vet school vs pvt. personal vet WARNING long post

[107barney]

I want to chime in again. Having been to vet schools and also larger and smaller specialty hospitals I like the specialty hospital experience better. We are fortunate we have many choices here. I don't like students.

[107barney]

By the way, your vet doesn't know what she doesn't know. If she knew what to do then the issues wouldn't be going on 17 mos. You need to get out of there, and go somewhere else. I like internal med as a start.

[margaritaville]

Joan, you wrote that has been going on for 17mo., don't you think that is time enough to see improvement or cure? I do, and would move on (I think you are beginning to realize this by the questions you have).
As for vet schools, don't be afraid of going there. Just equate them to teaching hospitals, these resident vets train under a professor who actually is in control of your pets care. The resident suggests the care but the professor rounds with them just as in a human hospital. They have the most up to date research, equipment and labs and have seen almost everything in their medical practice. so don't worry about your little one being a guinea pig.

[matese]

Originally Posted by 107barney

By the way, your vet doesn't know what she doesn't know. If she knew what to do then the issues wouldn't be going on 17 mos. You need to get out of there, and go somewhere else. I like internal med as a start.

I guess you didn't read all postings, my vet is not treating him for 17 months. I adopted him 4 months ago, when I took him home first day before coming in house I walked him he pooped, I saw colitis, nx day went to the vet, she gave him meds with a 6 week follow up that turned into follow up in 8 weeks due to me being snowed in, cancelled the 6 wk appt. new appt. was 2 wks later, so there was the first 2 months I owned him. Two weeks after I owned him I was able to talk to prev. owner that told me the dog got diarrhea when they were hit by hurricane Sandy, they had to evacuate, had to put dog in shelter for 16 days when they picked the dog up he had diarrhea, prev owner took him to "A" vet, that vet gave tge dog meds, I guess she finished the meds and never went back to the vet, and the dog still had colitis. (This past Monday I spoke to the prev. owner's great grandmother where I got the TRUTH of why the dog was surrendered) anyway, so I bring the dog to vet that was supposed to be a 6 wk follow up but turned into a 8 week follow up, and this is when I told her the prev. owner told me Cody had diarrhea since Sandy, the vet had a better understanding and gave diff, meds with a 6 week follow up, which turned into a 8 wk follow up again, due to snow, sleet & ice, I had to cancel that 6 wk appt. now this is 3rd visit to vet, she puts the dog on vet prescription HILL dog food Z/D dry and wet with a sublament, no other food is to be given, feed him 1/4 cup 3 times a day, follow up in 2 weeks, which is today, that I had to cancel due to ice and frozen roads, so my vet has only seen him 3 times. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY if a vet was treating any dog I had for 17 months and could not cure my dog I would have left her longgg time ago, Cody has only 3 visits with my vet due to long follow ups. a 6 week follow up to give meds time to get into system and do their work, both times he had a 6 wk follow up had to be cancelled that made a 6 wk into a 8 week follow up. If you had read entire posting you would have saw this. I have had yorkies since 1980, I am NOT a FIRST TIME YORKIE/ DOG OWNER. My vet is the BEST in my county. AGAIN my dog has had ONLY 3 visits with my vet, not 17 months with my vet TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TREAT my dog... Thank you for your input

[margaritaville]

I believe what is being said is........after 17mo it's time for positive results.....for the dogs sake.

[matese]

Originally Posted by margaritaville

Joan, you wrote that has been going on for 17mo., don't you think that is time enough to see improvement or cure? I do, and would move on (I think you are beginning to realize this by the questions you have).
As for vet schools, don't be afraid of going there. Just equate them to teaching hospitals, these resident vets train under a professor who actually is in control of your pets care. The resident suggests the care but the professor rounds with them just as in a human hospital. They have the most up to date research, equipment and labs and have seen almost everything in their medical practice. so don't worry about your little one being a guinea pig.

I asked vet school vs pvt. personal vet JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, I could NOT UNDERSTAND why anyone would want to take their dog to a place were there were STUDENTS JUST LEARNING instead of taking their dogs to a CERTIFIED VET that has been in practice for YEARS. it was a question out of SHEER CURISOTY not a because I was considering using one. The question I asked has been answered and now I have a full understanding of vet schools.(posting before I loose this)

[kjc]

2 more cents worth: Six weeks between appointments is way too long for a dog with diarrhea/intestinal issues. Antibiotics should work in a matter of days, except for maybe low dose long term therapy, but that wouldn't be tried unless a definite diagnosis had been made and no other ABs worked quicker.

I suspect too that this may be C-diff/Clostridium, which normally responds to Metronidazole. Metro is normally dosed for 1-2 weeks, but to clear Clostridium, the dog needs to take it for 3-4 weeks. Changing up on ABs with this bacteria will only make it even more resistant.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by matese

I asked vet school vs pvt. personal vet JUST OUT OF CURIOSITY, I could NOT UNDERSTAND why anyone would want to take their dog to a place were there were STUDENTS JUST LEARNING instead of taking their dogs to a CERTIFIED VET that has been in practice for YEARS. it was a question out of SHEER CURISOTY not a because I was considering using one. The question I asked has been answered and now I have a full understanding of vet schools.(posting before I loose this)

Yes, you asked about the difference and you are totally not understanding what goes on at vet schools; but I am not going to repeat that. What stands out to me is comparing them to a "certified" vet as you call it. What exactly is that? Just because a vet has been in practice for years does not make him/her an up to date vet OR a specialist. The only "certification" that I would be looking for with a pup like yours is a "board certified specialist". Whether FOUR months or SEVENTEEN months matters not. Symptoms are being treated without looking for a cause. Colitis is not something you "see" .. colitis is a diagnosis. You keep saying you "saw' colitis. Unless tests are done on your pup which I suspect have not been done since you say your vet is not charging you, then I think you are treating symptoms.

You went on another thread and told a woman to take her pup to Penn, yet every time someone here on your thread suggests either a specialist or a vet school, you make excuses and swear your vet will refer you. I would have to ask when at this point. My vet would have long ago suggested further testing if the symptoms were still going on.

[matese]

Originally Posted by margaritaville http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ima...s/viewpost.gif Joan, you wrote that has been going on for 17mo., don't you think that is time enough to see improvement or cure? I do, and would move on (I think you are beginning to realize this by the questions you have).
As for vet schools, don't be afraid of going there. Just equate them to teaching hospitals, these resident vets train under a professor who actually is in control of your pets care. The resident suggests the care but the professor rounds with them just as in a human hospital. They have the most up to date research, equipment and labs and have seen almost everything in their medical practice. so don't worry about your little one being a guinea pig.
__________________________________________________ _______
My vet has only seen Cody 3 times, (read my reply to Barney107)
from my original post I have learned there are specialist for certain illness, which I did not know. I never had a prolonged illness with any of my dogs. Again, Cody has had only 3 visits my vet, I adopted Cody in Nov. 2013, he came with colitis. My vet is working on getting him on the road to a healthy life. IF A TIME COMES WHEN MY VET LOOKS ME IN THE EYE AND TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE SHE CAN DO TO CURE HIM, that is the time I will seek a specialist. I have been with this vet since 1984 if she can not get him well she will advise me where to go & who to use. My vet LOVES ANIMALS and strides to cure all that come into her clinic. I can understand ppl thinking my vet has been treating Cody for 17 months, but if they read entire posting, not skip over anything they will see, my vet has just started treating him, I appreciate all the concern members have and offer their advise and their opinions, I do the same thing to posts that I have read, I LOVE my new lil boy, I will do what ever needs to be done, I will travel to where ever I may have to, I will see who ever I need to, to get this baby boy cured, that is IF THERE IS A CURE FOR HIM. Codys priv. owner I just found out this past Monday did not seek medical attention but one time, due to financial difficulties, she left him untreated for 13 months, this I will tell my vet on next visit. The more my vet knows about his past the better she can treat him. Thank you for your concern and your advise. Cody has had ONLY 3 visits with my vet since I have adopted him, My vet is the BEST in the county, I understand vet schools handle 100's more cases then my vet does. But, if it comes to me having to use someone else, I know my vet will advise me, is she does not I will find a specialist, I want to deal with a one on one person, not many ppl that have looked into Codys case. Again thank you very much for your concern for my lil boy.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by matese

I guess you didn't read all postings, my vet is not treating him for 17 months. I adopted him 4 months ago, when I took him home first day before coming in house I walked him he pooped, I saw colitis, nx day went to the vet, she gave him meds with a 6 week follow up that turned into follow up in 8 weeks due to me being snowed in, cancelled the 6 wk appt. new appt. was 2 wks later, so there was the first 2 months I owned him. Two weeks after I owned him I was able to talk to prev. owner that told me the dog got diarrhea when they were hit by hurricane Sandy, they had to evacuate, had to put dog in shelter for 16 days when they picked the dog up he had diarrhea, prev owner took him to "A" vet, that vet gave tge dog meds, I guess she finished the meds and never went back to the vet, and the dog still had colitis. (This past Monday I spoke to the prev. owner's great grandmother where I got the TRUTH of why the dog was surrendered) anyway, so I bring the dog to vet that was supposed to be a 6 wk follow up but turned into a 8 week follow up, and this is when I told her the prev. owner told me Cody had diarrhea since Sandy, the vet had a better understanding and gave diff, meds with a 6 week follow up, which turned into a 8 wk follow up again, due to snow, sleet & ice, I had to cancel that 6 wk appt. now this is 3rd visit to vet, she puts the dog on vet prescription HILL dog food Z/D dry and wet with a sublament, no other food is to be given, feed him 1/4 cup 3 times a day, follow up in 2 weeks, which is today, that I had to cancel due to ice and frozen roads, so my vet has only seen him 3 times. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY if a vet was treating any dog I had for 17 months and could not cure my dog I would have left her longgg time ago, Cody has only 3 visits with my vet due to long follow ups. a 6 week follow up to give meds time to get into system and do their work, both times he had a 6 wk follow up had to be cancelled that made a 6 wk into a 8 week follow up. If you had read entire posting you would have saw this. I have had yorkies since 1980, I am NOT a FIRST TIME YORKIE/ DOG OWNER. My vet is the BEST in my county. AGAIN my dog has had ONLY 3 visits with my vet, not 17 months with my vet TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO TREAT my dog... Thank you for your input

I stand by my words. Your vet wouldn't be touching my dogs. It's your money so if you want to keep flushing it down your vet's toilet feel free.

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by matese

Originally Posted by margaritaville http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ima...s/viewpost.gif Joan, you wrote that has been going on for 17mo., don't you think that is time enough to see improvement or cure? I do, and would move on (I think you are beginning to realize this by the questions you have).
As for vet schools, don't be afraid of going there. Just equate them to teaching hospitals, these resident vets train under a professor who actually is in control of your pets care. The resident suggests the care but the professor rounds with them just as in a human hospital. They have the most up to date research, equipment and labs and have seen almost everything in their medical practice. so don't worry about your little one being a guinea pig.
__________________________________________________ _______
My vet has only seen Cody 3 times, (read my reply to Barney107)
from my original post I have learned there are specialist for certain illness, which I did not know. I never had a prolonged illness with any of my dogs. Again, Cody has had only 3 visits my vet, I adopted Cody in Nov. 2013, he came with colitis. My vet is working on getting him on the road to a healthy life. IF A TIME COMES WHEN MY VET LOOKS ME IN THE EYE AND TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING MORE SHE CAN DO TO CURE HIM, that is the time I will seek a specialist. I have been with this vet since 1984 if she can not get him well she will advise me where to go & who to use. My vet LOVES ANIMALS and strides to cure all that come into her clinic. I can understand ppl thinking my vet has been treating Cody for 17 months, but if they read entire posting, not skip over anything they will see, my vet has just started treating him, I appreciate all the concern members have and offer their advise and their opinions, I do the same thing to posts that I have read, I LOVE my new lil boy, I will do what ever needs to be done, I will travel to where ever I may have to, I will see who ever I need to, to get this baby boy cured, that is IF THERE IS A CURE FOR HIM. Codys priv. owner I just found out this past Monday did not seek medical attention but one time, due to financial difficulties, she left him untreated for 13 months, this I will tell my vet on next visit. The more my vet knows about his past the better she can treat him. Thank you for your concern and your advise. Cody has had ONLY 3 visits with my vet since I have adopted him, My vet is the BEST in the county, I understand vet schools handle 100's more cases then my vet does. But, if it comes to me having to use someone else, I know my vet will advise me, is she does not I will find a specialist, I want to deal with a one on one person, not many ppl that have looked into Codys case. Again thank you very much for your concern for my lil boy.

Now that is a blanket statement. I think MY VET is THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY !!! SMH

We all trust that out Vet's are the BEST !!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by kjc

2 more cents worth: Six weeks between appointments is way too long for a dog with diarrhea/intestinal issues. Antibiotics should work in a matter of days, except for maybe low dose long term therapy, but that wouldn't be tried unless a definite diagnosis had been made and no other ABs worked quicker.

I suspect too that this may be C-diff/Clostridium, which normally responds to Metronidazole. Metro is normally dosed for 1-2 weeks, but to clear Clostridium, the dog needs to take it for 3-4 weeks. Changing up on ABs with this bacteria will only make it even more resistant.

Edit: After 3-4 weeks on Metronidazole, a recheck is done to be sure the bacteria is under control. After even 1 -2 doses of Metro, poops will be normal and no straining (a symptom) will be evident.

And gross but here's a pic of a colitis type poop (for those who don't know):



ETA: It's very hard to get into vet school in the USA, mostly only straight A students are even considered. Also vets are in school longer than human doctors, and for a specialist, add 4 more years to their initial schooling.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by matese

just curious, what is the advantage of using a "vet school" over using your own pvt. vet that has all medical history of your pup. Reason I ask, I have been working with my vet (who is always updating herself with the newest procedures) on getting Cody's Colitis under control. I adopted Cody as most members know with a server case of colitis that was left untreated by the prev owner for 13 months, I have him now 4 months today, in the 4 months I have him, he goes to vet every 2 weeks, sometimes every 6 weeks depending on what my vet put him on. There MAY come a time (and I PRAY this will NEVER happen) that my vet will tell me "she has done all that can be done to cure Cody of this Colitis" and he still has it. I have been with this vet since 1984, she has kept 2 of my dogs alive for several years that had server medical issues, I have 1000% trust in her, she has such much LOVE for all the animals she treats and goes to GREAT lengths to find a cure for them. My heart is telling me, because Cody was left untreated for 13 months, there will be no cure for him, and prolonged Colitis I have read MAY lead to Cushings disease . My vet is determined to get him back on the road to recovery, however, should this not happen I will want to seek another venue. I have seen many members advise posters to bring their baby to a vet school and was wondering in Cody’s case of Colitis would this be beneficial for him. I may / can be wrong about this, but I HAVE to say it, so no offence to anyone out there. I hear the TERM “VET SCHOOL” which to me means, ppl learning to become veterinarians. I do not want my baby to be used as a “guinea pig” for ppl that are “learning“. I am sure these vet schools have the most modern technology as far as equipment goes…… I am from the ole school where a used car was just that, now it is referred to as “a pre-owned car” when two diff. breeds of dogs mated they were called MUTTS, now they are called “designer dogs” well I go with the flow and accept the “pre-owned car” and the “designer dog” and if a “vet school” has changed over the years I will accept that to. So any advise on why going to a “vet school” is better then your own vet. Please no nasty, rude, badgering post, I just want to be informed and updated on modern technology, I need to save this precious lil 2 y/o that has many years of life ahead of him. I want him to be healthy and to enjoy his life, I will go to any extreme to find a cure for this new little boy of mine. I want to thank anyone / everyone that takes the time to read this very long post. Any and all advise will be appreciated and will be considered.

OK...you say that he needs to be saved, yet you say your vet has only seen him 3 times in 4 months.

Suffice it to say, that I am totally confused.

[maggiefromnj]

I assume a stool sample was checked? Obvious, but worth asking because you never know...Just ask your vet if there are tests that could be done such as they do on people with bloody stool. Ultrasounds, MRI, assorted scopes (endoscope, colonoscopy type scopes) dog could have ulcers, cancer, who knows? You can't just keep throwing meds and hope one works. The meds are probably cheaper though, the tests cost more. I didn't notice if she did blood work. I think people are saying that it might not actually be colitis.

Good luck, and don't worry your vet won't be insulted if you go elsewhere. Is it the $? You said your vet was treating for free. The free part might be influencing the frequency of visits....

[TxVicki]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

Now that is a blanket statement. I think MY VET is THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY !!! SMH

We all trust that out Vet's are the BEST !!

See I can make a blanket statement as well about my Vet.

I do know at my Vet if no answers are found, the I am sent to a specialist.