Regarding veterinarians - is yours a good diagnostician?

[Pegasus]

We've had several vets over the years and most of them seem to be great for regular exams and everyday issues but seem to really be at a loss when it comes to anything not obvious.

 

We have a cat in pain right now (since just before Christmas) and we've had her in to see the vet twice. Her approach continues to be wait and see if the cat gets better. She took x-rays today which were inconclusive and suggested that we bring the cat back in 3 months for new x-rays. THREE MONTHS!?! The cat is in pain NOW.

 

It doesn't help that there doesn't appear to be a pain med that cats can take for more than a few days. I hate to see her suffering.

 

I've talked to DH and if we don't see significant improvement by Monday, we are heading to the university vet hospital.

 

Thanks for letting me vent!

Pegasus

[Night Elf]

My vet refers us to a pet hospital anytime she doesn't understand something. The hospital exam cost is really reasonable. I was afraid the first time wondering what I was going to pay. I totally trust my vet. We've been going to her for at least 10 years.

[Perry]

We've had several vets over the years and most of them seem to be great for regular exams and everyday issues but seem to really be at a loss when it comes to anything not obvious.

Maybe I'm lucky, but my vet is fantastic.

 

Last year, my dog suddenly collapsed and was having trouble breathing. I took her in, and within about 30 seconds, he recognized that she had a pericardial effusion (fluid in the sac around the heart) that needed to be drained. He also believed it was likely to be from an angiosarcoma (tumor of blood vessel walls), although that couldn't be determined for sure without ultrasound.

 

He was right, and his quick diagnosis saved her life that day. Although she died within a month from the angiosarcoma.

 

 

I :001_wub: my vet. He was a good friend in high school, and I feel so, so lucky to have him.