RVC - Anyone used for 2nd opinion/ further investigations

[Dyllymoo]

I'm contemplating asking for a referral to RVC to see if they can do a full "MOT" on J to make sure we aren't missing any parts of the puzzle.

I'm hoping they might be able to give me some better information about after care for him especially as they carried out his CT of his neck.

What are people's thoughts on them? Did you get good customer service/ feedback about your horses issues?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

A lot of people I know use them as there regular vet as they are very local to me, I think they tend to have a good reputation I have been there with other people's horses and witnessed procedures and met a few of the vets and they are very good in my opinion.

Where are you in the country?

 

[Dyllymoo]

A lot of people I know use them as there regular vet as they are very local to me, I think they tend to have a good reputation I have been there with other people's horses and witnessed procedures and met a few of the vets and they are very good in my opinion.

Where are you in the country?

Thank you. I'm Kent. I'm contemplating actually just asking for a different vet at my vet practice and going there.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thank you. I'm Kent. I'm contemplating actually just asking for a different vet at my vet practice and going there.

I think all the big equine practices will be so much more thorough than a lot of smaller vets, in your situation I would go to a bigger known practice and get a complete lack of performance work up done they will check everything and do a much better job.

 

[Dyllymoo]

I think all the big equine practices will be so much more thorough than a lot of smaller vets, in your situation I would go to a bigger known practice and get a complete lack of performance work up done they will check everything and do a much better job.

That was my initial thoughts but my current vets are a big hospital that smaller vets refer to, so will see what they say. If they can get us in earlier that would be better.

 

[criso]

That was my initial thoughts but my current vets are a big hospital that smaller vets refer to, so will see what they say. If they can get us in earlier that would be better.

I would recommend the RVC anytime, I use them as a practice vets as well as referral hospital.

However if you are already in the situation where your practice vets are attached to a big hospital, what I would say is I find having the two sides in the same place has benefits. I can ask my regular vet something that may be related to a hospital visit and he has easy access to look up the case and can have an informal chat with the referral vet. I have been to RVC for an xray with a practice vet and he was able to ask a specialist walking past for a second opinion on something.

This sort of integrated approach is especially useful when it's an ongoing issue.

 

[Bernster]

The bigger referral places do have the advantage of having all the diagnostic equipment and I would assume access to a lot of good knowledge and experience, in this case as the RVC is a referral and research hospital. Downside is they have a load of students in tow but I have no issue with my horses helping future vets learn.

I use them as my normal vet practice and then refer for further tests. The vets I use have good reputations and the RVC itself has always been very thorough inc a gait analysis which was as we were looking for a needle in a haystack. However, they do take a traditional vets approach I would say (no disrespect) and if you’re really not sure what you’re looking for, I’d probably consider something like a sue Dyson or rob Jackson ‘holistic vet‘ type approach.

 

[milliepops]

OP, sorry if it looks like i'm following you around the forum - i am only in so much as we have horses with similar issues so the stuff you're experiencing is relatable. I'm just wondering what else you think you might find? and how it might affect your plans going forward?is this stemming from when the physio said his arthritis must have another cause?
i guess I'm just concerned you might end up throwing more money at the issue and be no further forward, other than being poorer and having put yourself through the emotional wringer again. hope that doesn't come across wrong though I know you're really down a hole at the moment - it's meant in a supportive way

 

[Michen]

I contacted a particular surgeon there. He went above and beyond to be helpful and spent hours discussing, and wouldn’t take any consultation money.

He even emailed a little while later to enquire after my horse. I was very impressed.

 

[foxy1]

In my experience, a different vet at same practice will be reluctant to undermine/disagree with a colleague.
I'd go elsewhere for second opinion.
Friend had a large referral vet practice in Kent do a full lameness work up, couldn't find anything wrong with horse, took horse to Sue Dyson who gave them an A4 sheet full of issues ?

 

[Dyllymoo]

Kent do a full lameness work up, couldn't find anything wrong with horse, took horse to Sue Dyson who gave them an A4 sheet full of issues ?

I had the same with my mare.... I'm just exhausted if I'm honest.

 

[daffy44]

I used to live locally to the RVC and they were my regular vets, and they were brilliant, I also had cause to use them for a couple of pretty major things, once when I was living nearby, and once more when I had moved and was referred back to them, and on both occasions I found them absolutely excellent.