Kinda ticked at the vet now (long vent)...

[harley'smama]

I took Zoe in for her spay & told the vet no ACE, which I knew was no problem because he told me he didn't use it when I had Harley neutered. Well he said "I won't use it in her case but is there a problem with that?" And I told him that I've read up on it & know it's not supposed to be used on boxers. All he could say was that someone probably wrote about it because they had a bad experience with it!!! I told him I still didn't want it used, which he wasn't going to use it anyway. But I'm pissed he pulled an attitude with me about it! He has questioned me before about things I have said I've read or researched but then saw the point I was trying to make & agreed with me. I wonder if vets get offended when we research things & actually know stuff. Do they think we don't love our dogs enough to want the best for them? They're our kids damn it, of course we're going to do our research.
Now I don't know if I should switch vets or not. He was recommended to me by several people and he & all his staff absoutely loves my 2. My friend has had a problem with him not wanting to talk to her about her 10 year old lab's diet and the lab also had a growth on her bottom that she'd had for several years that he suddenly wanted to remove. He had known all along that growth was there but all the sudden he was concerned. about it. I just don't know what to do. I'm wanting to have titers done on them instead of getting vaccinated again plus I'm going to switch to BARF next month so what kind of crap will I get for that?????
Has anyone else had these type of issues with there vet? What did you do? What do youu guys think I should do???
Shannon

 

[Muttluvr]

I got the same reaction when Apollo was neutered. It was actually a vet tech who said they don't use ACE at their clinic, but if they did, there's no reason not to use it on a boxer. She then went on to complain about how breeders scare people with these kinds of stories. I just shrugged, asked her to write down in my record that I didn't want ACE used and that was that.

It didn't really bother me that much, although it probably would have if it had been the vet who I was talking to. But I really like my vet. He's a nice guy, open to different things. He actually suggested that I feed chicken necks to my cat to help with his nasty breath (of course my cat wouldn't touch them).

But to be honest, I haven't told him that I feed a raw diet to my dogs. The topic hasn't come up, but if he asked me what I fed I'd tell him. But the vet techs, on the other hand..... if they asked I wouldn't tell them (one actually did ask me, and I said I fed Canidae. She said, "never heard of it")

 

[bustermom]

Just be honest with your vet. You should be able to have a professional, courteous discussion with him. If you have a problem with any of his attitudes or if he pushes things you don't agree with, tactfully tell him so and why.

If you're happy with him up to this point, then you may be able to work on the relationship so that he respects your opinions. But if you dread going to see him, or constantly end up disagreeing on treatments or such things, then it's time to find another doctor.

There's also nothing wrong with having two vets - we see both a holistic vet as well as a "regular" vet. Our holistic vet is wonderful for the long-term care and overall health of our kids but she can be very expensive for routine office visits, so we use our other vet for those vaccinations that are required by law and emergency care. They both know that we're "seeing someone else" and the holistic vet is very understanding while our other vet just rolls his eyes when he hears "holistic" (but since the kids are so healthy, he doesn't get to see them, or me, very often!).

 

[jasonhbaum]

I believe there is an actual vet journal that states not to use ACE on particular breed such as boxers. If I can find out what it is I will post it. I just seem to recall a vet/boxer breeder that I contact once in awhile sent me a link to it.

 

[myrocky]

Yup it is in the drug handbook that he should have in his office. Tell him to pull it out and read to you what it says about ACE. That is what I made my old vet do when it was time to neuter Rocks :D Then she got all red faced and said she was going to highlight it in the book. She said "oh these are things that just don't come up in school" and I thought :eek: what else didn't come up in school?! We don't go there anymore

 

[dirtsgirl]

I think vets are just like doctors sometimes. They think they went to school for a long time and don't want to be questioned about their decisions. But these are our furbabies and we have every right to question the vet until we are blue.
I am having to try to find a new vet because our vet is afraid of my male dog. He was in pain, and he nipped at her. Well the next time we came in she made me muzzle him(which I understood but hated) then wouldn't let me be in the exam room, then she claimed there was nothing wrong with him, but prescribed painkillers. That makes no sense. I had loved this vet up until then, but now I have no trust for her. So you have to do what your heart tells you to.
By the way someone mentioned a holistic vet? How did you find one, I may want to switch to one.

 

[KELLY W]

I had the same problem when I had Muggsey neutered. I called and asked if they used ACE and they said no, so I made his appointment. When I brought him in, I asked again and the vet tech said well, we do sometimes and we have never had a problem with it. I told her that I did not want it used on Muggsey and she just repeated herself. I told her to mark it on his chart. Then I left and 15 minutes later I came back because I was worried about what an ass she had been to me. I said can you promise me that it wont be used on him because if you cant, I'm taking him home. She assured me and showed me where it was marked on his chart so I felt better. When we picked him up, the tech who brought him works with boxer rescue and commended me for saying no ACE. She said they are aware of the dangers and dont use it on boxers at all. I think that some people just have a problem when someone knows something that they dont. I dont care though. Don't mess with my DOG!!!

 

[MarleysMom]

harley's mama, when you switch to barf, I would suggest not letting your vet know unless he specifically asks you about it or what you are feeding. The vets don't recommend the barf diet, and actually most condemn it. Of course they would! A barf fed dog means a healthier dog which means the vet can pretty much cross your dog off his patient list. He won't make much money, if any at all, off your dog - and with minimal vacs - whew! Good luck with that one! I had to scream at my vet into I was blue in the face to get her to understand that I was done vaccinating at 4 months old and not to give any vacs at all!! Each time I had it out with my vet I was armed with information, stats, facts & print outs to back me up. Now that she understands that I am quite knowledgable in these areas and I actually do know a bit of what I'm talking about, she has relaxed a bit. I only have her on hand for emergencies, though, because being barf fed & no vacs, we don't really need a regular vet :D

 

[Loris]

showing my ignorance...

I have no idea what ACE is or why it should not be given to boxers....I just had Bodhi neutered too. Also, I'm completly unaware of any vac's issues. Could someone please enlighten me?

 

[Linda/NJ]

I definately hear what you are saying Harley's Mom. I am with a new vet (my old vet retired) and I had her old chart with me to bring to the new guy and NO ACE was written in large letters and highlighted. The vet tech, asked if Ginger ever had a bad reaction, I so "NO", but it is very risky using Ace on boxers and I prefer you never to use it! She said, she never heard of a problem with ace and boxers. I was dumbfounded, especially that she is a boxer owner herself. I insisted but nicely, and said "Never Use Ace On Her". I was happy with the vet, he was great, this was coming from the tech. I feel they should honor your wishes and what you want for your pet. I do feel they don't like when you know too much, but that is too bad.

Linda
Ginger * June 4, 1997 / Flashy Fawn * Natural Ears