I took Queen Sheba to my "go to" vet yesterday and we're both doing better today. I've known Dr. M for over 20 years now and I both adore him and am incredibly frustrated by him. Although she hadn't seen him in over 2 years, she was bouncing when we pulled up to his office. (They never forget anything, do they?) He gave her a pretty good going over, removed the drain, really explained to me what is "up" with her. Yes, she has edema (fluid accumulating in her chest) as well as swelling and still has a huge second edema. She may need additional treatment but he's hopeful that it will all resolve itself over the next week. Didn't want to put a drain in the second hematoma because of it's location. (I suspect he might not have put the first one in from his demeanor but even he didn't go there. He's right on the point that he didn't see the original injury.) HIM, I'm inclined to believe; mostly because he can actually explain and is willing to be bothered to do so.
He wasn't willing to go so far as to say the newbie vet, Dr. S, screwed up. However, I've known him a long time and I suspect he'd have promptly given his second opinion and sent me out the door, back to her, if he didn't have any concerns at all. (Of course, could be merely that he was willing to give my concerns credence and/or finish the job for Sheba's comfort.) At any rate, he removed the drain and showed me how to clean it a second time before bedtime. Total cost for this visit: $42.00. He'll be the one treating Sheba if she does need more treatment. Dr. M is, I suspect, never going to go so far as to say another vet really screwed up, nor help with a complaint, etc., etc. And there's where I get frustrated with him. I think a GREAT vet goes there so I can only call Dr. M a good vet.
Back to Dr. S. Yep, I think she and her staff screwed up. I think Sheba was alone when she woke up and flung herself around in a cage and had to be "captured" when the cage was opened because she was in total freak out mode. They certainly won't be seeing Sheba again. Shiba Inus are more like cats than dogs; they don't forget and they don't forgive easily. (I suspect Sheba may have chomped someone pretty good too. Shibas are notorious for becoming snappish under stress although I haven't seen her do that in years.) I have to give Dr. S and her staff and clinic credit for not charging for the additional work Sheba needed nor for the 2 visits last week for follow up. Dr. S has been licensed a grand total of less than 4 months, as screw ups go this could have been sooooo much worse, she gets credit for wanting to clean up her mess, some concern for her less than complete description of what happened and Sheba's condition. They do gotta learn though so I'm not willing to write her off just yet. This is a small vet clinic, she's one of two vets, and I get the impression she's not getting much support or advice from the senior vet either. I've written her a letter this morning and we'll see how she responds and go from there.
Now, help me make a list of what makes a good vet and what makes a great vet. I'm trying to work towards a point matrix of some kind for evaluating vets but, for now, just a list of traits. Here's a few of mine:
- Offers a free meet and greet visit with you and your pet (excluding any form of exam; after all, the initial meet and greet is/should be a 2 way interview)
- Let's owners handle and restrain pets if that's their preference and they are capable
- Handles animals gently but firmly
- Is capable of correctly diagnosing the vast majority of illnesses through hands on exam and uses tests to confirm
- Only treats pets out of owner sight for surgical procedures
- Can adequately explain a pet's condition in lay terms
- DOES explain the pet's condition without being asked
- Is willing and able to provide the technical explaination
- Clearly gives instructions for home care
- Compassionate and caring for animals and their owners but not overly emotional
- Is not offended by second opinions and/or use of multiple vets
- Will cooperate with other vets in an animal's care
- Advises for current care and future needs of an animal
- Keeps excellent records and is willing to provide copies of them
- Doesn't push products
- Differentiates between pharmaceuticals and "only vets can buy" products
- Is willing to write scripts without offense
- Has at least a nominal website
- Provides his/her CV on the website
- Accepts pet insurance but doesn't push it as a product
- Has adequate qualified support staff
- Treats owners in accord with the length and experience of the relationship rather than a one size fits all mentality
- Expects appropriate recompense for services but also understands that clients have budgets and is willing to work with clients, particularly those with a long term established relationship and with understanding that emergencies don't always happen when they fit the client's budget
- Generally keeps appointments in a timely manner, allowing for exceptions for emergencies
- Gives priority to emergency cases of regular cleints
- Does not violate ethical or legal obligations
There's my preliminary list. What do you agree with? Disagree with? What did I forget completely?
Thanks to Barbara for the suggestion. I know some of you have FAR more experience than I with veterinarians and I'm grateful to draw on and learn from you. BTW, I've already begun an email relationship with a local, licensed attorney who is practicing in animal law and am ordering the Texas Legal Manual on animal law so I can brush up :)
Thanks to all who visit and comment and remember to invite your friends over too.