What do you think about a vet who gets offensive when asking questions?
 

We took Finn to the vet and I was loaded with questions but our vet just shot me down. I don't do research for nothing. Some of you have allready been through exactly what we are dealing with and I believe your suggestions are worth hearing. I even got the feeling that he didn't care for us very much. I do understand (no matter how hard it is) that it takes 12 full weeks to determine the results from our Food Trial but...........my baby is miserable and their are a lot of medicines out there that can give him some relief. We did get a shot and it helped for 3 days only. He put Finn on Zyrtec, well as I tried to tell him we have done that allready but he just rolled his eyes.:( I am going back to our country doc, he atleast lets me voice my concerns!:) Have any of you had problem with vet thinking we are totally stupid? I was only trying to suggest a different kind of food, that didn't go over at all! Gina From Kentucky!

I know exactly how you feel. I took Maddie to another vet b/c thier office carried the heart worm pill I wanted to start her on. When I started asking questions about foods, he ROLLED his eyes when I mentioned my beliefs.:eek: I almost cried, out of anger. Here I was trying to seek a 'professional' opinion and was being taken as a joke. I didn't go back. Now I just order from PetMeds.

I know doctors of all kinds get frustrated because people read so much off the web nowadays and a lot of times it is wrong. But they just need to deal with it, ha ha. I was seeing a physical therapist, who I actually liked a lot, but I came in one time and told him I had diagnosed myself with hip bursitis. He got kind of snide, but of course, when he examined me, what was it? HIP BURSITIS. Take THAT, Mr. Smarty Doc!

Been there, done that. That's why I have a new vet. My old vet didn't like my questioning her care of my baby Max. And you all know what happened with my sad story. Now I take my dogs to a vet that asks me if I have any questions or concerns. He just really wanted to know about how my English Cocker was doing, is she limping, having problems getting up stairs, problems with her diet. And then he asked if I had any questions. He took as much time as I needed.

If I were you, I'd look for another vet.

I had a vet at the ER hospital when I took Cali in for an emergency visit and I could tell from his attitude he didn't like small dogs and I could here him thinking well what do you expect when you buy a small dog. Unfortunately Cali had many visits to this er and one time when he was there I told them I would wait until the next doctor came on and why (she was due in 20 minutes and Cali was not going to suffer by waiting. This is the same vet who when I took Cali in last year because she ate the large bottom piece of a latex toy and was throwing up. He did xrays and said that I fed her too much her stomach was too full and she had spine problems. I said she hasn't eaten since the day before and she eats small meals. I decided to just take her home and watch her. Next morning she pooped out this large piece of latex, I couldn't believe she was able to pass it and was fine!! I feel with the money we spend on them and how much they mean to us the vets need to listen. My regular vet is great. I agree I would go back to your old vet. Also, Cali has severe itching and after blood tests (all negative for allergies and food elimination diet they put her on Atopica and she she has been great, so maybe look into that if nothing else works.

Lol, that's really something to be able to diagnosis something like that, I'll bet the doctor was shocked when you were right.

I think vets probably get tired of arguing with someone who's read a couple sites, and thinks they are an expert, and so much information on the web is so wrong. Asking a question like, "I read this, what do you think?" lets them know that you are open to their thoughts. I think YT is one of the best places to get information, but even here, I've read some very poor advice written as fact. I think a doctor should try his best to control eye rolling, (I could never be a doctor), and if you don't feel like you can discuss your concerns with him, find another vet. You are still your dog's only advocate, and you are ultimately the one in charge of his health.

Go to another vet, theres plenty of vet's out there.

Normally, I'm not one for diagnosing myself on the web, but I had this insane pain shooting down my left leg. I couldn't put any weight on it, I thought I'd broken it somehow. I looked up my symptoms for kicks, and shockingly, only two things came up: hip bursitis and arthritis. The first website I hit said bursitis can be caused by sitting on a hard surface for a long time, and I had just gone through a marathon programming session sitting on the floor. So that was a special case. If I'd typed in "stomach pains" or something, I'd sure it would be different. :)

Anyway, it's a different world now, it used to be that only doctors had specialized knowledge. I'm sure in many cases people come in with a very limited understanding and argue with their doctors, but that's just another skill docs will have to develop: eyes that move down and side to side, but not up. :D

Bottom line, your vet is a key partner in keeping your pet healthy, and you should trust and like them.

What do you think about a vet that gets offensive when asking questions?

I think they missed the part in vet school about how it is almost as much about the clients then it is the patients and they need to re-evaluate their career.

I can understand that vets don't necessarily have the time or patience to try to explain why something found online is wrong, but honestly a good vet would do their best to do so.

We went through four vets before we found the right one and one of the previous vets was like that (slightly). Not impressed and we don't see him anymore either... It's my dog's life we are talking about. Any vet of hers should be able to hold a conversation with me about what we are doing for her and why and what we can change to make her feel better.

And if a vet is unwilling to learn from their clients and thinks they know everything, that's a good indication that it's time to find a new one.

I research probably way too much and always have tons of questions and ideas. Ellie's vet takes massive amounts of time (for a vet that is) to work "with" us and answer questions because we are the ones that have to follow through at home and be comfortable with things.

About farm vets, some are great, but some are behind the times and safety is compromised with old anesthetic protocol, etc., so I'd be very careful about using an old time vet.

I think a good vet welcomes questions, ideas, thoughts, and discussion.

I think a vet who becomes defensive or impatient with questions and patients is really sending you an unintended message about how insecure they are in their knowledge.

As a former nurse, I've always thought that the *most* important component of good health care for yourself, or your pet - is advocacy and involvement in your own health (or pets)....bc I think that propels you toward seeking the best outcome, even if it means you have to move on from certain practitioners.

My opinion...you need to feel confident and comfortable with your vet. You should be able to ask ANY question without snide remarks or looks. The last vet I had (I had for YEARS!) was awesome...however...one of his staff was HORRIBLE! If I asked a question I would either be ignored or she would get very snappy with me....he has had many complaints about her but, she has been with him for over 25 yrs and he will not get rid of her. I actually worked for him several years ago. I changed when I got Lillie, 3 yrs ago. I am SO happy with my new vet, she is young and is up on on the newest procedures and really cares for the animals...her entire staff is like that. No question is looked upon as stupid. They NEVER get snappy...You can really see and feel the love they have for ever animal that comes in. I was a little apprehensive about changing but glad I did..Maybe it's time for you to make a change. You need to feel comfortable with asking ANY question without being looked at like you are bothering them..JMO

As a former nurse, I've always thought that the *most* important component of good health care for yourself, or your pet - is advocacy and involvement in your own health (or pets)....

My feelings, exactly...The first Vet I took Apple too, gave me a good dressing down for expressing my thoughts and wishes for MY pet...I like to gather as much information, as I can, and make informed decisions based on what feels right for myself and that of my pet...Needless to say, I found another vet, who gives me all the information I need, and, together, we decide on what's best for Apple...Bottom line, I'd just move on, 'till you are comfortable w/your health care provider for your little one...

Hey Gina,
I totally understand how you feel.. I have experienced what you have experienced from vets, doggy hotels, etc... I belive its that people nowadays know so much info from the media that vets get tired of hearing the same-story over and over again. Don't worry too much... If you have a burning question ill gladly help you out as much as I can.. :)

you should find another vet; one who's willing to listen to your concerns and that cares about your dog; obviously this vet is arrogant and he thinks he's right and doesn't want to be questioned; i only see one vet at the office and i refuse to see another vet covering there; i tell them always i am here to see Dr Kim and i only want to see her. they look at me like i am crazy; but i know whats best for my baby and dr kim cares and she's so nice.

I would say go with your gut feeling. There should never be eye rolling towards a patient's owner, afterall his service is not cheap and your there for advice, not his attitude. Any vet who does not give you the time to express
your concerns and take those concerns seriously is not a vet I would
go to. I liked both of Buddy's previous vet's but after time one did not
make him better so off to a second vet, the second vet made him better
however made him sick giving him all his shots at once. Not doing it
any other way I found yet another vet who thinks like I do.
Sometimes you just have to experience different vet's until you find
the one you feel comfortable with.
Good luck and I hope your baby get's better soon.

Wow, that's terrible you were treated that way :(. But it's so great that you felt empowered to just move along. It can take a few vets before you find the right one...it certainly did for me after we moved to AZ. It took me 4 vets to finally find a good one.

We went to a different vet than the one we used for years because this one was closer. Yeah I know stupid reason. He gave me that you're stupid look and I picked up my baby walked to the reception desk and asked for a phone book and proceeded to call my original vet and was able to get an immediate appointment. I gave the phone book back to the receptionist, thanked her and informed her that he obviously doesn't need my business since he doesn't have to time to answer my concerns and left.

I don't have patience for either condescension or stupidity. Why in the world would anyone want to pay for it? :)

Good for you! I wish I had done that back in December when Max broke his legs.

I used to not. I'd just nod and accept the crap thrown in my direction. I finally came to the conclusion that some people's opinions don't matter to me. They don't effect my life one way or another except as a kind of speed bump. they slow us down but don't stop us. :)

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thum bup:

I know exactly how you feel! I took my baby to the vet the woman I got him from recommended and I was on YT and had done all this research and I swear he got so defensive and plain nasty, like I was questioning his authority.. look this is my baby, and I not going to let you do whatever you want to him just because you are the vet. Well instead of answering my questions, he made me more skeptical about him as a vet. Needless to say that was the first and last time I saw him, plus he had awful bedside manner, which is very important to me. I found a vet that I am really happy about now and she lets me ask her a million questions and even called me after Maxi got his shot to make sure he was okay.

First, I'm sorry that you had to put up with that kind of crap from that Vet...and pay him after all of that...sheesh! :rolleyes:

Last year, I had a foster who was in dire need of bladder surgery to remove an obstructed stone and I received the most uncaring attitude from the Vet I normally would bring my girls to.

I had never seen him or his office act this way...I could only attribute his callous attitude with his knowing he wouldn't get to charge an exorbitant price for the surgery since he knew a rescue group would be funding this procedure.

My rescue director located a lovely Vet nearly an hour away who offered to do what Vet (A) wouldn't do for half the cost and was even willing to wait after hours on New Years Eve.

In the end, Vet (A)'s practice lost five patients that day...my three girls, my son's Beagle & our lil' foster boy...not to mention any future referrals. In the mean time, we will continue to make the drive to Vet (B) for all our babies needs.

My suggestion to you...if it feels like you're being slighted by a Vet, immediately point it out and if the response is not to your liking...move on as fast as you can.

I hope you find a good resolution to your babies problems soon!:)

no thats totally rude they should listen and you have every right to say something if they roll them eyes at you your a person and so is a vet!! say something like hey i can see you!! i know you went to school and i know there are different meds and different ways to treat things you dont have to treat me like a generic case i want something that will help and this isnt helping if you wont do it or are irritated by this i will go elsewhere dont waste your time and my money just tell them like it is!!! i work at a vet they have no right at all to act that way its uncalled for. the shot is depo it should last for a month if it helps not a week the food would be science diet zd which is extremlely expensive maybe you can find something else? i would go elsewhere if they treated you badly and didnt listen! all people have bad days but its not you or your pets fault and shouldnt be taken out towards you !! some drs can be rude know it alls though

i like you symph i just read you post above

Ditto!!

Ugh, I know exactly how you feel. I am having trouble finding a good vet too. I went to a new vet last year and she was horrible. Always in a hurry, no time for anything. So then I went back to my old vet and he isn't much better. I took Laya there a few days ago for a consult on a tooth extraction and asked what kind of anesthesia he uses and he says to me. I have all sorts of anesthesia what would you like. Hello, I am the client!!! First of all I don't know what you have and second of all I don't know what all of them are. Then I asked if he gives IV fluids during procedure and he sort of rolled his eyes and said no. But if you insist on it I can. Needless to say I booked my appt. with a dental specialist that will probably cost 3x as much, but I feel better going to them. So still looking for a new vet...

without reading whole thread -- I think a vet who gets defensive about info on internet as well as asking questions is insecure in their own ability and afraid you will figure out he does not know much sadly. If they are confident in their ability they do not have a problem with people who educate themselves as the specialists i see welcome this information and respect pet owners who educate themselves. It should make their job easier as you can work as a team to help your dog have the best health. I have learned alot since having sick dogs and you need to educate yourself and be informed as you are with the dog 24/7 and 15 min in a room is not always going to get to the bottom of it if dog has health issues. Also if a dog has more going on than the basics get to a specialist as they have further education in teeth, orthopedics, eyes, brain, skin and internal organs. It saves alot of money in diagnostics in the long run.

Trust your gut if it does not feel right and you question vet get another one. It is not cheap for vet care so make sure you are investing your money in the best care you can get with someone that will work with you as a team within your comfort zone.