Dr. Snark

That's Why

2007-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

As a continuation of the previous post with regards to limited hours, I had two opportunities these past few days that cemented my decision to continue with the hours I'm currently offering and not adding more.

First, a colleague of a dear friend passed away of a heart attack at the age of 51, at his desk, at work, last week. No known health or heart issues. Healthy guy. I will continue to spend time with my family, and take long vacations, because I still can. Too many people put travel and other fun things off until retirement. But what if, by luck of the draw, your time is up before then? You never get the chance. My motto: Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. And while that does apply to work and chores around the house, mostly it applies to relaxation, spending quality time with my family, and never forgetting to say, "I love you."

Second, I had the opportunity to visit a local family physician's office this week. The posted hours on the door? Monday and Tuesday 9-5, Wednesday closed, Thursday 11-5, and Friday 9-5. Closed Saturday and Sunday. The rest of the time you get the answering service. Need I say more?

Go forth and enjoy life, for tomorrow you may be struck by a bus.

I'm Not a Martyr

2007-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

I had a client call the other day requesting that their records be sent back to their previous vet. "No offense, Doc. It's just that a couple of times we needed you, you weren't here. We like you and all, but we want someone who is more available."

Yes, veterinary medicine is a 24/7/365 job. And in prehistoric times, as we've all read in James Herriot's books, before the advent of emergency clinics, yes, the noble veterinarian was available no matter what the hour, to answer the call of duty.

We've come a long way, baby! Veterinary medicine is a whole new ballgame. With malpractice claims rising (Did ya hear that vets are the new targets of the lawyers? It's true.), advances in emergency and critical care for our patients, no longer is the GP capable of doing it all. I'm not talking about those vets out in the boonies, whose clients have no other option but to call them at 3 am. I live in a fairly large city. Within a 20 mile radius, we have more than 10 emergency and specialty practices that are open 24/7/365. That means that there is no lack of available care for my patients.

Factor in that in this day and age it's not a good idea, man or woman, to arrive at an expensively equipped, drug-laden practice, in the middle of the night to meet someone you don't know. It's just not that safe any more.

Second, if I have to perform a caesarian section at midnight, who is going to help me? I'm just a solo doc with a staff of 4. The two receptionists can't help me. The technician could, but will she be able to work the next day? The kennel assistant, maybe. While surgery time isn't that long in an uncomplicated case, what about aftercare? Who is going to watch the dog overnight on her IV pain med drip? Who is going to make sure the puppies don't strangle themselves in the bars of the cage? Me? If I sit up all night, what about the sick cat I'm supposed to see promptly at 8 am, if I haven't had a lick of sleep?

Trust me, you're far better off taking your pet to a brightly lit, well-staffed emergency facility in the dead of night. Really. Would I send you off to a place I thought would do you wrong? NO. In fact, if my own pet suffered a severe emergency I'd be taking my pet there too.

Third, it's a quality of life issue. I have a wife. I have three sons. There's church and scouts and soccer and baseball. Choir. I'm not about to make my wife a veterinary widow. Did that in the early days of practice, building my clientele. Then the boys came along. My kids need to know their dad. I'm not going to miss their childhoods. Sorry, but my family is far more important to me than your dog.

Does this mean I'm uncaring? Uncompassionate? Hardly. It means that for me and mine, I've chosen balance. After nearly 19 years in practice, I've learned that I can't be all to all people. I close at 6 pm. The person who calls at 6:03 is mad because we refer them to the emergency clinic. I could stay open until 7 pm. then what about the person who calls at 8?

I'm no longer open on Saturdays, either. I can hear the collective gasps from the peanut gallery. "But Doc, every vet is open on Saturdays! It's the busiest day! You could make a killing being open on Saturdays!"

Maybe. What I found that when I was open on Saturdays, sure we were bombarded with business. But Monday through Friday were slower. Factor in a lot of non-client emergencies begging to be seen in the chaos. Forgotten appointments by those who slept in. Employees fighting over whose turn it was to work. I missed many of my boys' games during those times. I missed my eldest son's first home run. No more.

So, dear client, I'm sorry I have a life. I can't be available all the time. Good luck with the new place. Their extended hours are convenient, I'm sure, but they're split up amongst FIVE doctors, not one. And, bet you didn't know that they, too, are not available at midnight. Seems their docs need a life, too.

What Were They Thinking?

2006-12-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Recently we had some new clients come in with two bouncy Golden Retriever puppies. Littermates, brother and sister. We went through the series of vaccines with them, seeing them every couple of weeks until they were all set.

Now the time is upon them to have them spayed and neutered. Appointment all set, made a few weeks ago.

Owner called today. They just can't spend the money on it. They don't know what to do. They don't want to reschedule. Could be it's the holidays and money is tight. It could also be that they've heard through the grapevine that Dr. X down the road will do it for $130 each (mind you, that's with no IV catheter and minimal pain meds, but we won't go there. Scroll down for the spay/neuter speech).

But what I want to address is this: These people have gone out and purchased two purebred dogs. Golden Retrievers sell for anything between $350-900 in these parts. They bought TWO. So, did they not realize that meant vet bills would be doubled? That surgery costs for sterilizations would be doubled? Did they even think?

Sometimes I wonder where people's minds are. To me, acquiring a pet is a lifetime commitment. The first year is the most expensive, usually, due to the frequent visits to complete the vaccine series and for spay/neuter surgery.

I can only shake my head at the things people do. What were they thinking? My guess is that they did not.

We're Not Wal-Mart

2006-12-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why small vet clinics seem to be more expensive than the big guys up the street? You got it. Bulk purchases. We little guys don't need 20 cases of heartworm prevention a month. We don't order 500 pounds of prescription diets a week. We also don't order 100+ blood tests a week at the lab.

Our prices are higher simply because we don't qualify for the quantity discount. And, unfortunately, as this is a business, the costs get turned over to you, the client. Even though we're smaller, our costs of doing business are sometimes higher.

We recently had one of our vendors in with a special offer. If our volume is >150 transactions per month, we pay only $200 for this offer. If we're between 20-150, we'd pay only $400. But since we only do less than 20 transactions a month, our cost for this 'special offer' soars to $750. Well, as a single doctor practice, spending $750 for what this vendor was offering, especially when the 10 doctor, 24/7 hospital has a much higher cash flow to support a payment of $750 than I, the little guy, do, is a bit too much. I said thanks, but no thanks.

It's a trade-off, I think, depending on what you want from your veterinarian. Do you just want cheaper prices? Do you mind a long wait? Do you like being treated like a number? Or, would you rather pay a little bit more for a more personal relationship with your vet, who knows you, your pets, your kids, who can spend 30 minutes with you?

You decide.

Give Them an Inch...

2006-12-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

I love these calls, I really do. Some days I feel like I'm auditioning actors for a play. All you vets out there know who I mean.

The calls come in. The person, usually a woman and never a client, is sobbing about how her dog is dying and nobody will help her. She's called everywhere, but nobody will help her and her poor dying dog. Sympathetic staff that we have, they want to help. But, as you've guessed, the lady has no money. Some of these actors will go so far as to tug your heartstrings by telling us how their mom/dad/grandma/child/neighbor has just died, and now the poor dog needs to be put out of its misery.

Okay, I can be a hard ass about money (read previous posts), but I'm not about to allow a suffering animal to die a miserable death. Though I really want to tell this person how they should have cultivated a relationship with a veterinarian before getting into this predicament, I refrain. So, against my better judgment, I allow the lady to come in.

I will (and most other vets will, too) euthanize a suffering pet for free, on occasion. Key word: on occasion. It's amazing the stories and lies people will come up with to get out of paying (they have the money but it's for the lottery tickets/cigarettes/beer/new plasma TV, etc). The truly destitute are GRATEFUL. These story weavers are not.

Back to my sobbing lady. She comes in. She acts grateful that we will put her poor dog out of its misery. BUT, (you knew there was a catch here, right?). She wants to be present (that incurs extra costs on our part by increasing staff costs, catheter placement, room use, disruption of scheduled appointments, etc). Then, rather than take the body home for burial (which she can do for FREE, because, you see, she did tell us she had NO MONEY), she wants a private cremation, which, for a dog this size, costs $200. Hello?!

Sorry, Honey, but you're a scam artist through and through. And, unfortunately, I've heard all of this before (as has every vet on the planet) not once, not twice, but too many times to count. Is there some scam school out there that teaches these things? Because you all say the same things!

For free, I will put the dog down on my time in my way and you will take the body home. If that's not acceptable, please take your dog elsewhere.

Just the Shot, Doc!

2006-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Our clinic requires a comprehensive physical examination before administering vaccines to our patients. But oftentimes we get requests for 'just the shot, Doc!'

In my opinion, the examination is far more important than the vaccine. Why?

First off, we need to make sure that your pet is healthy. Many diseases can leave subtle clues that even the most observant pet owners can miss, but our trained eye can detect. So even if you think your pet is healthy, there may be some underlying disease present. We want to know this before injecting your pet with a vaccine. Many times we also uncover minor issues, such as fleas, ear infections, dental disease, a heart murmur, an enlarged thyroid gland, etc. Things we want to know about so we can treat them before they become a bigger issue.

Second, if your pet is not healthy, the immune system may not be able to mount a proper immune response to the vaccine. We don't vaccinate unhealthy pets for this reason.

Third, we want to take a history on your pet to determine which vaccines are needed for your pet's particular lifestyle. Not every pet needs every vaccine. Our knowledge allows us to determine this.

Is there ever a time where we don't require a full exam? Yes. If the pet was just in for a full physical exam within the last 6 weeks and a vaccine was overlooked (usually the kennel cough vaccine) because the owner forgot they needed to board the dog. Or, if the pet was in within the last 6 months, we require a brief exam rather than a comprehensive exam.

Remember, a year to us is like 7-10 years for your pet. Things can change quite quickly. Early detection of disease is important. In short, you're paying for our knowledge and expertise in your pet's health.

Anyone can administer 'just the shot.' But why would you want them to?

Client Diagnoses

2006-12-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Got a call today from a woman who says, "My cat has crystals and needs some antibiotics. I don't want to pay for an exam, I just want the medication."

Who diagnosed the crystals? Was it me? I pull the chart. Well, no. Seems I've never seen this cat before, and the only time the client has been in was August 2004 for a different cat.

Repeat after me: Federal law prohibits the dispensing of prescription medications without a valid veterinarian/client/PATIENT relationship. That means that the veterinarian MUST HAVE EXAMINED the pet before prescribing medication.

Why is that such a big deal? Clients tell us all the time that they know what the diagnosis is, so why can't they just get the meds? Um, tell me, when did you graduate from vet school again? Right. Didn't think so.

To clear this up for those who don't see what the big deal is, it's only antibiotics, what harm could they cause? Let me explain.

In this scenario, the cat could very well have crystals. Many cats with feline lower urinary tract disease do (FLUTD). Or, the cat could have inflammation of the bladder (idiopathic intersticial cystitis). Can't tell them apart without examining urine under the microscope. Plus, most of these urinary issues in cats are bacteriologically sterile; in other words, they're not an infected, and antibiotics are not usually necessary.

That said, what if the cat is, in fact, obstructed and is not urinating? And I just give the antibiotics on the owners's say so? Then, in a day or two, because the antibiotics were not the correct treatment for the problem, the cat is now dead from uremic poisoning? Who do you think the pet owner is going to blame? Herself, for being too cheap to pay for an exam? Or the vet who gave her the wrong medication for her pet's true ailment?

The vet, of course, that's who. And what is the state board going to say when I explain why I didn't examine the cat to determine it was blocked rather than just having mere crystals?

Whose license and livelihood is on the line? The client's? Or mine?

I'd rather keep practicing, thank you. Which is why the answer to the original question will always be NO.

But Doc, My Pet is Too Old for Anesthesia!

2006-11-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

Every week I hear this at least once, usually from someone with an older (but not elderly) pet which needs to have its teeth cleaned or ears flushed or some other sort of surgery. Most of them tell me this emphatically, stating that their last vet told them so.

"Oh, I know her teeth are bad, but my last vet said she was too old for anesthesia."

Or

"I want to have her teeth cleaned but my friend/relative/drycleaner/stockboy said that they did that and their dog died."

There is some truth to this, but it's not what you think. If a vet recommends against anesthesia because the pet is too old, then I counter that in many cases (not all, so don't come after me with sticks!) the vet's anesthesia protocols are outdated.

I'm not talking about dogs or cats with legitimate health risks: pets with heart and/or respiratory disease, pets with advanced liver or kidney ailments, or animals with precarious endocrine conditions. On the contrary. The only thing these wrong with these pets (besides the easily treatable problem at hand) is advanced age. Last I checked, age isn't a disease.

Anesthesia and monitoring has come a long way in the nearly two decades since I graduated from vet school. I no longer use many of the techniques I was taught, or the drugs used by my first employers. I regularly attend continuing education to find out what the newer protocols are, and start using those in my practice.

With a thorough pre-anesthetic workup, we can address most issues with older pets and tailor their anesthesia to them. One size does not fit all. No one drug does it all.

For instance, in a pet with kidney issues, we will avoid drugs that need to be excreted by the kidneys or are known to potentially cause problems with the kidneys. We will pay close attention to blood pressure and fluid therapy to make sure the kidneys stay happy during the procedure. In a pet with cardiac issues, we will avoid medications that cause the heart to work harder, or that changest the blood pressure. We will be prudent with fluid support so as not to overload the heart. In a pet with liver issues, we avoid drugs that need to be metabolized by the liver.

So what do we do? A big part of our anesthetic protocols is pain management. First we administer medications that do double duty -- pain control AND sedation. Using pre-anesthetic medications allows us to use LESS induction agent and lowered gas anesthesia rates, and thus fewer side effects. When pain is prevented before it is inflicted, we don't need to 'turn up the gas' to keep the animal asleep during the procedure.

Another big part is monitoring. Is there a licensed technician monitoring the pet during the procedure? Checking heart rate, pulse quality, respiratory rate, oxygen level, palpebral reflexes, blood pressure, and temperature?

Bottom line: it's not the anesthesia that is the culprit here, it's the anesthetist -- the vet administering it. It's all in the drug choice, dosage, and administering to effect, not giving a calculated volume based on weight. Or rather, there is no such thing as bad anesthesia, just bad anesthetists.

Now I'm not saying that there are no inherent risks with anesthesia, because I'm not. And I'd be a liar to say that no pet ever died under anesthesia on my watch. I will say that all of the anesthetic deaths in my bone pile were young, healthy pets in for spay or neuter, and their deaths were likely due to an underlying yet undiagnosed heart condition in addition to inappropriate though commonly used anesthetics popular at the time (late 80s, early 90s). But times change and so do anesthesia protocols.

In many cases, the risks of anesthesia for your geriatric pet are less than living with the disease process at hand (usually really rotten teeth). I can't guarantee that your pet won't die. But by doing the preanesthetic workup, paying attention to each pet's current health, tailoring the anesthesia to the specific pet, and administering multi-modal pain control as part of a balanced anesthetic protocol, administering drugs to effect, we can certainly minimize that risk.

The Cost of STAT Bloodwork

2006-11-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of discussing bloodwork prices with a former client who is thinking about coming back to our clinic. Seems the last time she was in with an emergency two years ago, we ran a battery of tests and made a diagnosis all within 20 minutes of her dog's arrival. Subsequently, though, we needed to run a confirmatory test as well as additional tests to find out the why behind the diagnosis (which helps us target our treatment better).

Due to the nature of her dog's condition, the dog needed to be transferred to a referral facility for 24-hour care. That larger, better-equipped hospital was able to do a few more diagnostics there, in-house, that we were not able to do.

The client then lodged a complaint that we should have been able to get all of the results instantly, because the referral hospital could.

I find this ironic. Today our conversation covered the costs of blood tests for her geriatric cats. Seems they're all getting on in years, and it's time to have some baseline bloodwork drawn. But gee, doc, the last time I was in, the cost of those tests was just outrageous! Why do they cost so much? Why can't I get them cheaper? She wants results now but doesn't want to pay for the convenience.

Convenience stores are cheaper than the grocery store for a reason.

Time for the clue gun:

CBC Machine: $18,000 (This thing guzzles gallons of various fluids to the tune of $100-200/gallon, and each gallon lasts less than a month)
Chemistry Machine: $12,000
Centrifuge: $350
Microhematocrit Centrifuge: $900 (All this thing does is spin blood).
Refractometer: $350
Reagents for the CBC and Chemistry machine: $8000 approx. per year
Binocular Microscope: $1500
Miscellaneous Lab Supplies: $4000 approx. per year

Getting blood results instantly so that we may institute proper treatment immediately? Priceless.

Yes, we could send out all of our blood, urine, and feces. But then you'd have to wait 24-48 hours or more for results.

And if your dog's life is hanging in the balance, which would you prefer: Instant results? Or cheaper results? You decide.

I Need a Refill!

2006-11-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever called your vet wanting a refill of that last medication you got because whatever it was came back and the medication worked? But your pet hasn't been seen since 2001? Has your vet incurred your wrath by saying no?

Join the club. But don't be mad at your vet. Blame the Feds.

Federal law prohibits dispensing of medication without a valid client/patient/veterinarian relationship. Period.

It means we can't give you medication for a pet we haven't seen recently. That means physically examining the pet in the hospital. For a younger, healthy pet, that is usually within 12 months. For an older pet with issues, it could be as recent as six months. Sooner if the pet has a complicated illness.

So asking for a refill on phenobarbital for a 16-year-old dog that I haven't seen in over three years is likely to get you a big, fat NO. Sorry, dude. My license is on the line.

The Naked Truth about Spay/Neuter Surgery

2006-11-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

A spay is a spay and a neuter is a neuter, right? So why does one vet charge $70 for a cat and another $300? Isn't the expensive guy a rip off?

If you're talking about the fact that the ovaries and uterus are removed in a female and both testicles in a male, then yes, they're the same. But that's where the similarity ends.

Chances are, the more expensive place is doing far more to insure your pet's comfort and safety than the cheaper place. Let me explain.

When I graduated 18 years ago, the standard for a cat spay was injectable anesthesia alone, with a single injection of butorphanol (torb). Dogs were given IV meds and put on gas. With some torb. And, some places today still adhere to these protocols, because, after all, we've done them this way for years, they're safe, and they work.

BUT: We've since learned that torb's duration of pain control is from 30-90 minutes tops. With the advent of doggy blood pressure machines, we now know our gas anesthetics cause lowered blood pressure during surgery. And we've learned a lot more about pain management, thanks to advances in human medicine.

So what does that mean for your pet? Many clinics now address these issues. At our practice, all pets undergoing surgery must have a physical exam and be up to date on core vaccines. Cats and dogs are given medications for pain and are sedated prior to anesthesia. An intravenous catheter is placed, and all pets receive intravenous fluids, not only to maintain blood pressure, but to administer a constant rate infusion of pain medications during surgery and throughout the recovery period. Pain medications administered block the pain pathways from a many angles to insure your pet is pain free. Our surgery table is heated, as are our recovery cages. During surgery, your pet is monitored by a licensed technician (similar in education to an RN).

Surgery is performed in a dedicated operating room where no other procedures are done. Each pet gets a sterile instrument pack. The doctor is wearing a surgeon's cap, mask, and sterile gown. A sterile, waterproof drape is used. A new package of suture is used for each pet.

All pets undergoing anesthesia are intubated, on oxygen, and inhalant anesthesia. This provides control of the airway in case of emergency. The IV catheter, in addition to allowing fluids, also provides venous access in case of emergency.

After surgery, your pet is monitored until the tube is pulled. They are kept on the infusion of pain medication until shortly before discharge. Your pet will also go home with several days worth of medication, usually all included in the fee.

Pretty much like what happens in a human hospital, right?

Contrast that to several other places I've worked over the years: no cap, mask, or gown. No IV catheter. No fluids. No designated surgery room. Many also had an x-ray machine in there, or were also used for treatments (think abscesses and dental cleanings -- both very dirty procedures!). No heating pad. Cats not intubated. Torb only for pain control. Monitoring only by the doctor performing the surgery. And the biggie: spaying or neutering more than one pet per pack! YUCK!

So, the next time your pet is facing one of these surgeries, ask yourself: if it were me, which would I choose? Also, this will give you some things to ask of your vet when you make the appointment. Not all vets cut corners. But you deserve to know exactly what you're getting before Fluffy gets to the table.

And remember the old adage: You get what you pay for.

Can you bill me?

2006-11-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Vets hear this every day: Can I pay you next week when I get paid/my inheritance will arrive/my settlement comes in/when I can cash a savings bond?

The answer is, unfortunately, no.

But I promise to pay/always pay my bills/I'm one of your best customers (let the record show that usually the person has been in once or twice in the last 5 years for 'just the rabies shot').

If a vet had a nickel for every time he heard this, he could retire and live in the lap of luxury in the South Pacific.

Blame the hundreds of people before you that have used that line and failed to follow through. Every vet has wanted to be the good guy and has gotten burned in the process. Yes, you may be the exception. But the vet can pull out the drawerful of empty promises that precedes yours.

Think about it. What if you went to your job, put in a full day's work, and at the end of the day, your boss said, hey, can I pay you next week? Would you say yes? Would you keep working week after week if your paychecks didn't materialize? I didn't think so.

Promises to pay don't put food on the table for my family. I work a long day and deserve my paycheck as much as you do. Every penny I don't collect comes directly out of my pocket. Think about it.

I Deserve a Discount!

2006-11-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

All the time I hear comments whining about the cost of these spay/neuter surgeries. "But we can't afford it!" "I'm a good pet owner. I deserve a discount!" "But if the vets didn't charge so much more people could get it done." "If vets would do spays and neuters for free, we wouldn't have so many homeless pets!"

Lots of issues here.

First, no matter where you have your pet's surgery done, the vet is losing money. The true cost of the time, materials, instruments, staffing, anesthesia, monitors, etc. is staggering. Most vets use the surgery as a loss leader, and donate the difference as 'community service.'

A discount? According to Veterinary Economics, a well-managed practice will net 25% after expenses. Note the words well-managed. Since most vets are trained as DOCTORS and not BUSINESSMEN, your average veterinary hospital is not so well-managed, and therefore nets even less. In most single doctor practices, the vet's salary comes out of what is left over. Around here a lot of these rescue groups want at LEAST a 25%, if not 50% discount. So not only is the vet now working for free, he's actually paying out of his own pocket to cover these discounts. So, good pet owner, no discount for you. You took on the responsibility of pet ownership, you pay the price. As for rescue groups, many vets do give discounts. But keep in mind that they do it for community service, not because their regular prices are expensive.

Lastly, the pet overpopulation problem is a community issue, not the veterinarian's fault. Heck, even human beings have problems getting their medical needs met if they have no insurance. So if people fall through the cracks, so do animals. Yes, there are a lot of services for indigent people for medical and dental care DONATED by these professionals. And many veterinarians donate their time and expertise to rescue groups and humane organizations.

But it seems more and more lately that people want all vets to work on the cheap, on owned pets as well as strays. Pet ownership is a priviledge, not a right. Your vet deserves to make a living. Stop demanding freebies.

Here's your clue...

2006-11-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

You bring your dog in for his annual visit including a heartworm test. We ask if you need to purchase more heartworm pills, as they must be given monthly. You assert that you give them regularly, but you'll pass on a refill, as you still have plenty left. Computer records show the last time you purchased heartworm medication was in 1999. If you can clone those pills that are reproducing in your kitchen cabinet, let us know. I'd like some, too.

You bring your cat in because she's off today. I look at the cat. The poor thing is emaciated, dehydrated, shriveled like a prune. She's covered in fleas, her eyes and nose are crusted over. The only way I can tell the cat is still alive (if you can even call it life) is that the cat makes a gasping sound every so often. I ask a few questions to determine how the poor kitty got into this state, and you reply emphatically, "But she was perfectly fine, yesterday!" Fine?! I think not. Maybe she was sort of sitting sternally yesterday. But she was NOT FINE. Or maybe yesterday was actually 3 weeks ago, and you can't admit you haven't laid eyes on your own cat in nearly a month. And I'm sorry, but I can't fix this for fifty bucks and a shot of antibiotics. And when you choose to put the little kitty out of her misery, you sob and claim how well you treated her, how you did everything you could for her. Can I buy a cup of that delusion, please?

But...do you want THIS dog?

2006-11-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

So many times we get clients who listen to our examination findings and treatment options only to say, "Well, it's just a dog." Or, "It's not really my dog. It's my son's dog." (That the son is only 4 fails to register). Better yet, "It's just a stray." Me: "How long have you had him?" Them: "Oh, about 7 years."

I hate to be the bearer of bad news: It's YOUR DOG. Not the kid's, not a stray.

To some, the dog is disposable. In the same sentence that they ask to put the dog to sleep for a treatable problem (broken leg, swallowed toy, bladder stones), they ask if we know a breeder so they can go purchase a NEW dog.

Easier to buy a new one than care for the one you've already got? Apparently the family dog isn't always a member of the family.

Over the years I've learned that I can't care about the dog more than the owner does. It hurts too much, and I can't save them all. And no, I won't take your dog and treat it for free.

Take responsibility for the life that YOU have taken into YOUR home. It's not the vet's responsibility to take the pet off of your hands.

Who needs training?

2006-11-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

Listen up, dog lovers.

Dogs are like children. They are born with an inherent temperament. They are individuals. The new dog you just got is NOT likely to be exactly the same as the dog you had previously. Like children, dogs are inquisitive. They like to hang with the pack (ie you and your family). They want to do good, but need some help. Like kids.

Dogs need training. Attention. Exercise. Love. Did I mention training?

Lately we've seen a run of unruly dogs. Listen up, folks. These are not bad dogs. They are young adults. Most have not yet been neutered. Some have. These guys have no manners. They don't know how to behave. They are fearful. They are looking to you, the pack leader, for guidance. A feeble "Sit!" from you is not going to cut it.

So when we recommend a dog trainer, obedience classes, or a behaviorist, it is not an attack on you, personally. But here's your clue = your dog is on track to becoming the black sheep of the family. And it's NOT THE DOG'S FAULT.

Train your dog. You don't need to want to show or compete. But you do need to learn how to speak dog. And your dog will thank you for it.

Tips for Vet Visits

2006-11-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

Make an appointment and be on time. In case of emergency, please call ahead so we can plan for when you come in.

Have your dog on a leash and your cat in a carrier. We never know how many pets will be waiting. Keep your pets under your control, and safe.

In the exam room, answer the doctor's questions truthfully. Don't tell us Fluffy never goes outside, only to mention she's always coming in with ticks and burrs in the next breath. Either she goes out or she doesn't. And don't say she never leaves the deck, especially when it's obvious she's been hit by a car. Unless your deck has been ripped from the back of your house, I'm not going to believe that she never leaves the deck. So, 'fess up. I'm not the cat police.

If we ask if Fido eats people food, don't say no only to later mention how you adorn his dog food with leftovers and gravy. Leftovers and gravy is people food. Fido is a dog. If Fido is sick, we especially need to know this. Now is not the time to pretend you're Mr. Perfect Dog Owner. And when Fido pukes up the sausages and biscuits, I'll know you're lying anyway.

If Fido runs loose in the neighborhood, in violation of the leash law, we need to know this too. If Fido is sick, we need to know if it's possible he raided the neighbor's trash, ate the dead deer entrails in the woods, or could have lapped up some antifreeze.

If you are new to our clinic, bring your previous records. This requires a bit of advanced planning, but is essential. In this day and age of HIPPA laws and confidentiality, many places won't give US the records without YOUR authorization. So get them before you come.

If you have any money concerns, let us know. We will happily give you an estimate (at our clinic we give them ALWAYS). We won't work for free, but we can pick and choose what tests to run first. If your pet is very sick, there may be no way we can shave the bill.

If you decline tests and elect minimal treatment (often against our advice), don't call us every hour to demand to know what is wrong with your pet and when he/she will get better. If you don't authorize tests, we don't know the answers. They don't hand out crystal balls upon graduation from vet school, nor do they give them to us when we get our licenses. I doubt you'd want me to pull out my kid's magic 8 ball, but that's in effect what you are asking.

If you tie my hands behind my back, I really can't help you. Pet's can't talk, so unless their problem is very obvious, we usually need to do a few tests to find out what's really going on.

If you don't like what I have to say, you are welcome to try the specialty practice up the street. Heck, we consult with them regularly on complex cases and refer them when pets need 24-hour care.

Trust me when I say that we vets WANT TO HELP YOU and YOUR PET. Make our jobs a little bit easier by being helpful, cooperative, and informative.

And don't forget the checkbook. The landlord won't waive the rent because we love animals.

Introduction

2006-11-04T10:11:00.000-08:00

Your chance to pick the brains of a veterinarian. Why we do what we do, what we love about practice, and what we wish our clients would know.

I'll also tell you how you can drive us nuts, tick us off, and basically what will make our splendid day turn miserable in a hurry.

Yes, we love animals. Yes, we wish we could save them all. But, veterinary medicine is a business, and businesses as such need to make money to pay a decent wage to those who work there, and to put food on the vet's table.

Yes, some vets make over $100K. I am not one of them.

Read on, dear pet lovers. If you dare.