Losing faith in vets!!

[Ernie2001]

I am new at this and was looking for a bit of advice/peace of mind. I have a 4yo TB x, he is currently at a veterinary practice having sarcoid treatment applied to some sarcoids on his neck. he is a handful sometimes and so when taking him up there I was expecting to see his normal vet however it turned out it was her day off which surprised me as she had booked us in for that day! I asked many questions as a concerned owner would (one sarcoid is right over his jugular vein) so after leaving him we received a phone call telling us that they are risks of the cream (Liverpool cream) being applied to such an area. I had asked about this before leaving/signing forms and nothing was said!! He also had his jaw x rayed as has had a hard lump on his mandible for some time which they continue to tell us will go down. It has only got bigger and concerned he is in pain when having a bit in I asked for an x ray. We had a call today and they are looking to seek 'expert advice' as it appears to be a tooth causing problems! I do not know why this requires an expert. They have not once rung to say he's ok and every time I ring to see how he is (he is there for a week) I have to wait at least an hour for a call back. I am starting to loose faith in the practice and worried about my boy. has anyone else had a similar situation they could advise me the best way to go with it? thanks and sorry for essay!

 

[glenruby]

I wouldn't be concerned about a practice looking for an expert opinion on dental X-rays - these things are not always clear cut. Also, sarcoids applications (once the course has started) follow a set protocol therefore need to be carried out on particular days. In order to avoid weekend days where possible ( and fit in with Rotas) it is not always possible for them to be done by the same vet. This is relatively standard practice though they should have informed you if there are any anticipated cOmplications. Are these the only concerns you have or there other issues?

 

[kittyandnewt]

Hey, have to say I agree with Glenruby. Surely its a good thing they want an opinion from a dentist? I wouldnt want a vet messing at my horses hoof (though my better half is a farrier so i am slightly biased), seriously though, thats a specialised area, so are the teeth. If anything its a good sign of the practice if they are honestly saying "look were not sure, lets ask a specialist". Hospitals are up to their eyes from spring to late summer so i wouldnt worry about waiting for a call back, so long as someone eventually does. Also, if you dont hear from them its generally good news! I know its stressful and you no doubt feel as though things are out of your hands, hopefully you get sorted, good luck.

 

[livinghorse]

I agree with what has been said above, dental radiographs are often sent off for 2nd opinions, it is fairly standard practice for this to happen and if I were you, I would be happy they are seeking specialist advice (Although unlikely from a dentist! more likely from a specialist equine hospital/ surgeon)

Ditto about sarcoid cream, it has to be applied according to the instructions which come with the cream, your vet cant work every single day to accommodate all patients who need to be seen by her clients only, it is a shame she didnt tell you she wouldnt be there, I can totally understand how that would be annoying but again, not something to lose faith in them about. Vets are allowed days off.

Applying cream around that area, or treating a sarcoid in that area with any treatment would be a hard decision as it is a tricky area so they might just be checking with D. Knottenbelt that he is happy to procede before they do (if it is Liverpool cream that is).

I wouldnt lose faith yet!

Also, I wouldnt be surprised about an hour for a call back, he isnt there having life or death procedures and they probably have vets rushing in and out and one will call you when they get a minute to do so. You are understandably worried and concerned about your horse being away but you also have to understand that they are probably very busy and cant be there everytime on the end of the phone at times that suit you....Sorry if that is harsh but I have worked in a busy hospital and it is really really hard to get 5 minutes to do anything and so sometimes people have to wait.....
Hope the sarcoid treatment is succesful for him!

 

[Ernie2001]

Thanks for all the advice. he is home now however the 'specialist' she showed the x rays to was just another vet at the practice, no dental specialism. Despite the fact his lump is now bigger and another has come up under his chin they are wanting to leave it as they feel it's 'cosmetic' I know my horse and he won't have a bit in without seeming in extreme pain. I understand that vets are busy (I am a nurse in small animal practice) but just feel the tooth is getting worse and after seeking a second opinion from my own vet on the X-ray it seems that the tooth would be causing pain. Going to refer him myself as not having him in pain and they want to leave it and see how it goes, it has tripled in size since the last time they said to see how it goes! Wish me luck with mt medical disaster of a horse!!