Quote: mike armstrong

I totally agree. Everybody has gone into CYA mode just to survive. But don't worry, a national health care system will take care of that. You'll die of your ailment before you ever get to see the doctor.

Actually, I've been told that veterinary law is the new "hot" subject in law schools so what we've seen happen in the human side of medicine may soon be happening to veterinary medicine as well.

Wouldn't be such a terrible thing if it only weeded out the bad eggs...but it will affect the good guys as well.

I recently went to a new vet. I had a young JRT that needed his vaccinations. Since I had a GSD react badly with a Lepto vaccine (this was after I had told him that the breeder recommended that we wait till he was a year old),I asked that they give vaccines recommended by the Texas A&M University only. When I called for the apt. they said they had no problem with my request.Before seeing the vet I gave them a copy of the Texas A&M vaccination reccomendations and schedule. The lepto and corona were Not recommended and the rabies shot were to be given at 4 months. Well once inside the exam room the vet asst. asked to take my 12 wk old pup to the back for a fecal. Then he brought him back and the vet came in asking about what kind of food I fed. He was very sarcastic and rude because the pup was eating a holistic brand(do you see REAL VEGIES?)Then said the best food was Iams,Science Diet,and Purina. His manners kept me off balance. He then held up two syrenges and said it was for distemper and parvo(again kinda sarcastic and rude).Then before he left he mumbled something about giving him his rabies. Well like a good citizen I paid my bill out front and thank them. Then I went home and looked at my reciept and found out they gave my pup everything--Lepto and Corona included and charged me as well.

I have not taken my pup back. This board has done alot to educate me.Now all my dogs eat raw and rabies will be the only vaccine I give from my new hollistic vet.

Patty, I would like to suggest that telling them CLEARLY why you have not been back is very important, too.

But not as important as a full written report to the vet med board in your state.

If I knew where you were, I'd have found the board info for you.

It doesn't matter what that moron's opinion is of your directions. You own the dog. He does not. He had zero right to do that to your dog against your explicit instruction.

Another business/service provider who apparently (a key word) doesn't care squat about what the customer/patient wants.

As they say, money talks. So in addition to reporting this to the vet board, I'd definitely take steps to get a refund for that portion of your bill. If you were lucky enough to have paid by credit card, submit a written dispute of the bill to your card company or bank. And I wouldn't bother to talk to the vet until you've put your refund demand in a very terse letter in which you also mention you're making a report to the vet board. Include your vet correspondence with your board report.

Long ago, I gave up the attitude that I'll just take my business elsewhere 'cuz I learned you run out of places to go pretty quickly. My attitude is, If you expect me to remain a customer, you need to correct this problem to my satisfaction. If you're persistent enough, you can get it resolved. After you've settled it is the time to decide whether they actually care about patients and you want to continue going there. If they don't care, then you can go elsewhere.

About 10 yrs. ago, I had a huge problem with an auto repair shop. I stopped payment on my check, worked it out with the owner and he became the only shop I've been to since and the only one I refer people to. You probably won't get that friendly with this vet, but don't just walk away from him without satisfaction.

JMO

Mike

Actually my husband an I went back to the clinic but the office was closed for the next three days. Then we were out of town for a week. Timing is everything and I thought to much time had passed. I wanted to confront them while it was fresh on their minds.These things are hard to prove (he said she said).

Of course it's not about the money! What if my dog had a serious reaction to the shot? Just when you try to do the right thing for your dog and try to take firm action, your wishes are ignored. He was so arrogant,he obviously was not worried about reprocussions.Do we have to start going to vets with video cameras and tape recorders ha ha!

Luckily I found an holistic vet 45 minutes away.

I don't know how to file a complaint. I live in League City TX but the vet is in Dickinson,TX in Galveston County.I certainly don't mind filing a complaint.I know it's the right thing to do.

Thanks,
Patty

Here you go, Patty:

http://www.tbvme.state.tx.us/Complaints.htm

 Quote: Patty Hopmann

Of course it's not about the money!

Mike's right -- to the vet, it'll be about the money. Money (or taking it away) talks.

My jaw just dropped when I watched that video clip - and I hope Patty files a formal written complaint about the TX vet. I agree wholeheartedly that that just taking your business elsewhere doesn't communicate the problem to the vets that need to hear about it.

I haven't had an experience quite as bad as Patty's, but after some disagreements with (former) vets over the years I now have a personal policy that there is a formal written statement, signed by me, on my dogs' files at the vet office saying that this dog is not to be given any vaccinations under any circumstances without my permission in advance. I ask to read the labels of the vials syringes are filled from, and I always go though the bill before I leave the office and get clarification right there on anything that l didn't expect to see. I also never let my dogs be taken " out back" without me, ever.

My current vet doesn't have a hidden "out back" in his office. The examination rooms, X-ray and surgical facilities all open off a central area so you can see everything. I haven't see this arrangement elsewhere, and it's one of the reasons I like this guy.

Sarah,

Thanks for the info! I just made a copy of the complaint form and will follow through with it. I might even go by the clinic and express my grievances with them first.

I guess I come from a generation where we were taught to respect these people and trust that they know better because of their education. We have placed to much value on their license to practice medicine. It should not mean that they should not be questioned or even that they are right. We must take back our right to think for ourselves and fight to defend our freedom to choose what we think is right.Thanks for reminding me of my civic duty.

Always learning,
Patty

I had a negative experience with a vet although it involved handling, not vaccines (I had no idea and just left it all up to him, basiscly but NO MORE!)
I had brought Layd in for a bad hot spot and he said that they needed to shave it. OK with me, I asked if I could go with her, they said no and mumbled something about "health reasons" and took her out. I was a little stunned and didnt react soon enough but I heard her shreiking in the back room. I have no idea what went on back there but shes not a screamer. THat was the last time I EVER let anyone handle my dog. actually, I dont even let my family handle my dog, not other dog trainers; nobody.
I feel horrible about that every time I think about it becuase I knew that I had to be the one to protect her, no matter who it was, I was the one who was responsible..
just a bad experience over all.