Was I wrong?
 

I need to vent a bit. Sorry, if this post is in the wrong place. I just had the worst conversation with my vet. Or should I say EX-vet. Here's a little history first: my vet is a Dental Specialist and he said my Yorkie needs to have surgery on his knees because they are both medium grade luxating patellas. So I called him today to discuss the surgery a bit more and he told me the sooner the better, which makes sense. That's fine. However, when I asked him how often he performed this surgery he said I was insulting him. He told me if he wasn't capable of doing this surgery then he would have never said he could do it. I told him I wasn't trying to insult him. I was just trying to make sure I am making the right decision so I wanted to know if he ever had any complications during this surgery. Was I wrong? I think if I am going to pay the high price that this surgery entails that I have the right to ask questions. In fact while I was browsing the Internet I came across an article on the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website that says before your pet undergoes surgery the first thing you should ask your vet is how often has he performed this type of surgery. So I did and he took it the wrong way. After that question he was just rude to me and said he could refer me to someone else. I asked him if he would accept CareCredit or any insurance as a form of payment and he said no. So I can't afford it and told him to give me the name of someone else. Needless to say I am no longer going to him and I won't mention his name on the boards because I don't want to bad mouth him. I just want to hear your opinions on this. For those of you who have taken their Yorkies to the vets for luxating patella surgery, did you ask your vet that question? If so what did he or she say? It's a shame he acted this way because he was a good vet. Now I need to look for another vet to make sure my dog really needs this surgery and hope I don't come across another rude one. I am so upset right now :(

1st time?
 

Okay I know you are supposed to ask how many were preformed by the vet but everyone has to start somewhere BUT they should willing tell you this. Id rather have a first timer admit to be a first timer than trip out and get all defensive. Every single surgeon had a first time. But to be defensive and say your insulting him is means for a new vet and I do not blame you at all!!!

Wow..... what is wrong with ur vet? u have EVERY right to know about the operation!!! my vet recommended that operation for princess but he told me it wasnt absolutely necessary.. just an option i had (which i decided not to cuz her knees somehow went back to normal) but he told me everything about the surgery without me even having to ask...

you should be glad ur getting a new vet! this one sounds way too uptight..:thumbdown

When I had surgery myself, I asked my anestheseologist (sp?) how many epidurals he had performed. He told me thousands...I then apologized for asking and he said, "If I hadn't done that many, I might be offended. But, if I were offended, the question becomes even more important."

I thought this was pretty wise. I would ask the same question since he's a dental specialist. Don't get me wrong, but LPs are a far cry from teeth!!

He jumped out at you. I don't think you were wrong at all for asking him that question. In fact you would think that a vet would want to tell you if they have underwent this procedure/surgery before. I don't think that he has, because why would he jump at you if he has done it before? You know?

I hope that you find another vet, a good one where the doctors are nice!!

That was one of the first things I asked....how many knees do you do a month? lol....they answered for a week and if I remember correctly it's well over 25!

I also insisted on Board Certified.

By any chance are you close to NJ? Your avatar says New York but I'm not sure if that's upstate or not.

Feel free to pm me and I can surely suggest an excellent surgeon.

You were not wrong to ask. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. If he is defensive, there may well be a reason. He should not have taken this as an insult. Good luck in finding a new vet and with your baby's surgery.

I would find another vet. You had every right to ask that question. The fact that he got so defensive makes me wonder.

One time when my son was only 3 years old, a doctor was telling me that he needed to have his tonsils out and tubes put in his ears. I started to ask questions, and he said "I don't have time to answer your questions". So, I picked up my son and walked out. Got another opinion from a dr. who said no tubes were necessary.

Anytime a vet or doctor doesn't have time for questions, or gets mad at the questions you have a right to ask, I think it's better to get another opinion.

Service Providers..... need to understand what their jobs are!!!
 

I don't think that you were out of line at all!!!! It is YOUR investment and YOUR little Yorkie!!! I hope that you are able to find a vet that meets your standards...
Sometimes I get fed up with people who are in the "service" business. :mad: People choose those jobs to SERVE others and they are getting paid (usually a HIGH salary) to take care of someones needs. Why would they not be willing to give info and understand that they are the one the PROVIDES the service... and shouldn't be the ones that are so demanding.
I have run accross a few "people" doctors that need a reality check, too!

Wow. How long have you been with the vet?

You asked a totally acceptable question. One that he should hear from anyone considering such an operation. I'm sorry he reacted that way. I'd also be looking for another vet. I hope you're able to find one with better manners and bed side manner. /comfort

Find Another Vet
 

If your vet found your questions to be insulting and offensive than he is in the wrong line of business and you definitely need to find another vet immediately. His attitude throws up a big red flag for you to look elsewhere.

Vet for animals or medical doctor for us, no doctor should ever find a patient's questions to be insulting.:mad:

He's crazy if he thinks you are just gonna give him your babies for major surgery and not ask any questions. They should be MORE than willing to put your mind and heart at ease and answer any and all questions about the surgery. It sounds like somewhere along the lines he's forgotten that you are paying him for a service and that includes answering questions. I think you are right to look elsewhere for your vet needs. Good luck on your search. You were NOT out of line with your questions.

Good job asking question. My vet has never acted that way and I hope he never does
YOU did good..GOOD LUCK..BEST WISHES

I am going to call an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow and ask for a consulation. I hope he is willing to answer my questions. If not then I need to keep looking. I am not going to subject my furbaby to this operation unless it is absolutely necessary and if that is the case I think I am entitled to ask as many questions as I went before I proceed with the surgery. What makes me so mad is I have been with him for 2 years. He knows my dogs medical history. He never was like that before. Now I have to start from scratch with another vet :( My furbaby is only 2 years old and he has been going to this vet ever since he was 6 months old, when I first got him.