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Post by Bara on Mar 10, 2003 16:00:43 GMT -5
May I have some advice, please? Forry has always had back/neck/mouth problems - don't know what it is. His vet can never find anything wrong with him. Done saddles, physio etc. My friend suggested that I have HER vet have a look at him as he was coming out anyway. I'd truly value a second opinion. Well, medical ethics and all that, second vet is happy to look at him, but asked me to contact first vet to let them know. Well - first vet has said no! If I get second vet to look at him, then I have to move him permanently of first vet's books  Two things - I don't know the new vet, how do I know I want to move Forry? And first vet has Edgie's Navicular in care, so I wouldn't want to move him. Why can't they just be grown up about it? What would you do? New vet or old? All I care about is solving his problem! Thanks. |
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Post by Moo on Mar 10, 2003 16:12:49 GMT -5
I would get the second vet to look at him anyway, and just not tell the first vet. What's he gonna do, hunt him down? Seriously, the point here is the welfare of your horse, don't worry about hurting anyone's feeling by not telling the first vet. You can always have two vets, if the first one finds something wrong with him.
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Post by Vida on Mar 10, 2003 16:19:40 GMT -5
Sorry, but your vet sounds like a big baby. I'd swap just because of that! You may have a breakthrough with both horses (back & navicular) with the other vet. I'm not sure how it is in England but most professionals wouldn't bat an eyelid at a second opinion if they're secure and knowledgable in their work.
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Post by Smay on Mar 10, 2003 16:54:32 GMT -5
I agree with Vida, there must be some different kind of rules in England! First of all, that is kind of short sighted of the first vet...she's going to lose clients pretty fast if she OFFS them every time they get a second opinion! Many vets have a specialty that gives them additional insight in some cases....it wouldn't be fair to never be able to get a "specialist" on the case without losing the generalist....
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Post by Lynne on Mar 10, 2003 17:39:37 GMT -5
Gosh, Bara, that is so odd  I force my vets to network with anyone and everyone I can think of! I really value second opinions especially with bizarre cases or prolonged one. Do these two vets know each other somehow and it is a personal issue, or is that standard practice there? Either way it sounds ridiculous to me. Now, my opinion doesn't help solve your problem though....Maybe you could meet the "new" vet and or get references about her/him or maybe even do a phone interview. Heck, if they're gonna try to nail you to something it seems you SHOULD be able to do an interview. Wish I could help more but it sounds like a bit of a catch-22 and if you dump the first vet and hate the second one then you have to hunt for vet three and then are they gonna make you talk to the first two and...where does it end??? |
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Post by adcooper on Mar 10, 2003 17:49:08 GMT -5
I do agree. No reasonable vet or doctor would have a tantrum about a second opinion. But I hear you: what if you lose the old vet and decide the new one's a dingbat, too? Can you be present when the new vet comes to work with a friend's horse? You could observe and form an opinion, then decide if you're willing to let the old fellow stew and be done with him. It's very common here for people to hang around eavesdropping on other people's vet consults, especially if the listener is just there out of curiousity. If he/she is trying to get a free consult out of your vet bill, that's different. I think your old vet is acting like a jealous suitor. Well......IS he? ;D
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Post by chrisnstar on Mar 10, 2003 18:32:42 GMT -5
Excuse me, but your vet is off base here! There is nothing wrong with seeking extra medical help for your horse. I have a team of vets at several different clinics I use for different things. They all know each other. I have a primary vet clinic I use for most horsey things, but they know that another vet is geographically closer if I have an emergency and need someone there pronto... and the other guy also is the chiro and dental vet. He doesn't want to do regular horse work so he's glad I take them somewhere else for repro stuff and other things...
your vet sounds a bit controlling!
chris
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Post by Bara on Mar 11, 2003 6:44:41 GMT -5
It sounds like it's a bit different in the States. Vet 2 won't see Forry unless it is cleared with Vet 1 - or I choose to move him. It also sounds like there's animosity between the two practices. My first reaction was 'soddya' I'll move both horses, then. But on reflection, I need to do what's best for Edge and Forr. So, through gritted teeth, I think I'll let Vet 1 send out 'their top man' (their words!! Meaning presumably that the other two bods from there were not quite up to scratch ...  ?) If he just supports his lot and can't find anything - then I'll shift Forry to Vet 2 - and if Edgie's care declines, I'll move him, too. Sigh. Thanks for the advice. Vida - nice to have you back. |
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Post by ZenRider on Mar 11, 2003 8:07:15 GMT -5
Hmmm, is there a third Vet you could use instead. Too strange. Most Vets will allow for a second opinion, just as will most Doctors. Very odd. Could you just tell them to grow up and do what's best for your horse, not what's best for their ego? (and pocket book)
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I force my vets to network with anyone and everyone I can think of! I really value second opinions especially with bizarre cases or prolonged one. Do these two vets know each other somehow and it is a personal issue, or is that standard practice there? Either way it sounds ridiculous to me.
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