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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / April 2004Picking a new vet
Hi, I've never had to look for a veterinarian. Now that our Georgia has CRF, we would like to find one closer to us, possibly one that has weekend hours, too. What questions do you ask when looking for a vet, or is it all trial and error? Word of mouth would be a good place to start, but most of our friends treat their pets like animals and we have, um, a slightly higher standard ;-) So, we'd like to know that our vet is competent (especially with CRF) and has good "bedside manner." And I haven't been able to find any resources on the 'net where people can rave or rant about their vets. I don't know if it's appropriate to ask for recommendations, but if you live near San Mateo, CA, please send your opinions about your vet to my email address (to keep newsgroup traffic down). Thanks, Warren  Signature----------------------------------------------------------- Great gifts for cat lovers at http://www.officiallycute.com Cute cat pictures, too! I can't recommend a way to tell what kind of bedside manner the doctor has, but finding out about the policies is a good place to start. Call and ask about the prices of some common medications. Stuff that pets need to be on long term. If they are over priced, you can infer that the vet is a bit more concerned about profit. Ask what the cost would be if you came in for an annual check up with vaccines, and what the cost would be if there is a health reason to come it. Some vets (like the one I work for) that charge nothing but the cost of the vaccines if there are no health concerns. Find out how quickly you can get an appointment for routine visit and for an emergency. I once had a pet that was very ill, and the doctor wouldn't see me until the next day, despite my saying I was very concerned. I found that quite disturbing. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > Great gifts for cat lovers at http://www.officiallycute.com > Cute cat pictures, too! Well highest price doesn't always mean they are out just for profit. Remember you get what you pay for. On the other hand there are vets who probably will give vaccinations at a decent price. When I rescued Jade there was one vet here in Scottsdale who was willing to reduce her normal prices and give me the price she charges for animals rescued and adopted from the Humane Society. That showed to me that she cared more about the animal than just profit. I shy away from vets unless Isis or Jade have a need of them. Usually I get the low cost vaccinations from the Humane Society clinic because the prices a lot of the vets charge are somewhat high because they also want to give the animal an exam and charge for that as well. At the Humane Society clinics my cats will get vaccinated for half the cost and I think they give them an exam for free. The last time I brought Isis in for a shot they gave a basic weigh and take the temperature with it. I hope they do the same at Maricopa County Animal Control which also seems to have low cost vaccinations now and all I have to do is bring Isis or Jade in any time they are open. This is a nice deal considering there shots are $2 cheaper than the Humane Society and they are a little bit closer to where I live. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > I can't recommend a way to tell what kind of bedside manner the doctor has, > but finding out about the policies is a good place to start. Call and ask [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > Great gifts for cat lovers at http://www.officiallycute.com > > Cute cat pictures, too! >Usually I get the low cost vaccinations from the Humane Society clinic >because the prices a lot of the vets charge are somewhat high because they >also want to give the animal an exam and charge for that as well. At the >Humane Society clinics my cats will get vaccinated for half the cost and I >think they give them an exam for free. Ideally, with a beloved companion annimal, the vaccinations need to be adminsitered by the regular vet, and that wellness exam given with the vaccs are an important part of the cat's health maintenance. Vaccinations aren't entirely risk-free, either, and should the cat have a reaction, I want the regular vet involved. Low-cost vaccination clinics are a great thing; I'm not dissing them. But with a beloved pet, I would spend the few extra bucks at the regular vet's. Sherry > Well highest price doesn't always mean they are out just for profit. > Remember you get what you pay for. yes.. that is why I didn't stop after price. and doctors who charge high prices for medications that pets HAVE to be on long term, then yes.. they are out for profit.. and vets that charge the office exam fee just to walk in the door.. again making it difficult to bring the pet in for a lot of people. and if getting your pet in when you have a concern takes a couple of days.. again, not a good thing in my book. and Im all for clinics for people who don't have a choice.. but personally Id rather pay the few extra bucks and have a vet actually do a physical on my pet each year. They can catch many things that a poke and go clinic can't. I hate to rain on your parade but most if not all charge for an exam. Also, animals that are on meds long term probably do need them. I really don't think it is fair to assume that because a doctor charges for an exam and meds that they are simply out for your money. They have to make a living somehow. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > yes.. that is why I didn't stop after price. and doctors who charge high > prices for medications that pets HAVE to be on long term, then yes.. they [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > my pet each year. They can catch many things that a poke and go clinic > can't. > I hate to rain on your parade but most if not all charge for an exam. Just looked at my invoice from last week. Office visit/exam . . . $0. A friend of mine tells me she's noticed that a lot of veterinarians do not charge long-term clients or clients with chronic/terminal conditions for office visits and, in some cases, for other care (when Pudge was dying, they'd trim her claws and not charge for that). It probably depends on the veterinarian or clinic, but that's been our experience. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ 2004: > Just looked at my invoice from last week. Office visit/exam . . . $0. > > A friend of mine tells me she's noticed that a lot of veterinarians do > not charge long-term clients or clients with chronic/terminal conditions > for office visits and, in some cases, for other care I was pleasantly surprised when the vet I use now waved an office fee/exam fee for Shamrock the last time I took him in for a depo shot. Those were killing my budget, but he really needs the shots. SignatureCheryl Most here charge for an exam. I know in the past when I was a long term client at a vet I was still charged for an exam. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > > > I hate to rain on your parade but most if not all charge for an exam. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > dying, they'd trim her claws and not charge for that). It probably > depends on the veterinarian or clinic, but that's been our experience. "Cat Protector" <catprotector@cox.net> dumped this in news:Tdo9c.24633 $vJ1.19716@okepread01 on 27 Mar 2004: > Most here charge for an exam. I know in the past when I was a long term > client at a vet I was still charged for an exam. I think it depends on what you bring them in for. If you have to bring them in often for a treatment or a test that can only be administered by a vet but no real examination is being done, it seems to be common practice to waive the exam fee for such visits. I noticed that practice with an IM vet who Shadow had to see weekly, also. If they charged $50 per week for followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could really afford that? SignatureCheryl > "Cat Protector" <catprotector@cox.net> dumped this in news:Tdo9c.24633 > $vJ1.19716@okepread01 on 27 Mar 2004: [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could > really afford that? I think his vet is charging for an "annoyance" visit.. > I think his vet is charging for an "annoyance" visit.. <snicker> I think the peanut butter thingie debt is fulfilled now. lol SignatureCheryl /wiping off monitor >>I think his vet is charging for an "annoyance" visit.. > > <snicker> > I think the peanut butter thingie debt is fulfilled now. lol Are you talking about my *Peanut Buster Parfait*???? Never!!!! <licking lips, waiting for delicious ice cream treat.. >> who Shadow had to see weekly, also. If they charged $50 per week for >> followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could >> really afford that? > >I think his vet is charging for an "annoyance" visit.. He's already said he "shies away from vets." With an attitude like that, no vet is going to give away his time. Plus going to a humane society for low-cost vaccinations...I understand totally why his vet charges for office calls. There are several situations where my vet waives the office call fee. He waives it if the animal ends up hospitalized, doesn't charge office calls for follow-ups, and doesn't charge it if it's a minor deal the tech takes care of. Sherry >>>who Shadow had to see weekly, also. If they charged $50 per week for >>>followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Sherry Same with mine. I wonder if CP lets his cats do the talking at the vet's??? >>>>who Shadow had to see weekly, also. If they charged $50 per week for >>>>followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > >Same with mine. I wonder if CP lets his cats do the talking at the vet's??? You mean like Norman Bates lets Mother do all the talking?? Sherry >>>>>who Shadow had to see weekly, also. If they charged $50 per week for >>>>>followups over a long period of time, how many people do you think could [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > Sherry Exactly, only creepier.. ;) > >>Same with mine. I wonder if CP lets his cats do the talking at the vet's??? > > > > You mean like Norman Bates lets Mother do all the talking?? > > > > Sherry > Exactly, only creepier.. ;) heh heh > Most here charge for an exam. I know in the past when I was a long term > client at a vet I was still charged for an exam. Well, as long as you understand that your experience is not the universal one. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ I'd say it is pretty universal. Why not ask your vet why you aren't being charged for exams and see what they say. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > > > Most here charge for an exam. I know in the past when I was a long term > > client at a vet I was still charged for an exam. > > Well, as long as you understand that your experience is not the > universal one. Oh, good grief. Clearly, your experiences are the only ones that you can grasp -- as clearly as they are not "pretty universal." > I'd say it is pretty universal. Why not ask your vet why you aren't being > charged for exams and see what they say. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Well, as long as you understand that your experience is not the > > universal one. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ Well, as I said before why not ask as to why you were never charged and see what they say. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > Oh, good grief. Clearly, your experiences are the only ones that you can > grasp -- as clearly as they are not "pretty universal." [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > > Well, as long as you understand that your experience is not the > > > universal one. > Well, as I said before why not ask as to why you were never charged and see > what they say. When you are a regular client at a vet's office, and by regular I mean you bring your cats in at least once a year for an exam and their vaccinations, the vet, USUALLY will waive fees for things like follow-ups to a previous visit, only charge you for one exam if you bring two cats at once for a routine exam. We're not talking about random waiving of fees, but something that makes sense where you don't have to ask. BTW, this also happens at the human doctor if you have follow-ups to surgery or need to see your doctor for something simple and you are a regular client. For instance, my cat Dash was terminally ill. Every other week, towards the end of her life, I had to take her in to the vet's because she was crashing. The first time, they charged me an emergency fee (it was on Sunday with no appt) plus the hospitalization. The times after that, they did not charge me the emergency fee (this always seemed to happen outside of business hours), and the last time dropped some of the routine hospital fees. Why? Because I spent thousands at this vet's office, and they KNEW I would be back, with this cat, or one of my other 4. When I looked at the bill, I didn't have to ask why they didn't charge me for this or that, I could figure it out. CP, you claim to love your cats so much, but you can't shell out the money to take them to a regular vet? Plus, I find it wrong that you use the low-cost vaccination services that are meant to be for people who have no other means of getting their pets vaccines, not for cheapskates. Don't you realize how important it is to have a regular vet that knows your cat? For example, what if something happened to your beloved Isis or Jade? What if you notice one of them is throwing up frequently, so you take her to a vet. They weigh her, she's 9 lbs. Well, because they've never seen her, they have no idea she lost 2 lbs in the past 4 months. That could be an important clue. Do you get the idea now?? Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net Check out www.snittens.com > BTW, this also happens at the > human doctor if you have follow-ups to surgery or need to see your doctor > for something simple and you are a regular client. My oral surgeon didn't charge me for a follow-up. Of course, he'd charged me quite enough overall. :) Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ > For instance, my cat Dash was terminally ill. Every other week, towards the > end of her life, I had to take her in to the vet's because she was crashing. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > didn't have to ask why they didn't charge me for this or that, I could > figure it out. I think I said that in my original comment -- that it seems to relate to regular clients and terminal/chronic conditions. Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ >From: "KellyH" Kelly@whatever.com >CP, you claim to love your cats so much, but you can't shell out the money >to take them to a regular vet? Plus, I find it wrong that you use the >low-cost vaccination services that are meant to be for people who have no >other means of getting their pets vaccines, not for cheapskates. You know, this is a really good point. Sounds like CP is taking advantage of these low cost clinics. Lauren ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm > You know, this is a really good point. Sounds like CP is taking > advantage of these low cost clinics. Actually, the low cost clinics make money on the shots; pet owner costs $12 for DHLPP or FVRCP, $8 for rabies. I volunteered at one of our local clinics shot days and a big deal was made over how many shots were done for the community, and the profits gained. In this way it really does benefit the community public clinic, but it doesn't take the place of having a regular vet who knows your pets history. SignatureCheryl > Well, as I said before why not ask as to why you were never charged and see > what they say. Because it's obvious one would never ask such a rude question. What would anyone gain by it, and why would I want to be rude? Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ > Oh, good grief. Clearly, your experiences are the only ones that you can > grasp -- as clearly as they are not "pretty universal." Remember, CP lives in his own little universe all by himself so for him, all of his experiences are "universal" :-). Twice now I've gone to my vet for follow-ups (the first time because of a lump due to a vaccination, the second time was for a sore-looking bum) and neither time did he charge. Plus, I noticed on my last bill that he gave me a discount for Kitty's vaccination. It was under "multiple cats discount" but I only have one cat (and they know that). It was because I bring her in yearly for her distempter combo (necessary because of her vacation home). rona -- "Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and they will piss upon your computer." --Bruce Graham > I'd say it is pretty universal. Why not ask your vet why you aren't being > charged for exams and see what they say. I'm going to concur with Diane here, CP. When our girls had URIs, they didn't charge us for the followups - only the nebulizer, ethe innoculations, and the additional medicine when necessary. +1 for the point, but -1 for chutzpah (NEVER ask the motive for a gratuity!) and -1 for assuming. SignatureDennis Carr - ke6isf@spamcop.net | I may be out of my mind, http://www.dennis.furtopia.org | But I have more fun that way. ------------------------------------+------------------------------- Yes but as I stated, Diane never asked her vet why she was never charged for an exam. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > > > I'd say it is pretty universal. Why not ask your vet why you aren't being [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > +1 for the point, but -1 for chutzpah (NEVER ask the motive for a > gratuity!) and -1 for assuming. >Yes but as I stated, Diane never asked her vet why she was never charged for >an exam. Why on earth *would* you ask "why"? What purpose would *that* serve? Do you ask the grocer "why" bananas are on sale? If your electric bill is lower than you expected, do you call them and ask "why"? Diane probably already knows why. It's because that is her vet's policy, and because she's a valued, regular, return client, she's not charged for the exam *every* visit. Sherry Sherry > Yes but as I stated, Diane never asked her vet why she was never charged for > an exam. CP, what is your major malfunction? Do you not understand the concept of not looking for a gift horse in the mouth? SignatureDennis Carr - ke6isf@spamcop.net | I may be out of my mind, http://www.dennis.furtopia.org | But I have more fun that way. ------------------------------------+------------------------------- >> Yes but as I stated, Diane never asked her vet why she was never charged for >> an exam. > >CP, what is your major malfunction? Do you not understand the concept of >not looking for a gift horse in the mouth? LOL! > Yes but as I stated, Diane never asked her vet why she was never charged for > an exam. Why would I EVER ask such a rude question??? Signaturehttp://www.mindspring.com/~slywy/ http://slywy.diaryland.com/ >From: "Diane L. Schirf" delenn@mindspring-getridofthistoreply-.com >> I hate to rain on your parade but most if not all charge for an exam. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >dying, they'd trim her claws and not charge for that). It probably >depends on the veterinarian or clinic, but that's been our experience. So if someone brings their cat in for a wellness check (no vaccines, just a physical), does your vet charge? ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Thanks, > Warren I have a list of questions that pertain to ethics, if that is important to you. I will paste them below. Word of mouth is always the best way to get a recommendation. The Hemingway Cat Hospital in the South Bay area is awesome, if you are willing to drive. 12840 S Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd #600 Saratoga, CA 95070 Tel: (408)741-4844 Fax: (408)741-4898 There are other feline vets in the bay area I would avoid. Best of luck, -L. **paste from old post***: There are a number of questions you can ask a vet to get an idea of what their ethics are. I always ask these questions before choosing a vet. You can schedule a tour and "get aquainted" visit, and you should be able to meet with the vet, if you desire to do so. The list is as follows: Ask about their policy on declaw. Most vets I have encountered fall into the "done on command" or "done after all else fails" categories - only a few I have encountered have said that they "highly discourage it", but will still do it. I have yet to find one that doesn't do it, and actually worked for a vet that lied and said that "no bone is removed" during the procedure...at least most vets will admit what the procedure actually is. Another question to ask is their euthanization policy - ask if they will euth a healthy animal, or an animal with a relatively minor affliction (such as in a case where the owners claim to not be able to afford treatment, eventhough the treatment would cost under $100). If the answer is yes, run as fast as you can out the door. If an owner claims not to be able to afford a minor treatment they should be told about other options - including the local humane society or other animal welfare org. Also ask about what types of seds and anesthetics they use on cats. The correct answer is "it depends upon the animal". A one-size fits all attitude about seds is a recipe for disaster. Ask about grooming - and whether or not they use cage dryers after baths. Cage dryers are probably the number one cause of death during grooming, and you should never trust anyone but yourself to use one - they are designed so that the animal can be put in the cage with warm (or hot) air blowing on it, and then *left alone*. Many vets will say they don't leave the animal alone after turning on the dryer, but having been a groomer, I know they are lying....why else would one even use a cage dryer? Cats can be dried easily and quickly by hand (with a table-top dryer) which requires direct handling and monitoring. Honestly, hand-drying is the only method that is acceptable. Cage dryers don't even work well to dry the whole cat. If they treat dogs, ask if the dock or crop dogs. The answer should be no, except for in cases of injury or disease. Ask if they carry traditional organophosphate insecticides for fleas and ticks - like flea collars and sprays. The answer should be no - since the invention of Advantage, Frontline, etc. there is no reason to support old, outdated toxic chemical insecticides. **end paste** I myself would rather go to a vet that discourages the practice of declawinng. Asking about euthanizing a healthy animal is also a valid concern. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > Ask about their policy on declaw. Most vets I have encountered fall > into the "done on command" or "done after all else fails" categories - [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > > **end paste** >From: usenetlyn@yahoo.com (-L. :) >Another question to ask is their euthanization policy - ask if they >will euth a healthy animal, or an animal with a relatively minor [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >about other options - including the local humane society or other >animal welfare org. Good list of questions. But on this particular one, I really wonder if they would even answer it honestly. ________ See my cats: http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm I would ask some local animal rescue groups in your area which ones they suggest. I am sure many prefer to work with good ones because they want the animals that they rescue to get the kindest and best care possible. SignaturePanther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs! www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time! www.catgalaxymedia.com > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Thanks, > Warren > So, we'd like to know that our vet is competent (especially > with CRF) and has good "bedside manner." And I haven't been able to find > any resources on the 'net where people can rave or rant about their vets. I'm not going to vouch for bedside manner checking either, but something I have done when checking out area vets is asking to take a tour of the facility. If they say no, don't return. If they say yes, just look around. Is it clean? What is the general state of the staff? that sort of thing. More importantly - and this seems extremely important to me - did you meet at least *a* doctor, if not *the* doctor? (No, not The Doctor. If you meet *him*, you'd best be watching for daleks.) Were they friendly? If they were not occupied by a patient, were they willing to answer your questions? SignatureDennis Carr - ke6isf@spamcop.net | I may be out of my mind, http://www.dennis.furtopia.org | But I have more fun that way. ------------------------------------+------------------------------- > More importantly - and this seems extremely important to me - did you > meet at least *a* doctor, if not *the* doctor? (No, not The Doctor. > If you meet *him*, you'd best be watching for daleks). Daleks? SignatureCheryl > > More importantly - and this seems extremely important to me - did you > > meet at least *a* doctor, if not *the* doctor? (No, not The Doctor. > > If you meet *him*, you'd best be watching for daleks). > > Daleks? http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/alien/daleks.shtml |
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