Sedation - should I say anything to vet practice?

Sooty

Sooty

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Fraser cut himself (again) at the weekend, and this morning his leg was a bit puffy so I called the vet out. Practice sent out a locum, who wanted to wash and shave the area of the cut, and as Fraser is always a bit tetchy with things like that I was distracting him with treats. After a while the vet said he thought he'd sedate him. We are a bit cautious with injections, as Toffee has had a couple of bad reactions, so I asked if it was worth twitching first. Fraser was pretty placid but kept snatching his foot away; it's not as if he was throwing himself around. Anyway, the vet said twitching was worth a go, then a minute later, sedated him! Should I mention this to the practice, or is it normal veterinary procedure? The vet seemed to know his stuff but was not the most communicative. I was just a bit annoyed that he wouldn't try twitching before injecting a sedative.
 
I cannot believe the Vet sedated your horse, without first disussing with you
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I would certainly talk to the Practice Manager
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I hope your horse is ok?
 
Oh he is fine thanks!
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It really is a very small cut; tbh, I'm surprised he wanted to dress it - I thought he'd just give preventative antibiotics. I'm just a bit miffed that he wouldn't even try twitching.
 
After recently hearing that a Vet administered a long acting Steroid injection, without consulting the owner/handler, I am astounded on what some Vets do, without discussion. Especially when they are faced with an owner who knows their horse!

The horse in question, is now suffering the long term consequences, which was Laminitis in all four feet and it is hard wrenching to see the aftermath
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I wouldn't complain but I would definately make my feelings known.
 
He should have got your consent to sedate him really. I think his reasoning behind sedating before twitching was that sedation is less effective the more wound up the horse is beforehand, so sometimes it is better to get the sedation in early and get the job done.

That said, he really should have made sure you were happy with it.
 
Thank you for the replies. It was all a bit odd; he didn't even say about keeping him in until the sedation had worn off, or not giving him hay - not until I asked, anyway. He was very vague and kept contradicting himself. I won't complain but I will ask if it is their normal practice to sedate to basically put a bandage on! We could have tried distracting him with food first I think. I suppose the important thing is that he is on antibiotics and hopefully will heal quickly.
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Maybe he thought you meant twitching so that he could sedate him easier???
I wouldn't complain...sedation is done A LOT nowadays as it makes the whole experence less stressful for the horse.
Lack of communication possibly from him i think rather than ignoring your wishes...?
 
If the Vet is a good one, I would soften the blow by saying something similar to..."You did a wonderful job on my horse, but next time could you please ask for my permission before sedating him?" He might, as said. misunderstood you. Here in the states, most Vets don't ask for permission. They just tell you they are going to do it and if you object then they don't. My new Vet asks, but she is the only one I have ever had that did.
 
Thanks for the replies. I rang, and basically it is indeed normal practice to sedate to change dressings etc. I suppose it makes sense for the vet; it makes their job easier and they can charge for it!
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Its quicker and less stressful for the horse. Also obviously far safer for the vet. You would be surprised how often in a day a vet hears those words " My horse doesnt kick..." - and you very quickly learn to ignore anyone who utters them. So unless youd fancy shelling out for the vets health insurance when he gets a hoof implanted on his face - its far better if he just goes ahead and sedates. Its not that expensive.

That said, I think you have more of a prolem with his method of communication than his actions - right? You have a point in that case.
 
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