$600 to prove my vet wrong - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Sandysbabies · 05-09-2008, 11:20 AM

So glad you went with your gut feeling. Is the Enapril you mentioned, the same Enapril they give humans? Just curious. I have never heard of such a thing since its for high blood pressure.

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

So glad you went with your gut feeling. Is the Enapril you mentioned, the same Enapril they give humans? Just curious. I have never heard of such a thing since its for high blood pressure.

I believe so, but probably way different dosages. It's for high blood pressure and congestive heart disease. The pimobendan, to my understanding, is a much more potent drug for heart disease. It's trade name is VetMedin. Not sure if that, or something similar, is made for humans, too.

txrosegirl · 05-09-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

What got my suspicions up in Bijou's case was the sudden onset of symptoms. Heart disease is in most cases progressive, not sudden. I gave my vet a good history for Bijou but he dismissed that and stayed firm with his opinion. If you have all the testing done for Bentley, I'm sure you'll get a definite diagnosis. At least from there, you can do what is best for him and be certain you're doing the right thing. I sure hope your vet was wrong, too. This whole episode has been an emotional roller coaster for us with all the worries and I'm sure it is for you, too. Good luck with everything and keep us posted on Bentley.

thanks so much for your post! and i am wishing you and bijou the best and am so glad you did not do what your first vet said and put him on any meds that would have ended up harming him in the end!

and in bentleys case it was an "all of the sudden" diagnosis because any time my vet checked him out at appts, she said his heart sounded great (no irregular heartbeat or anything)...we will most definitely take him to a cardiac specialist if the first round of standard tests do not come back normal (fingers crossed they ARE normal though!) ... the cardiac specialist here requires the regular tests be done by your regular vet before being accepted to their office

thanks so much for the good luck wishes!

Sandysbabies · 05-09-2008, 11:34 AM

Its amazing some of the same things we take they can take. I was just asking because I was on Enapril when I first got high blood pressure and heart problems. It made me cough almost constantly and I had to be changed over to something else. Hope your baby comes through with flying colors. Sounds like you are on the right track with everything. I guess the vets are getting as bad as some of the doctors. That almighty dollar is all they see.

katelin · 05-09-2008, 11:41 AM

Vets are just people. Some are better at what they do than others. A big thumbs up to OP for following through and studying the meds. We all have to be proactive on behalf of our little guys.

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katelin

Vets are just people. Some are better at what they do than others. A big thumbs up to OP for following through and studying the meds. We all have to be proactive on behalf of our little guys.

You're right, vets are just people. What worries me in this case is if he has made similar wrong diagnoses for others. That could be tragic. I find myself more and more doing all sorts of research for my little ones. You can't just take any one doctor's word for it anymore. It's up to us to take an active role. After all, we're the ones that cry if something happens to one of our babies.

Sandysbabies · 05-09-2008, 12:07 PM

Yes I agree they are just human. But, some care more than others. We have 3 vets where we go and I have a wonderful vet. One of the other vets saw Tina and had no idea what to do and acted like he cared less when she was diagnosed with Von wellingbrand's disease. Thank God we changed vets and she literally saved Tina's life. They thought she would bleed out before they could do anything for her. We believe very strong in prayer and alot of prayers even from our church went up for this little baby girl. Thank God today she is well and her blood count has stayed up for several yrs. now.

I Miss Shelby · 05-09-2008, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txrosegirl

..we will most definitely take him to a cardiac specialist if the first round of standard tests do not come back normal (fingers crossed they ARE normal though!) ... the cardiac specialist here requires the regular tests be done by your regular vet before being accepted to their office

What is wrong with Bentley? I'm curious, what standard tests do you have to do before the cardiologist will see you? (EKG, etc) My regular vet detected a murmur in my Scooter and sent in a referral to the cardiologist. No labs or other tests were done at that time. When we went to the cardiologist , he did a cardiac echo ( color flow ultrasound ) and detected the problem with that. We were then referred to a surgeon who did Scooter's first set of blood work and chest xray.

Woogie Man~I hope your little one gets better soon. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

daniellealberta · 05-10-2008, 10:26 AM

I have to add here that not all vets are bad - I love my vet. He is very busy but Spike went in this week for his annual check up and vaccinations, and he spent over half and hour with us giving Spike a good check up, discussing vaccination options with me and constantly asking me if I had any questions. The best part is he works in a clinic with several other vets, so if he's not available there are other vets we can see, and they are all good! I guess I'm just lucky...

teri88 · 05-10-2008, 04:28 PM

We always had big dogs and we used the same vet for 20 years. My sister, nieces, neighbors...everyone we knew went to this guy. Then we got our first yorkie, Bandit. All of a sudden this vet didn't have a clue. We switched after Bandit died to a new vet who specializes in small dogs. It made a big difference. Tucker has had a few health issues and this new vet has been wonderful. You might want to find someone who is used to the issues small dogs have.

txrosegirl · 05-10-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I Miss Shelby

What is wrong with Bentley? I'm curious, what standard tests do you have to do before the cardiologist will see you? (EKG, etc) My regular vet detected a murmur in my Scooter and sent in a referral to the cardiologist. No labs or other tests were done at that time. When we went to the cardiologist , he did a cardiac echo ( color flow ultrasound ) and detected the problem with that. We were then referred to a surgeon who did Scooter's first set of blood work and chest xray.

Woogie Man~I hope your little one gets better soon. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

we are not sure and hopefully nothing!

he had an issue when he had his neuter pre-op bloodwork done and his heart actually stopped (the vet was able to revive him) .. she has no idea what happened and frankly, neither do i....bentley is just a very excitable puppy (he could NOT sit still if his life depended on it...he loves life and every person in it and get sooooo excited about everything) ... he is such a sweet sweet puppy!

the tests the quoted me (the ones i have to have done before seeing the cadiac specialist) are:

superchem/CBC/urinalysis, blood cell differation, internal organ func. screen, electrocardiogram, radiology package (test, exposure, interpretation) ... the list goes on and on...

oooh and they are charging me $29 for someone to hold bentley during one of the tests...that is on my itemized quote

Woogie Man · 05-10-2008, 08:14 PM

I have to say I've never seen that ($29 for holding) on a bill before. On the bright side, if the tests show him to be healthy, you've bought peace of mind and that will make it money well spent. If there's a problem, and I hope there's not, you'll know exactly what is best to do for him. When is he scheduled for his tests? Please post an update when you get them done. Hope all goes well!! Good Luck, Bentley!!

wemple2 · 05-10-2008, 09:30 PM

This post has been an eye opener. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story with others who may benefit. Hope all the pups are and will remain happy and healthy.

katelin · 05-11-2008, 08:02 AM

Best wishes to Bentley.

Thanks for this thread Woogie.

Solitude · 05-12-2008, 03:32 PM

Im new here. My 5 year old Frankie has been seeing his vet for 5 years until he had a bad cough a month ago. They diagnosed him with an enlarged heart and said theres nothing much they can do about it but to keep him calm---which is impossible with a dog that barks at anything that moves. They kept giving him steroid shots that temporarily relieved him but seemed like my baby was just getting worse everyday. I thought I was losing Frankie until my husband decided to get a second opinion. We finally found a vet who did all the necessary tests including xray and said my baby's heart is in good condition. Enlarged hearts are normal in small dogs according to him. We noticed how concerned he was with Frankie unlike the other vet who seemed cold and was just raking in the $$$. Frankie had fluid in his lungs and after giving the right meds, he's recovered pretty well. If I had stuck with our old vet, dont know if Frankie would still be here with me.

Glad we followed our gut feel. Sending good vibes to Bentley!

05-09-2008, 11:41 AM	#20
katelin YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,778	Vets are just people. Some are better at what they do than others. A big thumbs up to OP for following through and studying the meds. We all have to be proactive on behalf of our little guys. __________________ *LaVail Yorkshire Terriers*

05-10-2008, 04:28 PM	#25
teri88 Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NJ Posts: 4,021	We always had big dogs and we used the same vet for 20 years. My sister, nieces, neighbors...everyone we knew went to this guy. Then we got our first yorkie, Bandit. All of a sudden this vet didn't have a clue. We switched after Bandit died to a new vet who specializes in small dogs. It made a big difference. Tucker has had a few health issues and this new vet has been wonderful. You might want to find someone who is used to the issues small dogs have. __________________ Teri Owned by and completely devoted to Tucker... Maddie, we will always love you *Bandit, you are always in my heart* Proud Member SSLS

05-10-2008, 09:30 PM	#28
wemple2 Wee Winston Wiggles Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kewanee, Illinois Posts: 9,666	This post has been an eye opener. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your story with others who may benefit. Hope all the pups are and will remain happy and healthy. __________________ As Ever, Kathy Intruducing Bentley Winston and Spencer: RIP My Sweet Angels

05-11-2008, 08:02 AM	#29
katelin YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,778	Best wishes to Bentley. Thanks for this thread Woogie. __________________ *LaVail Yorkshire Terriers*

05-09-2008, 11:20 AM	#16
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	So glad you went with your gut feeling. Is the Enapril you mentioned, the same Enapril they give humans? Just curious. I have never heard of such a thing since its for high blood pressure.

05-09-2008, 11:34 AM	#19
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	Its amazing some of the same things we take they can take. I was just asking because I was on Enapril when I first got high blood pressure and heart problems. It made me cough almost constantly and I had to be changed over to something else. Hope your baby comes through with flying colors. Sounds like you are on the right track with everything. I guess the vets are getting as bad as some of the doctors. That almighty dollar is all they see.

05-09-2008, 12:07 PM	#22
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	Yes I agree they are just human. But, some care more than others. We have 3 vets where we go and I have a wonderful vet. One of the other vets saw Tina and had no idea what to do and acted like he cared less when she was diagnosed with Von wellingbrand's disease. Thank God we changed vets and she literally saved Tina's life. They thought she would bleed out before they could do anything for her. We believe very strong in prayer and alot of prayers even from our church went up for this little baby girl. Thank God today she is well and her blood count has stayed up for several yrs. now.

05-10-2008, 10:26 AM	#24
daniellealberta Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 186	I have to add here that not all vets are bad - I love my vet. He is very busy but Spike went in this week for his annual check up and vaccinations, and he spent over half and hour with us giving Spike a good check up, discussing vaccination options with me and constantly asking me if I had any questions. The best part is he works in a clinic with several other vets, so if he's not available there are other vets we can see, and they are all good! I guess I'm just lucky...

05-10-2008, 08:14 PM	#27
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	I have to say I've never seen that ($29 for holding) on a bill before. On the bright side, if the tests show him to be healthy, you've bought peace of mind and that will make it money well spent. If there's a problem, and I hope there's not, you'll know exactly what is best to do for him. When is he scheduled for his tests? Please post an update when you get them done. Hope all goes well!! Good Luck, Bentley!!

05-12-2008, 03:32 PM	#30
Solitude YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 4	Im new here. My 5 year old Frankie has been seeing his vet for 5 years until he had a bad cough a month ago. They diagnosed him with an enlarged heart and said theres nothing much they can do about it but to keep him calm---which is impossible with a dog that barks at anything that moves. They kept giving him steroid shots that temporarily relieved him but seemed like my baby was just getting worse everyday. I thought I was losing Frankie until my husband decided to get a second opinion. We finally found a vet who did all the necessary tests including xray and said my baby's heart is in good condition. Enlarged hearts are normal in small dogs according to him. We noticed how concerned he was with Frankie unlike the other vet who seemed cold and was just raking in the $$$. Frankie had fluid in his lungs and after giving the right meds, he's recovered pretty well. If I had stuck with our old vet, dont know if Frankie would still be here with me. Glad we followed our gut feel. Sending good vibes to Bentley!