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-   -   $600 to prove my vet wrong (https://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yorkie-health-diet/129308-600-prove-my-vet-wrong.html)

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 08:19 AM
$600 to prove my vet wrong
 
About 2 1/2 weeks ago we took Bijou to the vet because of a terrible bout of reverse sneezing. He diagnosed her as having heart arrhythmia and put her on enalapril. I questioned him about the diagnosis but he was very sure. This past Monday I took her back for a follow up (she really wasn't doing much better). He then put her on pimobendan and wanted to see her again at the end of the month. This drug is something they have to stay on for life and has many negative side effects. Not feeling comfortable with this, I made an appointment for yesterday at a highly recommended clinic in Louisiana. They did an echocardiogram, ECG, ultrasound and a radiograph. Diagnosis? A secondary bacterial infection (respritory) related to either an allergy or irritant. Treatment: antibiotics. So my primary vet had taken her down a wrong (and dangerous) course of treatment for 2 weeks. Bijou could have suffered heart damage had we continued with the 1st vet's course of treatment and not gotten a second opinion. Why is it so hard to find a truly qualified vet these days? :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)

mypreciouspups 05-09-2008 08:22 AM
omg it is always so good to follow your gut instincts.. I am so glad you did.. you probably saved your babies life.. hugs to you.. and of course you darling...anne

YorkieAunt 05-09-2008 08:22 AM
I don't know about in the States but up here it seems alot of the Vets are more interested in how much they can make rather than the best interest of the animal. It's sad:(

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 08:30 AM
Right now I'm more relieved than angry. It does seem like many vets specialize in giving shots and selling preventatives. The vet I've been using has 30+ years experience and, up until now, I had good confidence in him. Now I don't know what to think. Does it now require a specialist for anything other than the most common veterinary services?

Bizzymammabee 05-09-2008 08:31 AM
Thank god you sought out an second opinion. I would have a field day at my vets office if that were to happen. Honestly it's the all mighty buck. They want to make it and keep you coming back and forth.

So sorry it happened to you. Thank god you questioned his diagnosis.

Bizzymammabee 05-09-2008 08:43 AM
Honestly I would bring him that diagnosis and get a refund of the cost of those meds etc. If he come cocky and nasty I would report him to the vet association. Horrible how many stupid dr's are out there.

magicgenie 05-09-2008 08:44 AM
I wish I could say I'm surprised about this...

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 08:45 AM
I should mention that the clinic I took Bijou to is The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville. They had a lengthy consult with me before they examined her and after they had completed the tests they ran. I am really impressed with their thoroughness and professionalism. There are several doctors at the clinic and they have all the diagnostic equipment needed. If anyone in that area has a need for a vet with internal medicine expertise, I would highly recommend them. :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 08:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee (Post 1976863)
Honestly I would bring him that diagnosis and get a refund of the cost of those meds etc. If he come cocky and nasty I would report him to the vet association. Horrible how many stupid dr's are out there.
The doctor yesterday faxed my vet a copy of everything and also gave me a copy so he already knows he made a mistake. I think it would be proper for him to call me about this but have not yet heard from him. Like I said earlier, I'm more relieved now than angry but it sure will make for an awkward conversation, don't you think? :D

jencar98 05-09-2008 08:54 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by magicgenie (Post 1976867)
I wish I could say I'm surprised about this...
Same here.:(

I'm so glad you thought twice before giving the heart meds and got your second opinion.

I've also had a very bad experience with misdiagnoses and feel it was all because of the $$ to be made off of testing, special vet supplied diets, and meds. And, not only was there the misdiagnoses, when the vet took blood for testing he created an abscess that almost cost Ruby her life!

txrosegirl 05-09-2008 10:33 AM
so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do! :(

Bizzymammabee 05-09-2008 10:41 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 1976879)
The doctor yesterday faxed my vet a copy of everything and also gave me a copy so he already knows he made a mistake. I think it would be proper for him to call me about this but have not yet heard from him. Like I said earlier, I'm more relieved now than angry but it sure will make for an awkward conversation, don't you think? :D
He probably wont' admit it...to admit it would be opening himself up to a liability suit.

TootiesMom 05-09-2008 11:01 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 1976870)
I should mention that the clinic I took Bijou to is The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville. They had a lengthy consult with me before they examined her and after they had completed the tests they ran. I am really impressed with their thoroughness and professionalism. There are several doctors at the clinic and they have all the diagnostic equipment needed. If anyone in that area has a need for a vet with internal medicine expertise, I would highly recommend them. :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)
I have heard great things about this clinic... I have the utmost confidence that my specific vet is in it for his love of the animal but I assure you this is the clinic I would go to for any specialist and it is a bit farther from me than LSU Vet School...... my vet has spoken highly of them.
So glad they helped you out!
d

bchgirl 05-09-2008 11:05 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by txrosegirl (Post 1977091)
so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do! :(
My advice for a cardiac problem would be to see a cardiologist.

Consider your regular vet...a general practice physican..if you personally receive that kind of information from your personal doctor...your next visit would be someone who specializes in that area.

Long story short - Reese gets sick, er vet runs tests, tells me by looking at x rays..they think his heart is enlarged...then find out he had coccidea, treated him...he acts fine, but since I was worried over that heart biz...I made the appointment with the cardiologist to ease my mind. That visit and ultrasound..cost me $225 but was the best money I'd ever spent.

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 11:12 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by txrosegirl (Post 1977091)
so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do! :(
What got my suspicions up in Bijou's case was the sudden onset of symptoms. Heart disease is in most cases progressive, not sudden. I gave my vet a good history for Bijou but he dismissed that and stayed firm with his opinion. If you have all the testing done for Bentley, I'm sure you'll get a definite diagnosis. At least from there, you can do what is best for him and be certain you're doing the right thing. I sure hope your vet was wrong, too. This whole episode has been an emotional roller coaster for us with all the worries and I'm sure it is for you, too. Good luck with everything and keep us posted on Bentley. :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)

Sandysbabies 05-09-2008 11:20 AM
So glad you went with your gut feeling. Is the Enapril you mentioned, the same Enapril they give humans? Just curious. I have never heard of such a thing since its for high blood pressure.

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 11:26 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandysbabies (Post 1977199)
So glad you went with your gut feeling. Is the Enapril you mentioned, the same Enapril they give humans? Just curious. I have never heard of such a thing since its for high blood pressure.
I believe so, but probably way different dosages. It's for high blood pressure and congestive heart disease. The pimobendan, to my understanding, is a much more potent drug for heart disease. It's trade name is VetMedin. Not sure if that, or something similar, is made for humans, too.

txrosegirl 05-09-2008 11:30 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woogie Man (Post 1977185)
What got my suspicions up in Bijou's case was the sudden onset of symptoms. Heart disease is in most cases progressive, not sudden. I gave my vet a good history for Bijou but he dismissed that and stayed firm with his opinion. If you have all the testing done for Bentley, I'm sure you'll get a definite diagnosis. At least from there, you can do what is best for him and be certain you're doing the right thing. I sure hope your vet was wrong, too. This whole episode has been an emotional roller coaster for us with all the worries and I'm sure it is for you, too. Good luck with everything and keep us posted on Bentley. :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)
thanks so much for your post! and i am wishing you and bijou the best and am so glad you did not do what your first vet said and put him on any meds that would have ended up harming him in the end! :)

and in bentleys case it was an "all of the sudden" diagnosis because any time my vet checked him out at appts, she said his heart sounded great (no irregular heartbeat or anything)...we will most definitely take him to a cardiac specialist if the first round of standard tests do not come back normal (fingers crossed they ARE normal though!) ... the cardiac specialist here requires the regular tests be done by your regular vet before being accepted to their office :( thanks so much for the good luck wishes! :)

Sandysbabies 05-09-2008 11:34 AM
Its amazing some of the same things we take they can take. I was just asking because I was on Enapril when I first got high blood pressure and heart problems. It made me cough almost constantly and I had to be changed over to something else. Hope your baby comes through with flying colors. Sounds like you are on the right track with everything. I guess the vets are getting as bad as some of the doctors. That almighty dollar is all they see.

katelin 05-09-2008 11:41 AM
Vets are just people. Some are better at what they do than others. A big thumbs up to OP for following through and studying the meds. We all have to be proactive on behalf of our little guys.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Woogie Man 05-09-2008 11:52 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by katelin (Post 1977236)
Vets are just people. Some are better at what they do than others. A big thumbs up to OP for following through and studying the meds. We all have to be proactive on behalf of our little guys.
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
You're right, vets are just people. What worries me in this case is if he has made similar wrong diagnoses for others. That could be tragic. I find myself more and more doing all sorts of research for my little ones. You can't just take any one doctor's word for it anymore. It's up to us to take an active role. After all, we're the ones that cry if something happens to one of our babies.

Sandysbabies 05-09-2008 12:07 PM
Yes I agree they are just human. But, some care more than others. We have 3 vets where we go and I have a wonderful vet. One of the other vets saw Tina and had no idea what to do and acted like he cared less when she was diagnosed with Von wellingbrand's disease. Thank God we changed vets and she literally saved Tina's life. They thought she would bleed out before they could do anything for her. We believe very strong in prayer and alot of prayers even from our church went up for this little baby girl. Thank God today she is well and her blood count has stayed up for several yrs. now.

I Miss Shelby 05-09-2008 06:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by txrosegirl (Post 1977218)
..we will most definitely take him to a cardiac specialist if the first round of standard tests do not come back normal (fingers crossed they ARE normal though!) ... the cardiac specialist here requires the regular tests be done by your regular vet before being accepted to their office :(
What is wrong with Bentley? I'm curious, what standard tests do you have to do before the cardiologist will see you? (EKG, etc) My regular vet detected a murmur in my Scooter and sent in a referral to the cardiologist. No labs or other tests were done at that time. When we went to the cardiologist , he did a cardiac echo ( color flow ultrasound ) and detected the problem with that. We were then referred to a surgeon who did Scooter's first set of blood work and chest xray.

Woogie Man~I hope your little one gets better soon. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

daniellealberta 05-10-2008 10:26 AM
I have to add here that not all vets are bad - I love my vet. He is very busy but Spike went in this week for his annual check up and vaccinations, and he spent over half and hour with us giving Spike a good check up, discussing vaccination options with me and constantly asking me if I had any questions. The best part is he works in a clinic with several other vets, so if he's not available there are other vets we can see, and they are all good! I guess I'm just lucky...

teri88 05-10-2008 04:28 PM
We always had big dogs and we used the same vet for 20 years. My sister, nieces, neighbors...everyone we knew went to this guy. Then we got our first yorkie, Bandit. All of a sudden this vet didn't have a clue. We switched after Bandit died to a new vet who specializes in small dogs. It made a big difference. Tucker has had a few health issues and this new vet has been wonderful. You might want to find someone who is used to the issues small dogs have.

txrosegirl 05-10-2008 07:26 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by I Miss Shelby (Post 1978009)
What is wrong with Bentley? I'm curious, what standard tests do you have to do before the cardiologist will see you? (EKG, etc) My regular vet detected a murmur in my Scooter and sent in a referral to the cardiologist. No labs or other tests were done at that time. When we went to the cardiologist , he did a cardiac echo ( color flow ultrasound ) and detected the problem with that. We were then referred to a surgeon who did Scooter's first set of blood work and chest xray.

Woogie Man~I hope your little one gets better soon. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
we are not sure and hopefully nothing! :( he had an issue when he had his neuter pre-op bloodwork done and his heart actually stopped (the vet was able to revive him) .. she has no idea what happened and frankly, neither do i....bentley is just a very excitable puppy (he could NOT sit still if his life depended on it...he loves life and every person in it and get sooooo excited about everything) ... he is such a sweet sweet puppy!

the tests the quoted me (the ones i have to have done before seeing the cadiac specialist) are:

superchem/CBC/urinalysis, blood cell differation, internal organ func. screen, electrocardiogram, radiology package (test, exposure, interpretation) ... the list goes on and on...

oooh and they are charging me $29 for someone to hold bentley during one of the tests...that is on my itemized quote :rolleyes: :mad:

Woogie Man 05-10-2008 08:14 PM
I have to say I've never seen that ($29 for holding) on a bill before. On the bright side, if the tests show him to be healthy, you've bought peace of mind and that will make it money well spent. If there's a problem, and I hope there's not, you'll know exactly what is best to do for him. When is he scheduled for his tests? Please post an update when you get them done. Hope all goes well!! Good Luck, Bentley!! :aimeeyork :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :animal-pa :)

wemple2 05-10-2008 09:30 PM
This post has been an eye opener. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story with others who may benefit. Hope all the pups are and will remain happy and healthy.

katelin 05-11-2008 08:02 AM
Best wishes to Bentley.

Thanks for this thread Woogie.

Solitude 05-12-2008 03:32 PM
Im new here. My 5 year old Frankie has been seeing his vet for 5 years until he had a bad cough a month ago. They diagnosed him with an enlarged heart and said theres nothing much they can do about it but to keep him calm---which is impossible with a dog that barks at anything that moves. They kept giving him steroid shots that temporarily relieved him but seemed like my baby was just getting worse everyday. I thought I was losing Frankie until my husband decided to get a second opinion. We finally found a vet who did all the necessary tests including xray and said my baby's heart is in good condition. Enlarged hearts are normal in small dogs according to him. We noticed how concerned he was with Frankie unlike the other vet who seemed cold and was just raking in the $$$. Frankie had fluid in his lungs and after giving the right meds, he's recovered pretty well. If I had stuck with our old vet, dont know if Frankie would still be here with me.

Glad we followed our gut feel. Sending good vibes to Bentley!


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