top notch and have all the best equipment, equipment that many, many otherwise excellent vets can not afford to house in their private practice. I am not sure she has access to board certified specialists to treat her baby.....they would have the expertise to treat her baby at most vet schools....I do not want anyone to think "teaching hospital" or "vet school" is anything to be suspicious or reluctant to seek out qualified help. I did not notice where the OP was...she may not have a facility like GCVS where she is....she may not have board certified specialists where she is....heck, she may not even be near a vet school! I just wanted to reassure her about the capabilities of a vet school ....we are very fortunate in this area!

In trying to help a poster with a sick yorkie that she was going to have euthanize, said she did not have a vet school near her, she does not live that far from me. I contacted a tech. at my vets to see where was the closest for her, so in trying to help her, I also helped myself. I live in Pa. there is a vet school in Phil. For me that is about 1 ½ to 2 hour trip. I am sure there is one in NYC, that is about 1 ½ hour trip for me. I originally lived in NY I would find it easier then I would find the one in Phil. I think if I were to call the A.S.P.C.A. in NY they may be able to tell me of a vet school. I would prefer to go to a specialist if it comes down to that, because it would be a one on one, meaning I would be using, seeing, talking and dealing with just ONE person. With the information I have gotten on vet schools, and members experience in using them I have gained confidence in them.

[matese]

Originally Posted by Cha Cha

Well I also agree with others who posted. I am not necessarily for one, a vet school, over a specialist, but rather see all options as valuable resources, but you did ask about vet schools. One thing I will caution, what ever you decide, it was enough for you to question it enough that you came to ask for opinions and so you are questioning something in your mind. Maybe bringing it up with your vet would break the ice to refer you for a second opinion. It never hurts and often makes us feel better about the direction of treatment. It could be that your vet feels you are comfortable with any long term prognosis at this point so she's also not making any further recommendations. Just saying....

my concern about asking my vet what you suggest may cause her to feel that I think she is inadequate, and I absolutely do not think that of her. She is the BEST vet in my county. I have confidence in the fact that IF there is a cure for Cody she will find it, if she cannot I know she will recommend me to a specialist, if she does not have the proper equipment, she will recommend where to go. If she flat out tells me she cannot do anymore for cody I will then ask her for a specialist, or find one on my own..... I actually asked about vet school out of curiosity, kinda confused why a person would choose a place where ppl are JUST learning over a certified vet. I was not considering using one for Cody’s condition, and to be quite honest I didn’t even know about specialist until I posted this thread and received replies. My heart is telling me Cody will never be cured, and not because of my vet not having the knowledge, it’s because Cody has this illness 17 months. Now KNOWING there are specialist out there has given me hope. But I will not leave my vet unless she tells me there is nothing that can be done for Cody. But I do thank you for your suggestion.

[matese]

Originally Posted by matese

my concern about asking my vet what you suggest may cause her to feel that I think she is inadequate, and I absolutely do not think that of her. She is the BEST vet in my county. I have confidence in the fact that IF there is a cure for Cody she will find it, if she cannot I know she will recommend me to a specialist, if she does not have the proper equipment, she will recommend where to go. If she flat out tells me she cannot do anymore for cody I will then ask her for a specialist, or find one on my own..... I actually asked about vet school out of curiosity, kinda confused why a person would choose a place where ppl are JUST learning over a certified vet. I was not considering using one for Cody’s condition, and to be quite honest I didn’t even know about specialist until I posted this thread and received replies. My heart is telling me Cody will never be cured, and not because of my vet not having the knowledge, it’s because Cody has this illness 17 months. Now KNOWING there are specialist out there has given me hope. But I will not leave my vet unless she tells me there is nothing that can be done for Cody. But I do thank you for your suggestion.

As a PS my curiosity has been satisfied and I can clearly understand why members advise posters to go to a vet school

[ShowGirlLola]

IMO your vet has had more than enough time to find a cure, it's time to move on to a specialist. I'm not doubting her skills as a vet, but not every vet is good for every problem. My vet was wonderful for my poodle's epilepsy and congestive heart failure, but he wasn't good for my aunt's westie's diabetes. The same is true for doctors.

Just tell her you're thankful for everything she's dobe for Cody and all your other dogs, but you feel it's time for a specialist.

Penn is probably your best bet.

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by matese

Please excuse my ignorance, I am not medically savvy, never went through something like this with all the yorkies I have had. What does "A&M" stand for. (if you tell me I will only look medically ignorant one time lol)

No ignorance! That is the name of our vet school, "A" and "M"....GO AGGIES!!!

[matese]

Originally Posted by ladyjane http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ima...s/viewpost.gif

I think you definitely should consider taking him to see an internist. If you don't want to use a vet school, you can go to this site American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine > Home to look for a board certified specialist in your area. It sounds to me as if your vet is treating symptoms. In my experience with specialists, they get down to the nitty gritty from the start, do testing and come up with a diagnosis, and then a treatment plan. While it is more money up front, you can save money in the long run because you won't be going to the vet as often
__________________________________________________ ___________


Just wanted to add, I do not get charged for these visits or the meds, REASON::::I was supposed to adopt a HEALTHY dog. My vet was not aware until I told her what the prev. owner told me (due to flood from hurricane Sandy they had to evacuate & dog was put in a shelter for 16 days, when they got the dog back he had diarrhea ) the dog was taken to the vet & put on meds. I don't know for what length of time these meds were to be given, I do know the prev. owner did not continue with meds. when she finished what the vet gave her. Last night I spoke to the prev. owners grandmother (she called me to see how Cody was doing) I told her he was still battling with the colitis, she told me her granddaughter, (prev, owner) did not have the finances to treat the dog. One of the reasons the dog was surrendered. I was sick to my stomach when she told me this. This dog was much loved, spoiled rotten, very well trained and house broken. How can you LOVE so deeply, yet not give much needed medical attention. I will see my vet on Thurs, and will tell her this. "the dog was not treated for 13 months by prev. owner....The more info. my vet is given helps her in curing a poor innocent, precious lil boy.

[matese]

I would like to thank everyone that replied to my question. my question was answered, my curiosity was satisfied. And learned much more then I asked for. I have learned much from each reply, and this I want to thank you all for. I cannot express to you how happy I am that I STUMBLED onto the YT site. I have learned about medical issues I never knew existed in the yorkie breed, and I have had yorkies since 1980. From that time to present veterinary care for dogs has sky rocketed. I have learned much tonight and I thank all you ladies for that. AGAIN......THANK YOU LADIES (((HUGS)))

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by matese;4404585[SIZE="3"

]my concern about asking my vet what you suggest may cause her to feel that I think she is inadequate,[/SIZE] and I absolutely do not think that of her. She is the BEST vet in my county. I have confidence in the fact that IF there is a cure for Cody she will find it, if she cannot I know she will recommend me to a specialist, if she does not have the proper equipment, she will recommend where to go. If she flat out tells me she cannot do anymore for cody I will then ask her for a specialist, or find one on my own..... I actually asked about vet school out of curiosity, kinda confused why a person would choose a place where ppl are JUST learning over a certified vet. I was not considering using one for Cody’s condition, and to be quite honest I didn’t even know about specialist until I posted this thread and received replies. My heart is telling me Cody will never be cured, and not because of my vet not having the knowledge, it’s because Cody has this illness 17 months. Now KNOWING there are specialist out there has given me hope. But I will not leave my vet unless she tells me there is nothing that can be done for Cody. But I do thank you for your suggestion.

IF a Vet of mine was think that way, I would be looking for a new a Vet, just the same way I would if my own Dr. felt that way. You as a voice for your baby have the right to ask to see a specialist. My Vet's would have already suggested a specialist to me. I have great specialist here where I live and if need be I would go to the Vet School, Texas A&M if had to.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

IF a Vet of mine was think that way, I would be looking for a new a Vet, just the same way I would if my own Dr. felt that way. You as a voice for your baby have the right to ask to see a specialist. My Vet's would have already suggested a specialist to me. I have great specialist here where I live and if need be I would go to the Vet School, Texas A&M if had to.

[matese]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

No ignorance! That is the name of our vet school, "A" and "M"....GO AGGIES!!!

Sorry for delay, just saw this, I kinda figured that when ladyjane wrote she had to "interject"
you have been extremely helpful in clarifying the benefits of seeking out vet schools. Again, thank you

[Ellie May]

I'm not a vet, but I am a pre-vet student (does that count for anything?). I've spent many hundreds of hours seeing my mentor's patients with her. All I can say is that four months of blood in the stool is very, very unhealthy. Imagine if this was a human! Would your own doctor wait this long to send you for a second look?

There may or may not be a specific diagnosis to be had, but it can almost always be symptomatically managed. There are many other things to be tried and tested for.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm not a vet, but I am a pre-vet student (does that count for anything?). I've spent many hundreds of hours seeing my mentor's patients with her. All I can say is that four months of blood in the stool is very, very unhealthy. Imagine if this was a human! Would your own doctor wait this long to send you for a second look?

There may or may not be a specific diagnosis to be had, but it can almost always be symptomatically managed. There are many other things to be tried and tested for.

I totally agree with this. It's not acceptable that your vet has "kept the case" without helping your dog. Go to an internist or another vet. You don't need a vet school necessarily.

[kjc]

From Wikipedia:
The letters "A&M", originally short for "Agricultural and Mechanical", are retained only as a link to the university's past.

Benefits of using a vet school: All specialists are under one roof, or will be called in to assist. Better for the owner and the sick dog because the owner makes one trip with the dog, instead of shuffling all around town trying to get appointments with different vets, so less stressful for both, and stress can be an important consideration when dealing with illness in animals (and people).

Most general vets do not run 24 hour hospitals, which is important if the pet becomes critical. Vet schools have ERs and most run 24 hours/day.

Most vet schools have a lab for tests onsite... which means quicker access to critical medical information important for making decisions in the treatment of the pet.

Summary: The place to go to get quicker results and get a sick pet on the road to health...

I do admire your loyalty to your current vet, and if she's all you say she is, she will not be offended when you decide to seek more aggressive treatment for your pup. Chronic intestinal issues can result in permanent damage to their systems. Different meds can cause problems like ulcers because the guts are already under the stress of disease/illness.

It really depends on the issue at hand, IMHO, as to whether I recommend a vet school, a vet ER, or a GP vet. I've been a Vet Tech for 20 years and in that time have seen a lot. I've worked as an ER tech, Surgery tech, X-ray tech, Lab tech (vet and human) and also did daytime appointments. I've worked with Orthopedic vets, neurologists, ER vets, vet ophthalmologists, Internists, and behaviorists/trainers, if all that means anything. Also worked with wildlife rehabilitation, exotics (snakes, rodents, birds, turtles, lizards), dogs, cats, and horses.

In your case, at this point in time, I'm recommending you get your pup to a vet school.