Dog Community

Emergency! Change Vets?

Jean

Posted : 10/24/2006 7:41:01 AM

My bosco has been sick since we got him...he was a shelter pup and before that, a stray...i took him to the vet 2ce since then (in two weeks) he has pnemonia and is on antibiotics for that...it is helping because in the past few days he has become much more energetic, playful and eats much better and enthusiastically. the problem is two fold...
1. the vet gave bosco 4 xrays in two visits, (2ce each because the first ones came out bad) i was charged for them all, and paid without question...but now i am questioning whether he just took advantage of an owner who just wants their baby to be healthy. because...
2. this is MUCH mor serious and worrisome - he gave bosco this cough medicine that i am pretty sure bosco is having a VERY bad reaction to. 15-30 minutes after he takes it (i have given him one days worth - 2 doses)he starts acting very strange and uncharacteristic of himself. he paces while whining, he scratches his jaw incessently... when we take him out, he runs out in the middle of the street, while whining and barking, and he hides in dark places, like under the bed, or in a crack next to the couch...the medicine only says "cough tabs"...i am so angry and frustrated...after last night dose, me and my boyfriend quickly decided we will NOT be giving him this medicine anymore, but i am so angry because the vet prescribed this to bosco w/out telling us what it was (i blame myself, i should have asked) and not telling me there could be adverse side effects...part of me just wants to storm in there and demand bosco's file and my money back (by the way, he wants to schedule another xray next week - is this normal??? for dogs with pnemonia to be xrayed once a week? i didnt question it because he is sick, but now i am questioning EVERYTHING. also, bosco's cough wasnt even that bad. it was very infrequent, maybe 2ce a day, and not loud or deep...i want to change vets, but am not sure how to handle this. i am really really mad at the vets, and feel cheated and betrayed...what if something had happened to my boy? any advice?
jean
btw does anyone know any good vets in the southwestern region of connecticut? haha

Firestorm

Posted : 10/24/2006 7:44:02 AM

Definately seek another vet. I personally would not have paid for the bad x rays. Find another vet and see what they say and explain the entire situation to them.

willowchow

Posted : 10/24/2006 7:57:42 AM

mmmm. . .I wouldn't necessarily change vets from this experience but I would ask a few more questions.

For example, the first set of "bad" x-rays were probably diagnostic enough that they could use them. I'm not sure why you went back the second time and how soon after the first set the second set were taken but they probably wanted to get better views and they might have even taken different views the second time around and to see if there was any worsening or if he was improving.

As for the medication, I would of called after the first dose and asked if this was normal, what is going on, is he having a reaction, should I stop the medication. Honestly, you can have a reaction to any medication. The vet really wouldn't have any way of knowing beforehand unless it was already known that he was allergic to an ingredient in the medication. I'd call. There have been a few times when Willow was taken off something due to upset stomach, etc. and maybe he will prescribe something else in it's place. Or, maybe he will stop the cough medication all together. Did you tell him he wasn't coughing much???

Also, yes, it would be completely understandable that they would want to get a follow up x-ray to make sure the illness was gone.

Now, don't get me wrong, they charge a lot for x-rays and if they own the x-ray machine itself the are making a killing in profit.

But, I'm not sure you would of had a much different experience anywhere else. Ask questions and call if there is an issue.

Also, I just had to say this why is your dog even able to run out in the street??? How is he with actually taking the medication? Is he struggling and hates taking it? That could be why he's acting the way he is too.

Eric Mies

Posted : 10/24/2006 8:08:30 AM

You didn't say what made the x-rays "bad" but I assume they were blurry and that is because the dog moved - I was in the emergency room last Monday and was in pain and kept moving so she had to redo a few of them (wonder if I/insurance will have to pay for those too). I guess my point is I see both sides - your frustration/displeasure over paying for them and the vets need to pay for the materials they used (otherwise the cost of every x-ray will increase). I know this doesn't; help but maybe it takes a little of the "sting" out of that.

As for the cough medicine - cant say that I blame you for wanting to take him off it for that behavior but I wonder if it is because it just tastes bad or something.

In either case, go to a different vet. Can't hurt to get a second opinion right? I would call your vet, tell him about Bosco's reaction to the cough medicine and since you said the pneumonia seems to be improving wait till you go next and if your uncomfortable asking for a copies of the vets notes just ask the person at the desk for copies of all the invoices for "your records" and bring those to another Vet.
I think the most important issue here is that just like you want to feel comfortable with your doc. You want to feel comfortable with Bosco's too...

outdoorschik

Posted : 10/24/2006 8:18:38 AM

I'm sorry ito hear about Bosco.... pneumonia in puppies is very serious. IMHO I would change vets immediately... we had a similar situation with our puppy Oliver when we got him and only by finding the right vet did we clear up the pneumonia and get him in balance again. I've had x-rays not turn out in a puppy and was only charged for the second set that ccame out.
Pick up one of those Vicks Vaporizer humidifier things (about 20 bucks from Rite Aid).. put Bosco in a very small room such as the bathroom with it using warm water... also have him in there while you shower for the hot steam... this is a lifesaver for pneumonia.
I'm really surprised by the cough tabs.... I hope they are not cough suppresants...a key thing when we were treating Oliver was not to give him anything to supress the cough, the vet was very serious about that, so that he could cough up the nasties in his lungs. We used a combo of the humidifier and natural throat/tummy soothers such as Slippery Elm and honey.
Has Bosco been checked for worms?
When you take him out, make sure he is on a leash... even though he's a tiiny pup, get him used to a leash and collar now... the street is a dangerous place and a dog will never learn not to run into it.
Good luck... keep us posted.

Jean

Posted : 10/24/2006 8:52:52 AM

thank you for all your advice. i feel disappointed that i have to defend myself right now, but i never would let my dog out of the house without a leash. i use a retractable leash, and live on an extremely quiet street. the reason it was so strange that he ran out on the street was because he has NEVER even looked at the street before, and i had to pull him away... the issue is not about the money, so much as the trust i have for this vet. if he prescribed a medication that could possibly harm my dog, without even telling me about that possibility, then how can i trust him, with medication, xrays... or how much he charges?? this post was meant raise questions about what to do when a new vet that you have gone to does not seem trustworthy, and all you want is the best for your dog. NOT to put myself out there for criticism on my intent and common sense as a puppy owner...it is unfortunate that at such a wonderful forum, i feel a little on the defense because of people who think they know better, when they in fact, do not know the whole of the situation at all. i hope that in the future, when i or anyone else might post a question, the question will be addressed in a manner that isn't as uppity and denegrating as some i recieved today.
for the rest of you, who did, in fact offer sincere and kindly advise, I thank you very much!
jean
ps when he takes his medicine, he is calm and though he struggles a little, even when he sees that i am holding the bottle in my hand, he comes and sits on my lap.

dogslyfe

Posted : 10/24/2006 9:07:50 AM

the issue is not about the money, so much as the trust i have for this vet. if he prescribed a medication that could possibly harm my dog, without even telling me about that possibility, then how can i trust him, with medication, xrays... or how much he charges??

In my years of having dogs, I have unfortunately learned that any medication given to any dog can cause a reaction on any given Sunday. Typical vaccinations, that all dogs get, can cause reactions. I am, however, sorry that your vet didn't point this out to you. I think sometimes it doesn't occur to them that often times animal owners may not know this. In addition to this, with a young pup you don't know beforehand what's going to cause a reaction, and what isn't. But, they give it when the benefits outweigh the risks.

As to the X-Rays, often vets will anesthetize your dogs to do X-Rays. I suspect, though, due to the age of your pup and the pneumonia they probably opted not to do so. Ever tried to hold down an awake puppy for five or more minutes *perfectly still* to do something? Like trying to herd earthworms. [

] Having to do X-Rays over in that situation doesn't seem unusual to me - but definately unfortunate, particularly for the pocketbook!!

I hear what you're saying, though! Sounds like your vet is not communicating with you in the way you need, at a time when you're very worried about your pup! I can understand why you would be concerned and stressed. If the alarm bells are going off in your head, then maybe you should seek other consult. At the very least, though, maybe a call to the office to voice your concerns may be needed! That would at least give you a chance to get it off your chest, and give them a chance to communicate better with you!

Good luck, and I'll be sending up some healing vibes for the pup, and some comforting ones for you guys!

outdoorschik

Posted : 10/24/2006 9:17:03 AM

Hi Bosco's mom... I hope my reply didn't upset up... I'm sorry you felt you had to defend yourself. Unfortunately not everyone that comes to there forums is as responsible as you or most of us are. Generally, I like to play it safe in giving advice and risk hurting some feelings just to make sure we're all on the same page. In my neighborhood, in Northern NH it is sad to see many many young puppies and dogs running free and if one of those people had posted, I'd want to let them know what I did... thankfully you are obviously not that irresponsible and it sounds like Bosco has a great caring home with a great mum to pamper him... he's a lucky pup!
Again, I'm very sorry if you felt attacked... I hope you take my advice on the vaporizer... it really truly helps, it's tough to get rid of pneumonia in such small pups... it took us several months.

willowchow

Posted : 10/24/2006 9:22:11 AM

I was going to post again but Laura pretty much posted what I would have.

As for the running into the street, the original post wasn't clear enough to let me know he was on leash. Willow has surprised me a few times on a retractable also. You've got to be really careful with them they can be dangerous sometimes.

Janet Bradley

Posted : 10/24/2006 11:58:46 AM

I think you should change vets. My dog was sick for the first 3 months I had her and it took changing vets twice to get to the one we have now. He is the third vet we saw in 3 months! He is also the only one who correctly diagnosed her and cured her of sarcoptic mange. I feel like he actually listens to me and patiently answers questions--i.e. has good bedside manner unlike some of the others! He also is reasonable about fees/charges and I never feel like I am getting ripped off. I say go with you gut--if you want to change vets, then do so. You want someone with whom you can feel comfortable.

grab01

Posted : 10/24/2006 12:06:12 PM

I would be concerned that the meds only say 'cough tabs' and not the name of the actual medication. If a dog has a reaction, it's helpful to know the actual name of the med so as to avoid it in the future.

Karen

Posted : 10/24/2006 12:23:20 PM

I personally would go to another vet and get a second opinion. Ask lots of questions about any medication they prescribe even when it comes to yearly shots, which I'm sure you will do from now on.

Myself and my hubby question everything, and since we have done alot more research in the last few months we will be quetioning even more next time it comes to his yearly check up.

I hope your boy fells better soon. Also do a search on the cough medicine that they gave you and see if you can find more info.

Tashmoo5454

Posted : 10/24/2006 12:35:37 PM

Hi Bosco's mom - are you anywhere Norwalk, CT? there is a large vet hospital there that i have heard many good things about, they have many specialists and may be able to help you.

Jean

Posted : 10/24/2006 3:51:38 PM

thanks all, when i wrote my posts this morning i was fuming cause i was scared something could have happened to bosco...he had a pretty rough night, the poor guy! i am still confused, but am waiting on my vet to call me back and let me know what he thinks...depending on what he says, i will decide whether to get another vet to take a look...
outdoorchik...thank you for the great advice about the vaporizor, i will try it for sure!

Ruth

Posted : 10/24/2006 5:00:05 PM

Even if the vet hasn't done anything that is really wrong, it sounds like you are not comfortable with the care your puppy is getting. I think that is reason enough to switch vets. It's like choosing a doctor for yourself or a family member -- you have a choice and you should to find someone that you (and your dog) are comfortable with and feel like you can trust.

It sounds like your current vet doesn't take very much time to explain things to you, and so you are not sure if he's doing a good job or not. Maybe he's great medically but his bedside manner is lacking. To me that is as good a reason as any to see what other options you have. That doesn't mean you need to storm in there and complain or make a fuss, but next time you need some care for your dog I think you should find someone you feel really good about.