I think it’s extremely bizarre when we lose confidence in a particular service provider we have been using – such as an automobile mechanic- or even a dry cleaner. We generally have no problem severing that relationship and moving on to one that we do trust.
However, when it comes to our feelings about a veterinarian that we feel is not providing our cats the best of care, we often find ourselves in a major dilemma about how to handle the situation. We often start second-guessing ourselves, and trying to find the “right” words to deal with the problem and requesting a second-opinion can be extremely difficult at times.
To better prevent “sticky” situations, what should we look for when choosing a veterinarian who is “trustworthy”? Here are a few things to consider.
One who is open to learning and keeps current with his or her profession
There are some veterinarians who appear perfectly content to use the same treatment methods and standards they used when they graduated from veterinary school. Perhaps their practice is overwhelming and they don’t have the time or are unwilling to make the time to continue their education. Does your veterinarian eagerly keep up with the latest treatment methods? This is an excellent question to ask when interviewing a prospective veterinary practitioner.
One who is honest and open
It’s unrealistic to expect that a veterinarian will know absolutely everything about all medical conditions or behavior problems. A trustworthy veterinarian is likely to respond to a question by saying, “I just don’t know; let me do some research on this issue and get back to you.” I expect that a trustworthy veterinarian will follow up and get back to me with the information I requested.
However, if a veterinarian is being arrogant or gives you the feeling that he/she thinks you are bothersome; using or choosing this practitioner is not the best option.
One who respectfully gives you treatment options
We all want to give our cats the best of care. This said, there are times when the cost of certain treatments may not be within our reach and making decisions are extremely difficult. A trustworthy veterinarian will take the time to carefully explain all treatment options, what they entail and any negative side-effects, and will offer them all without judging the client.
One who treats their clients with respect
Does your veterinarian seem to “pooh-pooh” ideas you offer? We may be more knowledgeable about feline nutrition than our veterinarian. Does the veterinarian give the client the brush off, or keep an open mind? Building a strong relationship with a veterinarian requires mutual trust and respect. Although it’s not easy to locate a feline –savvy veterinarian we consider trustworthy; one on whom we can rely to provide our cats with the best of care, there are veterinarians worthy of our trust.
I am lucky to have had my pick of some of the brightest, compassionate, trustworthy practitioners over the many years I have lived with cats. I can recall only one lousy experience years ago when we lived in New York. I felt some odd bumps under the skin of my Siamese cat and Yo-Yo when my trusted vet was out of town. Not wanting to wait another few weeks I had no choice but to have her checked out by another veterinarian.
After he examined her he said it was nothing of concern – that it was possibly insect bites. I replied, “Tell me it’s nothing to worry about after you biopsy those bumps.” He unenthusiastically agreed to perform the procedure, telling me I was wasting my money – but would call me with results. A few days later he called saying, “It’s bad news. Your cat has Fibrosarcoma.”
In my haste, I didn’t listen to my inner-voice. Bur something about him felt “off.” He was arrogant. I felt he was incompetent since he didn’t suggest the biopsy first. I had put myself between and rock and a hard place because I was worried.
As a result of this unfortunate event I now trust my gut when I am choosing a practitioner whom I feel innately is more than competent to competently care for our kitties. After an extended search thankfully I have found one who meets all the above criteria.
A final point: a good vet can be an excellent vet when he/she thoroughly understands cat behavior.
What do you look for in choosing a trustworthy veterinarian? What are your criteria? Share your opinions in a comment.
Associated: Elisa’s bad vet experience.
One more thing on the plus-side to decide whether the veterinarian is trustworthy is that they truly care about the pet under their care.
The way that I know that our cats’ vets are truly trustworthy is that they are willing to go the extra mile to help our cats- even if it is after hours- with a short phone call- to give some advice that may be extremely helpful to our cats and, of course me- who may be very concerned about something is going on that may not be normal. Heck,it only takes a few minutes to be able to give some needed advice and reassuranace.
As I have mentioned, in additional to traditional treatment, our cats are receiving Chinese herbs to deal with their conditions. The other night, all of a sudden Sir Hubble’s temperature was elevated, without any apparent reason. I was able to connect with the vet on call, who did some research about the particular herb he was getting and told me that this was normal and that the fever would subside shortly.
She was right on the money- and now I have a greater understanding about the herb’s properties and how they work. Sir Hubble’s temp is normal and he has regained his appetite completely.
I really appreciate these two veterinarians- who do a lot of research and training to be able provide excellent care for their fur and feathered patients.
I wish that I would agree that most vets are trustworthy, but they are not. Like cops that have quotas to meet. Vets have the same.
Like MD docs, they always have the newest and greatest natural miracle treatments. They suck you in and rip off your pocketbook.
So, they claim that you will have 6 months more with your love if you pour $300 into their vault. So would any other vet with a traditional treatment but for a cost of $50.
I can’t even begin to say how much I trust and admire my vet. Maybe the fact that he has been my vet since 1971 is a clue! LOL Besides him being a super vet, he is quite the humanitarian. He singlehandedly built a schoo and libraryl in Madagascar and to watch the progress with that over the years has been gratifying. This was accomplished with no running water in the area. I dread the day this man decides to retire… however, his daughter is also a vet. LOL Whew!
This must be a good sign as it shows confidence and empathy. A good vet listens as well. They can learn from the good cat guardian.
Yes, ultimately, when push comes to shove, vets are in business. That is the bottom line and it will show under pressure.
DtHawke,
Right on the money about complacency.
What I really admire about my vet is that she is extremely comfortable with my questioning something she suggests. I never just take any advice with blind trust- and I question why she may be suggesting something about which I know very little.
I have had experiences with vets in the past who, when I do question something they give me the impression that THEY are the experts and who am I to question something they are suggesting. That would be the end of a relationship with a veterinarian of that ilk.
We have recently started Chinese herbal medicine with our cats, and I had a LOT of questions about them. My vet takes the time to explain the purpose of everything she is doing and doesn’t make me feel that I am doubting her expertise.
She also requests feedback when something doesn’t seem right- does more research. Recently when one of the herbs seemed to cause Dr. Hush Puppy to sleep more than usual- and we wanted to keep using herbs for his issue, I asked her if she had any other “tricks up her sleeve”. She laughed and told me she did- and would get back to me with changes. We switched to another type of herb and it is working very nicely and Puppy isn’t sleeping excessively now.