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

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 08:19 AM

About 2 1/2 weeks ago we took Bijou to the vet because of a terrible bout of reverse sneezing. He diagnosed her as having heart arrhythmia and put her on enalapril. I questioned him about the diagnosis but he was very sure. This past Monday I took her back for a follow up (she really wasn't doing much better). He then put her on pimobendan and wanted to see her again at the end of the month. This drug is something they have to stay on for life and has many negative side effects. Not feeling comfortable with this, I made an appointment for yesterday at a highly recommended clinic in Louisiana. They did an echocardiogram, ECG, ultrasound and a radiograph. Diagnosis? A secondary bacterial infection (respritory) related to either an allergy or irritant. Treatment: antibiotics. So my primary vet had taken her down a wrong (and dangerous) course of treatment for 2 weeks. Bijou could have suffered heart damage had we continued with the 1st vet's course of treatment and not gotten a second opinion. Why is it so hard to find a truly qualified vet these days?

mypreciouspups · 05-09-2008, 08:22 AM

omg it is always so good to follow your gut instincts.. I am so glad you did.. you probably saved your babies life.. hugs to you.. and of course you darling...anne

YorkieAunt · 05-09-2008, 08:22 AM

I don't know about in the States but up here it seems alot of the Vets are more interested in how much they can make rather than the best interest of the animal. It's sad

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 08:30 AM

Right now I'm more relieved than angry. It does seem like many vets specialize in giving shots and selling preventatives. The vet I've been using has 30+ years experience and, up until now, I had good confidence in him. Now I don't know what to think. Does it now require a specialist for anything other than the most common veterinary services?

Bizzymammabee · 05-09-2008, 08:31 AM

Thank god you sought out an second opinion. I would have a field day at my vets office if that were to happen. Honestly it's the all mighty buck. They want to make it and keep you coming back and forth.

So sorry it happened to you. Thank god you questioned his diagnosis.

Bizzymammabee · 05-09-2008, 08:43 AM

Honestly I would bring him that diagnosis and get a refund of the cost of those meds etc. If he come cocky and nasty I would report him to the vet association. Horrible how many stupid dr's are out there.

magicgenie · 05-09-2008, 08:44 AM

I wish I could say I'm surprised about this...

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 08:45 AM

I should mention that the clinic I took Bijou to is The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville. They had a lengthy consult with me before they examined her and after they had completed the tests they ran. I am really impressed with their thoroughness and professionalism. There are several doctors at the clinic and they have all the diagnostic equipment needed. If anyone in that area has a need for a vet with internal medicine expertise, I would highly recommend them.

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

Honestly I would bring him that diagnosis and get a refund of the cost of those meds etc. If he come cocky and nasty I would report him to the vet association. Horrible how many stupid dr's are out there.

The doctor yesterday faxed my vet a copy of everything and also gave me a copy so he already knows he made a mistake. I think it would be proper for him to call me about this but have not yet heard from him. Like I said earlier, I'm more relieved now than angry but it sure will make for an awkward conversation, don't you think?

jencar98 · 05-09-2008, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magicgenie

I wish I could say I'm surprised about this...

Same here.

I'm so glad you thought twice before giving the heart meds and got your second opinion.

I've also had a very bad experience with misdiagnoses and feel it was all because of the $$ to be made off of testing, special vet supplied diets, and meds. And, not only was there the misdiagnoses, when the vet took blood for testing he created an abscess that almost cost Ruby her life!

txrosegirl · 05-09-2008, 10:33 AM

so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do!

Bizzymammabee · 05-09-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

The doctor yesterday faxed my vet a copy of everything and also gave me a copy so he already knows he made a mistake. I think it would be proper for him to call me about this but have not yet heard from him. Like I said earlier, I'm more relieved now than angry but it sure will make for an awkward conversation, don't you think?

He probably wont' admit it...to admit it would be opening himself up to a liability suit.

TootiesMom · 05-09-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woogie Man

I should mention that the clinic I took Bijou to is The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville. They had a lengthy consult with me before they examined her and after they had completed the tests they ran. I am really impressed with their thoroughness and professionalism. There are several doctors at the clinic and they have all the diagnostic equipment needed. If anyone in that area has a need for a vet with internal medicine expertise, I would highly recommend them.

I have heard great things about this clinic... I have the utmost confidence that my specific vet is in it for his love of the animal but I assure you this is the clinic I would go to for any specialist and it is a bit farther from me than LSU Vet School...... my vet has spoken highly of them.
So glad they helped you out!
d

bchgirl · 05-09-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txrosegirl

so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do!

My advice for a cardiac problem would be to see a cardiologist.

Consider your regular vet...a general practice physican..if you personally receive that kind of information from your personal doctor...your next visit would be someone who specializes in that area.

Long story short - Reese gets sick, er vet runs tests, tells me by looking at x rays..they think his heart is enlarged...then find out he had coccidea, treated him...he acts fine, but since I was worried over that heart biz...I made the appointment with the cardiologist to ease my mind. That visit and ultrasound..cost me $225 but was the best money I'd ever spent.

Woogie Man · 05-09-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txrosegirl

so glad you went with your gut instinct too!

we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base...

and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do!

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.

05-09-2008, 08:19 AM	#1
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	$600 to prove my vet wrong About 2 1/2 weeks ago we took Bijou to the vet because of a terrible bout of reverse sneezing. He diagnosed her as having heart arrhythmia and put her on enalapril. I questioned him about the diagnosis but he was very sure. This past Monday I took her back for a follow up (she really wasn't doing much better). He then put her on pimobendan and wanted to see her again at the end of the month. This drug is something they have to stay on for life and has many negative side effects. Not feeling comfortable with this, I made an appointment for yesterday at a highly recommended clinic in Louisiana. They did an echocardiogram, ECG, ultrasound and a radiograph. Diagnosis? A secondary bacterial infection (respritory) related to either an allergy or irritant. Treatment: antibiotics. So my primary vet had taken her down a wrong (and dangerous) course of treatment for 2 weeks. Bijou could have suffered heart damage had we continued with the 1st vet's course of treatment and not gotten a second opinion. Why is it so hard to find a truly qualified vet these days?

05-09-2008, 08:22 AM	#3
YorkieAunt Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Cold Lake, Alberta Canada Posts: 622	I don't know about in the States but up here it seems alot of the Vets are more interested in how much they can make rather than the best interest of the animal. It's sad __________________ Diana-Mommy to Tessa ,Harley ,Misty & Boca Post unto others as you would have others post unto you

05-09-2008, 08:31 AM	#5
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	Thank god you sought out an second opinion. I would have a field day at my vets office if that were to happen. Honestly it's the all mighty buck. They want to make it and keep you coming back and forth. So sorry it happened to you. Thank god you questioned his diagnosis. __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

05-09-2008, 08:43 AM	#6
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	Honestly I would bring him that diagnosis and get a refund of the cost of those meds etc. If he come cocky and nasty I would report him to the vet association. Horrible how many stupid dr's are out there. __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

05-09-2008, 10:33 AM	#11
txrosegirl owned by my monkeys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: far north dallas, texas Posts: 1,866	so glad you went with your gut instinct too! we are kind of going through the same thing with my bentley...i am looking into another vet and a second opinion...my current vet thinks he has a serious cardiac problem but the more research i am doing, i think (and hope!) they are way off base... and the tests are going to cost me almost $500 ... just to prove them wrong - just like you had to do! __________________ lyn ~ miss buffey, sir bentley and baby bree ~ RIP sweet gino - mommy will always love you please click to give FREE food - the animal rescue site

05-09-2008, 08:22 AM	#2
mypreciouspups Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida/Canada Posts: 5,514	omg it is always so good to follow your gut instincts.. I am so glad you did.. you probably saved your babies life.. hugs to you.. and of course you darling...anne

05-09-2008, 08:30 AM	#4
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	Right now I'm more relieved than angry. It does seem like many vets specialize in giving shots and selling preventatives. The vet I've been using has 30+ years experience and, up until now, I had good confidence in him. Now I don't know what to think. Does it now require a specialist for anything other than the most common veterinary services?

05-09-2008, 08:44 AM	#7
magicgenie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: England Posts: 819	I wish I could say I'm surprised about this...

05-09-2008, 08:45 AM	#8
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	I should mention that the clinic I took Bijou to is The Louisiana Veterinary Referral Center in Mandeville. They had a lengthy consult with me before they examined her and after they had completed the tests they ran. I am really impressed with their thoroughness and professionalism. There are several doctors at the clinic and they have all the diagnostic equipment needed. If anyone in that area has a need for a vet with internal medicine expertise, I would highly recommend them.