Upset with vet, WWYD?

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soloequestrian

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My 14-month old filly was booked to have her third set of vaccs today, along with my two older horses. She had a female vet for the first two sets, who was very gentle and quiet, and I would swear she barely felt the needle - she certainly didn't move.
Today, I couldn't get the same vet so a man came. I'm not sure exactly what he did, but it seemed as if he just sort of stabbed her with no warning. He said himself that he had been 'trying to take her by surprise'. Not surprisingly, she yanked away and got very upset and then when he tried again, she went up. He was also trying to position her by shoving her - she moves to voice commands, but doesn't have much clue what a shove means. She didn't actually get the vaccination.
I now have two issues: I will have to spend lots of time desensitising her to having two people around her and to the types of movement required for an injection and I will need another vets visit, so presumably will be presented with a second call out fee. I strongly suspect that she will remember the 'vet smell' now too, so may not be as calm with the good vet next time.
What would you do in this situation?
 
Complain to the practice - at the very least they should waive the fee for this visit, and then send out the lady who was successful before. Ask for that.
 
I would be wary of "complaining", just ask for practice manager and explain that the new vet was not able to do the job, so it needs to be done when one of the lady vets can come, if she asks for more details, give her them, but just start with asking for a lady vet. I would not be happy about the whole thing, and would give them the option to offer a free visit. You probably can't really insist, but give them a chance to offer rather than appearing to be "demanding". Before making the phone call, think of a few phrases to use, and a few to avoid!
 
Thanks all - I did it. The vet who came actually rang to say what the last date was the she could have the third vacc and I talked to him about it. Albeit in a very restrained, British kind of way (apologising for complaining). So I will get the second visit for no charge. Still upset about the setback but I suppose these things happen. My shoulder really hurts now too - she gave it a big yank :-(.
 
soloequestrian said:
Thanks all - I did it. The vet who came actually rang to say what the last date was the she could have the third vacc and I talked to him about it. Albeit in a very restrained, British kind of way (apologising for complaining). So I will get the second visit for no charge. Still upset about the setback but I suppose these things happen. My shoulder really hurts now too - she gave it a big yank :-(.
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Good work! x
 
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