#1
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Do vets know what they are doing?
I recently had to experience one of the most traumatic occurrances that will happen to all pets, the death of a loved one. What i'd like to get information and advice on is how its affected me negatively towards animal hospitals and veterinarians even. One day about three weeks ago, I received a call from my sister. One of my beagles, a seven year old lemon and white with hazel eyes had all of a suddenly became paralyzed. Here's a little background: My dogs are taken to the vet about twice a year, are fed only dry and healthy dog food once a day (with numerous treat dispensed in the interim), are walked twice a day and get a trip to the park (weather permitting) on the weekends. We have a 2 level house with a decent sized back yard. These two beagles lived there until a few weeks ago when my sister moved out to a suburban area with a bigger back yard and could not bare to be parted from him. Basically, the vet could find no indications within his physical health or even in the blood tests. He was not obese, rather in fact was extremely healthy dog. The vet could find no reason so he was sent to the hospital. The next day he was released even though he could not even move an eyebrow (We had to get him diapers and a wagon). The hospital vet said that we could continue feeding him solids and liquids normally, whenever he could pry his mouth open that is. I was not there to ask the questions, I was there to see him for only twenty minutes; while trying to feed him, he choked (or did his lungs collapse?) and we rushed him to the hospital again. End result--I saw his tongue turn blue, his eyes glaze, and felt his last heart beat. I am bitter over this, I have questions about the veterinarian education of pets when they permit a hapless owner to take a paralyzed animal home....without even knowing what the reasons are (although they suspected that he had come into contact with racoon saliva, which supposedly only paralyzes the vocal chords). I now currently have feelings of intense regret and remorse. Was it my fault, should i not have been feeding him? If i had, I should have known how to do the heimlich and cpr.... I knew none of these things) If a dog becomes paralyzed in mid-leap, with no prior medical illness history, perhaps the hospital should've been more cautious in letting him go. What is the use of taking my remaining dog to the vet? Now I have to contend with my own neurosis and nightmares and a ghost that frolics near me everyday.
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#2
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What a powerful sad story
As for vets,like your own doctor,you have to sometimes make your own judgement,it's often a guessing game. I found it strange though,that the vet would let the dog go home,unless he knew the poor dog was going to die and then he should have told your sister so you could prepare,if you ever can I know it's easier said than done,but don't feel guilty,you did nothing wrong,we all have feelings of guilt when having to put a loved animal down. The vet never really gave you an answer as to why....and if you do not feel ok about this vet,look for someone you are comfortable with.
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"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#3
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This is a troubling and sad experience.
If there is questionable concerns about the vets care of the beautiful dog, then you can always register a complaint with the regulatory authority that licences vets where you live. It may help your family to post a tribute to this darling in the pet cemetery of this site. You can post a picture and pay tribute, find the link from the home page.
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Cats only have nine lives because they stole them from dogs!Teehee |
#4
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So very sorry about the poor little doggie.
It's difficult to say what happened to him. Some poisons might cause this kind of death, and a vet would have a very hard time knowing this if they don't know what to look for. NOT saying this happened to this dog. But vets are like people in any profession - some excellent, some competent, and some not so competent. Being is a vet is harder than being a human doctor, because the patient can't tell them where or when it hurts, or what they may have eaten. Please don't blame yourself for what happened to this dog. Possibly nothing could have saved him. |
#5
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I feel for you. Sorry about your beloved pet. I have to agree. I've been to a few vets since we got our puppy about a month ago. I was not at all impressed with the medical knowledge that they had. I was even less impressed with their communication skills. I do understand that a vet's job is difficult because animals can't talk, there are so many different breeds, species, etc. But it just scares me to think that if my puppy is sick, the vets may or may not be competent to deal with it. Right now, I'm very frustrated with the situation. I've even called the regulating body to voice my concerns about the competence of vets and all that person had to say was "I understand, I hear yeah, but there's nothing we can do." I'd really like to meet a good vet who can renew my confidence in the profession. I'm sure there are great vets out there, but where are they?
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#6
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Some vets just like our doctors have terrible bedside manners. And some people a book smart and not very smart in the common sense department at all. Personally I'd take a common sense smart person over a book smart person any day. Oops rambling now, sorry!
Was your vet a male? Not to sound sexist but I find female vets more consoleing and comforting than males. I think thats just our nature. Can you find a female vet close enough to you or at least a different one? Btw So sorry about your baby! |
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