Vet rant

YorksG

YorksG

Over the hill and far awa
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14 September 2006
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When our big girl was ill, the vet came out at 9pm and treated her, I have no problem with how that went, nor do I blame them for her subsequent death four days later. However on the day she was pts I rang the vets at 10am on Saturday morning, explaining that the situation was dire. The vet was not yet in the surgery, his only assitant was on day off. I was told they could not get to us as they had a full small animal surgery that morning. I rang three vets, who we do not usually use, one was able to come out, the other two rang back to check how we were doing. Our own vet did not ring at all.
Yesterday I rang to ask for some anti-biotics for an elderly mare who had a puncture wound in her lower leg. This was as a preventative measure. The vet and his assistant were both having a day off and the locums did not feel able to let me have the medication without seeing the mare and no offer was made of a visit.

I think we are going to have to change our vet, as when you need them, you need them. Our old vet was a star, a small practise and he worked far too many hours and then retired. I just wish the new one had half the dedication of the old one.

What would you be doing?
 
I'd be changing vets I think. Ours are fantastic and know the horses really well, nothing is too much trouble and they are always happy to help in any way they can. I'd hate to be without them!
 
The service you have received does not appear to be very good. I would definately change vets. Is there not a practice near to you that specialises in horses? Our vets specialise & the service is really good. It's now a large practice & I can understand why, because of good service & a wealth of knowledge. Locums are never used, you always get one of the practice vets & one of the senior partners will attend for very difficult cases. They really know their stuff & regularly contribute to H&H. Find yourself another vet.
 
That's a tough one....I moved and changed vets, and when my arab was in absolute agony, due to what turned out to be a broken pelvis, I was ringing around vets left, right and centre, as I couldn't get one from the new practise. I had another vets receptionist phoning other practises too. My so called new vet didn't even phone back at all, despite telling me he'd phone at lunch time. I changed vets to the vet I had out to put my mare to sleep, as he was fantastic.

However, I can see why a locum wouldn't give meds witout a visit...you say no offer of a visit was made, but did you ask for one?
 
To add to the story, one of the vets who rang to check has just tried to charge our neighbour £1200 for an MRI, before x-rays and nerve blocks, so not sure about them either
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The other one that rang back their on call vet was over 50 miles away on the day and the practise is 30 miles away
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That really doesn't sound good.

I use Hutchinson, Dunlop and Baird in Wetherby, they have always been great. No matter what time I ring them, and they always ring to check on me if I'm panicing.
 
Its a difficult decision if the other vets are so far away or ridiculously pricey. You have to weigh up the pros and cons and hope to God you don't have to face another emergency. You could always register with all the vets and use each in turn for routine things like teeth and injections and then you will have the pick if something dire happens.

I am so lucky with my local, very small and archaic vet practise who know me so well - if I phone up and ask them to leave me antibiotics in the box for collection, they do so without question.
 
Change - and tell your new one why so they know up front what yo expect! I had to do this as our fist vet threatened to sue me for fogetting to pay off a £30 balance after a whopper of a bill - and they refused to come out - Sodem - get a new one!
 
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What would you be doing?

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Changing to a much bigger practice.

In theory a small practice sounds great - personal service, everyone knows everyone etc. But as you found out, when there's an emergency you're buggered.

I use a specialist equine veterinary practice for my horse - and know that if my own 'vet' can't come out, and equally compentent will be sent in his place.
 
God I feel for you, is horrid when you an't get a vet out. I feel we are very lucky where we are as we have a great vet who we've had for years but should the guy we've had retire and we felt there wasn't as good an equine vet at the practice to replace them we have soo many specialist equine vets in the area (i live near wetherby, Leeds).

I would hate to be stuck with just one vet who knew how to dela with horses (so many don't) with any other options being far to far away!
 
My vet is great but the receptionist is a bloody fool. I called yesterday as a yearling filly I have had started scouring really badly and was down in the field....I immediately told them that it was an emergency and the stupid girl wanted ALL the details of the pony as she hadn't been seen before...she even asked me if she was neutered..I ended up being somewhat stroppy and told her that the vet would get the details when he came if she could manage to let him know that he was needed.

I think medical receptionists have a inferiority complex and like a bit of power! Sorry if there are any on here, I'm sure you wouldn't be as stupid!
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