Quote: anne jones

It is sad when vets push these vaccines just to line their pockets. I am very sure that their own animals don't get over vaccinated. I often wonder how they sleep at night knowing what they are doing to other people's pets.

I know some vets "outside of the office," and they DO vaccinate their animals according to their protocol. These particular vets really do believe in the protocol. What can I say? There are few things more dangerous than a zealot.

It's sad because they went into animal medicine to help animals but somewhere along the line they stopped believing their own eyes and experience. They act like if they learned it in vet school, then it's gospel...despite evidence to the contrary.

Here is what I dont understand about vets... why do we have to follow their protocol or "schedule" or "routine". Are these not our pets? Are we not inclined to have a say int he well being and treatment of OUR pets? Why cant we go to a vet and say.. I want this, not this, because i feel this, they should respect our wishes... and mybe they should be doing more research of their own on these things and be a little more open minded. I mean, when I go into a vet and say that I want to to this..we should be able to discuss all the pros and cons of it and make a decision from that, not just follow what they say. I mean, if I went to the doctor and they said I have to have a certain medication or procedure, but the reactions that I could have to it is too harmfull imo, than I make that decision if i want to take it, or look for another treatment option.

So sorry about your cat, Marie.

As for vets, you're right, we should be able to discuss the pros and cons wih them. And if we decide not to go through with something, that should be our decision.

Unfortunately, many vets just don't get it yet, and until they do we'll just have to be extra careful and try to spread the word.

 Quote: marie schobloch

Here is what I dont understand about vets... why do we have to follow their protocol or "schedule" or "routine". Are these not our pets? Are we not inclined to have a say int he well being and treatment of OUR pets? Why cant we go to a vet and say.. I want this, not this, because i feel this, they should respect our wishes... and mybe they should be doing more research of their own on these things and be a little more open minded. I mean, when I go into a vet and say that I want to to this..we should be able to discuss all the pros and cons of it and make a decision from that, not just follow what they say. I mean, if I went to the doctor and they said I have to have a certain medication or procedure, but the reactions that I could have to it is too harmfull imo, than I make that decision if i want to take it, or look for another treatment option.

You CAN and you SHOULD do all of these things. I'm confused...maybe I'm just lucky, but have you guys actually had vets REFUSE to do what you ask in terms of vaccinations or treatment? I know they can be insistant and pushy...but they have no right to insist on anything.

They cannot tell you your animal HAS to have anything, except what is required by law (and even then, they can't force you to have it done by holding your animal hostage or anything).

The vet is not the law, and if you don't agree...first open a discussion. If it's not to your satisfaction--then move on down the road.

Every single thing they advise is just that...advice.

PS-They can, however, refuse to do something that they think will cause the animal unneccesary harm. Kind of ironic in light of the overvaccination problem, isn't it?

I must have been really lucky. I've been dealing with vets since I was a teenager, and I've always discussed pros and cons of everything with them. Of course, I'm obnoxiously questioning by nature!

I will add that many people who visit vets do not question their vets. The vets are accustomed to not being questioned (unless it's about cost ). However, a good vet will enjoy the discussion, IMO, and explain WHY he/she believes in what they are advising.

Well, I had a vet (the one i started with last year) who I told that Only the Distemper Parvo for my dogs, not the combo. When i got home and looked at the papers, it was for the combo... My cat was to go in for an exam and got a clean bill of health, but I also found out they gave her the combo and a bunch of other stuff as well.... when i questioned the vet directly he said, well, we dont do that this is the protocol to follow to protect them from illness and diseases. I was pissed!! Now, i am very obnoxious as well about questioning, beacuse i have some medical experience behind me.. I like to know who, what , where, why , when and how.... I guess I just was unfortunate to end up with a dumb ass vet the first time around which sucks because he was referred to us by a few shelters.

I found a new vet who is great and willing to discuss anything and everything to do what is best for each pet. The new vet Never said, well you have to have this and that and the other thing... He said okay for this I would recommend this and that and here is why and info on it and we talk.

So, I guess there are some vets who are great, and there are a lot of $%#^&@%&*# vets too. Hopefully, with this info., people who just go into their vet and think what they say is great and goe along with it, will start to question them and do their research...