Help finding a vet
 

I'm having a difficult time finding a vet here. I'd really like one who specializes in small breeds and more on the holistic side than not. I don't want to have to argue about feeding my puppy a veggie diet or not wanting all the "extra" shots, these are choices I have made and will stick to. I'd just like to find someone on the same page as me. Currently, I'm in the SF Bay Area. If anyone has any suggestions I'd sure appreciate it!:)

Wow! I could recommend a great vet, but he's in Dallas, TX :p Sorry, I just couldn't pass up an opportunity to brag on Dr D. He's the best vet I've had in ages!

Good Luck finding someone, I know it isn't easy but it's so great when you find that special one you click with.

Gee thanks! LOL, I JUST left Texas a couple months ago! Noooowwwww ya tell me!

Is there an AKC yorkie club in your area? That might be a good place to ask for recommendations of doctors who are particularly good with the breed.

If not, I'd probably just call around to some of the clinics in the area. Ask them a few questions...

- What kind of procedure do you follow for canine dentals? (I'd want a place that uses pediatric grade anesthesia-- Sevoflurane gas is pretty much the safest-- does pre-anesthesia bloodwork, and uses IV fluids even during routine dentals.) Check on the cost as well. Yorkies need so much dental work that this is likely to be a repeat expense! I always consider it to be a bad sign if somewhere charges WAY less than the other clinics in a neighborhood-- you get what you pay for, after all, but at the same time nobody wants to be overcharged. Try to find a happy medium.

- Ask about their vaccination protocols. (I'd be looking for someone that recommends either vaccines titers or 3 year Rabies and DHPP vaccines, with yearly Bordatella for at-risk dogs. Steer clear of places that would want to vaccinate for everything every year, and think twice about places that only offer DHLPP instead of DHPP, since Lepto is the part of the vaccine that causes the most reactions!)

I also wouldn't be shy about asking to see the hospital, and chatting with the staff. I work at an animal hospital, and I've never felt at all put-out by a prospective client asking to take a look around. A hospital that has nothing to hide won't refuse you a tour!

Very nice, thank you.

I think you will have a very hard time trying to find a more holistic vet who is also a small breed specialist. I haven't even come across small breed specialists in my area really (or they say they love Yorkies.......but that doesn't mean a thing). Any good vet should know how to dose any size dogs wit drugs and anesthesia. I had also wanted a small breed vet but then I realized that it just wasn't going to happen. So we go to a regular DVM and she does wonderfully with Ellie. :) Whoever you choose, just make sure you're comfortable with them.

I don't know if this would be of any help but you can go tho this site which is supposed to list holistic vets.......I'm not sure if any are in your area though....

AHVMA - American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

This site lets you run the vets name through to see if they have a liscence or discipline records against them....

http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=VTX&p_qte_pgm_co de=9010

If the above link does not work try this one and click on the "verify a license" llink to go to search.....

Home - California Department of Consumer Affairs

Stay away from these vets....

Disciplinary Actions July 2000 - June 2001 - Veterinary Medical Board

I hope this helps in some way, I know finding a good vet is difficult.....:)