How to Pick a Vet?

[yorkiesrock]

Sorry if this thread doesn't belong here but I didn't know where else to put it. My vet has told me that my Yorkie needs to have surgery for his luxating patella, which he has in both back legs. A couple of weeks ago he was crying and limping so I figured he needs the surgery. Now I see him running and jumping without any complaints. I would like to take him to another vet for a second opinion. However, how do I pick a vet that I can trust? Is there any website that has feedback on others experieces with vets?

[Gingergirlsmom]

Bump...anyone???

[Yorkieluv]

Hmmmm...I'm not sure if there's a website that evaluates vets, but what I did is call around. I called around to different vets just to see how the people working the desk acted while I asked questions like...do they have lots of experience with small breed dogs? Have they ever dealt with a yorkie that has liver shunt/mvd (my yorkie does, so this is important for me)? I asked questions about how they felt about vaccinations? And how often they recommend boosters, etc...
Some people were friendly, some were not. The offices that were not friendly did not get my business because I figure that they will all be dealing with my dogs when they go in, and I don't want unfriendly people handling my furbabies.
So, I picked a vet's office that I felt I connected best with...I made an appointment for a regular check-up for my maltese, and I was pleasantly surprised. I intended this vet to be my healthy maltese's vet, not necessarily for my liver compromised dog. But when I went and took both dogs, we ended up talking to the vet about my yorkie's liver condition at length for quite awhile. I was very impressed that the vet took that much time to evaluate my dog (who didn't have an appointment) and look into different treatments for him.
You might have to go through a couple of vets before you find one that you like. Believe me, I've gone to a couple that were no good for my dogs.

[yorkiemalt]

The first thing I want to address is that depending on the grade of luxation, there will be times when your dog will be pain free and running like normal. Doesn't necessarily mean your Vet was incorrect in his diagnosis.

If I were you I'd probably want a 2nd opinion anyway. Instead of looking for just a general practicing Vet, why don't you find an Orthopaedic Surgeon and go see what he has to say.

Good Luck to you!

[sgab80]

I tried 3 different vets before finding one that I love....you certainly need to find one you are comfortable with, and need to get another opinion. Also ask your friends that have dogs. Another very good source I found is the owners of the small pet shops and possibly a pet kennel or doggy day care near your home. Another source would be here on YT....check "regional" and post there for your region.

[LunasMomma]

I found my vet by going to http://www.ytca.org and finding a breeder locally. Then I called her and she was more than happy to give me a recommendation. Our vet is fantastic, and is also on call for emergencies. Perhaps a YTCA member in your area can recommend an orthopedic surgeon.

Good luck!

[Tinkerbelle1]

Originally Posted by yorkiemalt

The first thing I want to address is that depending on the grade of luxation, there will be times when your dog will be pain free and running like normal. Doesn't necessarily mean your Vet was incorrect in his diagnosis.

If I were you I'd probably want a 2nd opinion anyway. Instead of looking for just a general practicing Vet, why don't you find an Orthopaedic Surgeon and go see what he has to say.

Good Luck to you!

I totally agree. My little one had it in both of her legs, the left being the worse and she would have good and bad days, sometimes weeks. After x-rays by my vet he referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in surgery on small dogs. She did great with the surgery and recovery but unfortunately she still picks up the left leg. The surgeon cannot find any reason for it. He went in a second time and took the pins out as he thought they might be getting caught on her skin. That did not work either. So now we live with her trotting on three legs which does not seem to bother her except in the winter as I think if jams then as she sometimes cries out.

I would get a second opion but I would also check out some orthopedic surgeons.



j



oops spelled luxating wrong

[yorkiesrock]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I agree, he needs an orthopedic surgeon and my vet, who is a dental specialist, didn't even mention an orthopedic surgeon. He said he would do the surgery. I am a bit wary of that.

[yorkiemalt]

Originally Posted by yorkiesrock

Thanks everyone for your advice. I agree, he needs an orthopedic surgeon and my vet, who is a dental specialist, didn't even mention an orthopedic surgeon. He said he would do the surgery. I am a bit wary of that.

You should be very "wary" of his offer... Knee surgery should be done by a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon...IMHO. They have extensive training above and beyond their normal Veterinary School and must attend current seminars and training sessions.

Good Luck!

[molly]

My Ginger has luxating patella both knees. She was being followed-up by an Ortho doctor for almost a year. She just limped once and never had any symptoms at all. I read in the book that even late stage of Patellar Luxation would go unnoticed with them because of their small frame. Ginger has Stage 3 to 4 Luxation. I was told by many why the surgery if she does not manifest any symptoms at all? But my vet advised it is better for her to get surgery because it may caused her to get early arthritis (she is 2 years old). We had 4 follow-up visits with the Ortho cause as much as possible I would not want her to have surgery if she does not have symptoms at all. Ortho said it is not getting better from the last time he checked my baby. So.. she is going to have surgery on July 31.

[yorkiesrock]

Wow, your case sounds just like mine, except that I don't have an orthopedic surgeon yet. My Yorkie doesn't show any signs of any problems but my vet said the same thing, if I continue to wait then he can get arthritis. He is also 2 years old. I am in the process of looking for another vet for a second opinion.

Good luck to your furbaby, I hope all goes well for her surgery on July 31.

[molly]

Originally Posted by yorkiesrock

Wow, your case sounds just like mine, except that I don't have an orthopedic surgeon yet. My Yorkie doesn't show any signs of any problems but my vet said the same thing, if I continue to wait then he can get arthritis. He is also 2 years old. I am in the process of looking for another vet for a second opinion.

Good luck to your furbaby, I hope all goes well for her surgery on July 31.

Thanks. Good luck on your baby too. It is better too if you can get an Ortho to get the second opinion so he/she could explain everything to you.

[yorkiesrock]

Originally Posted by molly

Thanks. Good luck on your baby too. It is better too if you can get an Ortho to get the second opinion so he/she could explain everything to you.

Thanks. Unfortunately my vet got upset with me when I asked him how many of those surgeries he did. (There is a thread on the entire story under the General Yorkie Discussion Forum). So now I have to look for another vet.Then if he does need the surgery I will go to an ortho surgeon.

[njoydaride]

I found my vet through http://yelp.com. It's a review site and my vet got a lot of great reviews. The reviews are mostly for big cities though, so I don't know if it will help.

[Yorkiekids]

Sounds like the orthopedic surgeon is the way to go.