@Jacqui-S Thank you Jac that's brilliant. It's really good of you to look that up for me I do appreciate it. I've been looking into other vet practices which are reasonably local and I've got a good recommendation for one. It's not ideal a small local branch only a bit further away than my current one with a large branch about 30 mins away which I think is used for ops and probably emergencies. However at least I've found a possibility if needed.
The vets again !!!
- Thread starter Jennifer
- Start date
Latest instalment. 
I left a message for Hillary Sunday lunchtime. She rang me 1pm today. Now although I had expected a phone call yesterday the difference between Hillary and Mr boss vet is that Hillary was very apologetic for not having rung yesterday. Apparently it was very busy and late by the time she'd finished and as it was me knew if it was a major problem I'd have gone in. So she thinks Scout's inappropriate obsession with Scott's bottom is because of a possible anal gland infection either due to inflammation caused when they were emptied, he did spend a long time making sure one was completely empty, or they already had a slight infection which Mr boss missed. She informed me that the tiniest amount of blood coming out of the back end of a dog can just make some dogs go and I quote "whey hay" Technically this means my dog has probably had an infection for at least three weeks because Mr boss didn't bother to get back to me. Her response to that information " he is a very busy man". !!!! Looks like a letter to the practice manager may be in order. I've emailed a veterinary practice that was recommended to me about a month ago, but I'd forgotten about it, by a lady who lives on our walk. She has three rescue dogs one very reactive. This vets plays doggy calming music in the waiting room, doesn't smell of a vet, tries to make the experience as pleasant as possible for owner and pet, uses wholistic treatment as well as conventional. I would say it's about 20/30 minutes away. I was just wondering how far (in time) do you travel to your vets ? Is 30 mins too far? From the website it is just a one vet practice which may be helpful for S&S if they can get to know her. https://www.lesterpetcare.co.uk/index.html
I bet your now wondering about the urine test results ? Unfortunately his urine was still dilute. It should be a specific gravity of 125 to 130. Scott's was 110 when he had the kidney tests and 112 after a week of salt. We are trying the salt trick again !?!? Hillary would like to get his urine over 120. If she can his thirst is idiopathic. If not it could be diabetes insipidus or, the first time a vet has mentioned this but I'd already thought it, cushings. 
It's going to be very difficult to test Scott for either though so everything crossed for concentrated urine next Monday.
I left a message for Hillary Sunday lunchtime. She rang me 1pm today. Now although I had expected a phone call yesterday the difference between Hillary and Mr boss vet is that Hillary was very apologetic for not having rung yesterday. Apparently it was very busy and late by the time she'd finished and as it was me knew if it was a major problem I'd have gone in. So she thinks Scout's inappropriate obsession with Scott's bottom is because of a possible anal gland infection either due to inflammation caused when they were emptied, he did spend a long time making sure one was completely empty, or they already had a slight infection which Mr boss missed. She informed me that the tiniest amount of blood coming out of the back end of a dog can just make some dogs go and I quote "whey hay" Technically this means my dog has probably had an infection for at least three weeks because Mr boss didn't bother to get back to me. Her response to that information " he is a very busy man". !!!! Looks like a letter to the practice manager may be in order. I've emailed a veterinary practice that was recommended to me about a month ago, but I'd forgotten about it, by a lady who lives on our walk. She has three rescue dogs one very reactive. This vets plays doggy calming music in the waiting room, doesn't smell of a vet, tries to make the experience as pleasant as possible for owner and pet, uses wholistic treatment as well as conventional. I would say it's about 20/30 minutes away. I was just wondering how far (in time) do you travel to your vets ? Is 30 mins too far? From the website it is just a one vet practice which may be helpful for S&S if they can get to know her. https://www.lesterpetcare.co.uk/index.htmlI bet your now wondering about the urine test results ?
Unfortunately his urine was still dilute. It should be a specific gravity of 125 to 130. Scott's was 110 when he had the kidney tests and 112 after a week of salt. We are trying the salt trick again !?!? Hillary would like to get his urine over 120. If she can his thirst is idiopathic. If not it could be diabetes insipidus or, the first time a vet has mentioned this but I'd already thought it, cushings. It's going to be very difficult to test Scott for either though so everything crossed for concentrated urine next Monday.
I don't have a car I walk or get the bus. It takes About 40mins to walk and 30mins on the bus. I sometimes get a taxi that takes about 15 mins
- Location
- Isle of Man
I don't think 30 minutes is unreasonable. I would pop in and have a chat. They do sound good.
If they are good it's definately worth it. I recently changed vets and have been very happy with them. It's a longer journey but it worth it. They were brilliant with Moo when she was so very ill.
Moo liked going on the bus. When she got old and didn't for such big walks a bus ride cheered her right up
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- Location
- Andorra and Spain
In Andorra, my vet is at least 30mins away; and can be a lot longer depending on traffic. There's a closer one I could use in case of absolute emergency, about 20 minutes away in the other direction.
I'm sorry but "he's a busy man" doesn't cut it. This is an animal's welfare we're talking about, and I'd say he, and the surgery in general, has fallen well short of minimum expected standards.
I'm sorry but "he's a busy man" doesn't cut it. This is an animal's welfare we're talking about, and I'd say he, and the surgery in general, has fallen well short of minimum expected standards.
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
I can well imagine that -- it's funny I notice with Cassie, who is still young and never been on a bus, how much she just loves observing/interacting with whatever humans are doing around her, she's a country dog but loves a trip to town.
@Jennifer, the new vet you are considering sounds tip top, I don't think 25 - 30 minutes is too long a journey.
Beanwood
Administrator
We have 2 practices, both the same organisation but one is a hospital. I am finding that they are both fairly inconsistent, ranging from excellent to darn frustrating! I do, however, on the whole, get excellent and thorough care, but it does vary from vet to vet and almost day to day.
In terms of travel, the hospital is around 25mins - 40mins and the small practice around 10mins. The smaller practice has a vet the dogs' love, she knocks spots of so-called orthopaedic specialists. Our rehab vet is truly amazing. We all hunker down on mats and dog beds while she does her examination and treatment.
I wouldn't think twice of travelling an hour or so for a really good vet. Benson will probably need to be referred to an ortho vet in the next couple of years if not sooner, so we have already researched who we need, and he is around 2 hours away.
@Jennifer definitely have a look at other vets, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do hope Scott gets sorted soon, I know how frustrating it is to be pulled from pillar to post x
In terms of travel, the hospital is around 25mins - 40mins and the small practice around 10mins. The smaller practice has a vet the dogs' love, she knocks spots of so-called orthopaedic specialists. Our rehab vet is truly amazing. We all hunker down on mats and dog beds while she does her examination and treatment.
I wouldn't think twice of travelling an hour or so for a really good vet. Benson will probably need to be referred to an ortho vet in the next couple of years if not sooner, so we have already researched who we need, and he is around 2 hours away.
@Jennifer definitely have a look at other vets, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I do hope Scott gets sorted soon, I know how frustrating it is to be pulled from pillar to post x
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
We are very lucky our vet is 10 minutes away with an surgery just opened in our own village so handy for a check up, weigh in or vaccinations. If I weren't happy I wouldn't hesitate travelling. My dogs wellfare is paramount and I expect consistent, excellent service which I get.
@Jennifer you could give the vet a go. Frankly the "service" you have been getting is just poor and the buck stops with 'Mr Boss' not anyone else. I'm sorry this is happening to you. I hope S&S are OK, you too. xxx
@Jennifer you could give the vet a go. Frankly the "service" you have been getting is just poor and the buck stops with 'Mr Boss' not anyone else. I'm sorry this is happening to you. I hope S&S are OK, you too. xxx
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
I`m lucky in that our Vet is five/ten minutes away by car , but I would travel further if I wasn't happy with them , give the new one a go Jen xxx
My vet is 15/20 minutes away depending upon traffic but I would happily travel 20/30 minutes for a good vet. I'm lucky with my local practice with very good vets available. There's just one I avoid as I'm not happy with her attitude or handling skills. On the other hand Victoria was brilliant in May when I was in such a state with Juno and her colitis. As for the practice owners, a husband and wife partnership, I have received nothing other than brilliant service whether for cats or dog.
You have received absolutely appalling service @Jennifer and feeble excuses that boss man is very busy. Sorry but a phone call takes 5 minutes a d is part of the service you pay for.
I would go visit the other vet surgery, once you have the current problem sorted, perhaps make an appointment for just a chat and see how you feel. If you're happy perhaps take one of the boys just to be weighed or sit in the reception for a few minutes and perhaps see tge staff with nothing happening to him to reduce stress. Lots of treats rewarding any calmness etc. xx
You have received absolutely appalling service @Jennifer and feeble excuses that boss man is very busy. Sorry but a phone call takes 5 minutes a d is part of the service you pay for.
I would go visit the other vet surgery, once you have the current problem sorted, perhaps make an appointment for just a chat and see how you feel. If you're happy perhaps take one of the boys just to be weighed or sit in the reception for a few minutes and perhaps see tge staff with nothing happening to him to reduce stress. Lots of treats rewarding any calmness etc. xx
Thank you all very much for your advice I really do appreciate it. I guess I'm a bit better the devil you know which was why I went back to my original vet when the mobile vet stopped practising. After 22 years it's a bit scary changing and they were really good up until murphy was about 11or 12. I can't actually believe that after being messed about so much when S&S were pups it's happening again. I only took S&S there in the first place because of Hillary she's very good but now she only does two days a week I don't think that's a sensible reason to stay after what's happened
I will wait for the new vet to reply to my email. I explained my situation and S&S behaviour issues. If they are happy to take us I think I'll pop and meet them and then maybe explain the treatment Scott is having at the moment. I think I should probably stay put until they've come to some conclusion about Scott's water works unless the new vet thinks she can sort it. The only thing I'm unsure about with the new vet is their emergency cover. However if it was that much of an out of hours emergency I could ring my original vet I suppose. Well if they haven't black listed me by the time I've finished with them.
@SwampDonkey Moo really does look happy on the bus. She reminds me of my old Murph. He was grey in just the same places. Murphy would've probably have liked a bus ride. Scott and Scout on the other hand...... can you imagine.
which was why I went back to my original vet when the mobile vet stopped practising. After 22 years it's a bit scary changing and they were really good up until murphy was about 11or 12. I can't actually believe that after being messed about so much when S&S were pups it's happening again. I only took S&S there in the first place because of Hillary she's very good but now she only does two days a week I don't think that's a sensible reason to stay after what's happenedI will wait for the new vet to reply to my email. I explained my situation and S&S behaviour issues. If they are happy to take us I think I'll pop and meet them and then maybe explain the treatment Scott is having at the moment. I think I should probably stay put until they've come to some conclusion about Scott's water works unless the new vet thinks she can sort it. The only thing I'm unsure about with the new vet is their emergency cover. However if it was that much of an out of hours emergency I could ring my original vet I suppose.
Well if they haven't black listed me by the time I've finished with them.@SwampDonkey Moo really does look happy on the bus. She reminds me of my old Murph. He was grey in just the same places. Murphy would've probably have liked a bus ride. Scott and Scout on the other hand...... can you imagine.
What is the emergency cover Jen? My vets don't have their own emergency cover, theirs is covered by a clinic/vet hospital around 30 minutes drive from me. I haven't had to use it but when Juno was so I'll in May Victoria the vet sent details over to them on her condition, all the medication etc., just in case I needed them during the night. I think I would prefer to travel in the event of needing a vet out of hours and receive good vet care on a day to day basis xx
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
- Location
- Wellington, NZ
I know that 30 mins must seem like a lot when you have other practices closer to you, but it's really not much, and definitely not unreasonable. If you get a good response from the new clinic and good vibes when you visit, then I wouldn't hesitate to show your current vet the middle finger and leave them.
@MaccieD The emergency cover is something called Minight vets. It was called Petmedics. After 11pm and weekends you have to take your pet to them in an emergency. I need to google them and see where the nearest is and also that will be a question I'll ask the vet. I do know that one of the other local vets, a large practice which I've been advised not to use, takes emergencies even if your not registered with them so that could be an option.
Sounds a bit similar to mine emergency cover. I'm not totally happy with the extra distance to travel but I've also weighed up what is the likelihood of needing to go there. In all my years of pet ownership I've only once had to phone the vet out of hours and they arranged for me to go straight to the surgery with Flynn, my Spinone. Everything else I've monitored and phoned the vet in the morning.@MaccieD The emergency cover is something called Minight vets. It was called Petmedics. After 11pm and weekends you have to take your pet to them in an emergency. I need to google them and see where the nearest is and also that will be a question I'll ask the vet. I do know that one of the other local vets, a large practice which I've been advised not to use, takes emergencies even if your not registered with them so that could be an option.
Do you why the advice is to stay away from the other vets? I'm usually a little wary of such comments. My trainer with Flynn was vehemently opposed to using one vet practice but I had no problems with them in all the years I had pets registered with them. It may be worth investigating them for yourself