nativepony
Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if you're allowed to ask advice from a vet other than your own? Not for a diagnosis but just what they think about something? Wouldn't be calling them out but a quick telephone call?
Asking advice from another vet?
- Thread starter nativepony
- Start date
AmyMay
Situation normal
As long as it was the same practice.
nativepony
Well-Known Member
No, was thinking another practice! Guess not then 
flintfootfilly
Well-Known Member
I have sometimes rung and asked a specialist vet a very few focussed questions "in general terms" rather than relating to any one specific horse. I've only done that when I've been faced with major decisions affecting a horse, though. It has usually just been a 5 minute chat on key points that I've written down in advance so I don't ramble on, and I've not been charged for that. It's just been an informal chat.
You are perfectly entitled to ask for a referral to whatever vet you choose, and I think I'm right in saying that referral HAS to be done through your vet. Certainly another vet can't give an opinion on a horse without the usual vet knowing - it's part of their code of conduct. And of course you will incur the usual vets fees when you go down the referral route.
You are also perfectly entitled to ask for a second opinion, which can be from a vet in the same practice or a different practice.
This is quite a helpful link on the subject:
http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-g...rting-guidance/referrals-and-second-opinions/
As long as you are objective about what you are asking for, your own vet shouldn't have any problem with you involving another vet, as long as you go down the right route. I think vets in general practice do recognise that their area of expertise differs from those with more specialist experience, so it can be really helpful to have a different vet's opinion on some things.
Sarah
You are perfectly entitled to ask for a referral to whatever vet you choose, and I think I'm right in saying that referral HAS to be done through your vet. Certainly another vet can't give an opinion on a horse without the usual vet knowing - it's part of their code of conduct. And of course you will incur the usual vets fees when you go down the referral route.
You are also perfectly entitled to ask for a second opinion, which can be from a vet in the same practice or a different practice.
This is quite a helpful link on the subject:
http://www.rcvs.org.uk/advice-and-g...rting-guidance/referrals-and-second-opinions/
As long as you are objective about what you are asking for, your own vet shouldn't have any problem with you involving another vet, as long as you go down the right route. I think vets in general practice do recognise that their area of expertise differs from those with more specialist experience, so it can be really helpful to have a different vet's opinion on some things.
Sarah
nativepony
Well-Known Member
Useful advice - thanks Sarah!
Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
I think fff will also agree that you are not bound to be loyal to one particular vet or practice, only where a consultation/treatment is already in progress and she has explained very succinctly what the procedure is there.
I am occasionally asked, "Who is your vet?" I always reply that I don't have "a vet" but several and I consult with the vet who I think will do the best job for me at the time. One is a specialist equine vet, another is a very good small animal practice (who also do horses) -- but 35 miles away, then I use a third local small animal practice for routine inoculations, emergencies, etc. for my dogs.
The Office of Fair Trading did an investigation into attempts by professionals to maintain a monopoly position with their clients and it was concluded that it is not a very healthy situation and something to be discouraged.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.
I am occasionally asked, "Who is your vet?" I always reply that I don't have "a vet" but several and I consult with the vet who I think will do the best job for me at the time. One is a specialist equine vet, another is a very good small animal practice (who also do horses) -- but 35 miles away, then I use a third local small animal practice for routine inoculations, emergencies, etc. for my dogs.
The Office of Fair Trading did an investigation into attempts by professionals to maintain a monopoly position with their clients and it was concluded that it is not a very healthy situation and something to be discouraged.
He who pays the piper calls the tune.