Venting about Dogs Vet

[Vega]

UUUGGGGHHHH I'M SOOOOO MAD!!!

2 of my babies needed their teeth cleaned. So I set up the appointment nad followed directions...no food after midnight (took it away at 10 last night before going to bed), water until we left this morning. Dropping them off promptly 8:45 AM. I callled there at 3 pm to check on them and see how they are doing....and was informed that they had JUST started on the first dog and the second was to follow!!

You mean to tell me my babies sat there for over 6 HOURS without water?? That it had been 17 HOURS since they were last able to eat?? And now because they didn't start until so late my babies won't be able to eat until at least 11 tonight??

Then the receptionist informs me they close at 6...so my one baby will only have maybe an hour to come out of the anesthetic before going home. I'm so LIVID at these people!! I know going in there and throwing a fit won't change what's been done but I'm ready to rip someone apart for putting my babies through this. I worked as a vet tech before and we made SURE our animals were out of surgery by 1 pm, at the ABSOLUTE LATEST, to ensure they'd be ok that evening. More than 24 hours without food...at least 14 without water?? I can't believe this

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

okay, I'm gonna give you my two cents worth on dogs teeth being cleaned...

If you give your dog hard food, plenty of water, and other chewy type toys like rawhide bones,(made in USA please- where the manufacturing of rawhide is monitored by the Dept of Agriculture and prohibits the use of things such as formaldeyde to cure skins) I dont' see a reason to have to subject your dog ( and your wallet) to teeth cleaning.

My dog died at the age of 13..with all her teeth in tact. Also, if you are that worried about buildup on your dogs teeth, brush them daily with a wash cloth with a baking soda paste, or simply the wet washcloth alone.

That being said, I would rip the vet a new one, and next time you decide to have the procedure done, tell them you need to pick them up at noon because you are going away for the next couple of days.

[Vega]

Hey Lissa, I do give my dogs things to chew on, but of course the one with the worst teeth won't have anything to do with the chew things! She's the youngest of my 3 and what they told me is that she just has bad genes, which led to bad teeth/gums. The oldest one has no problems. The other dog I took for a cleaning was getting an infection from the way her fang teeth lay. I really don't have the money to do all this (used my tax return).

One thing I can say is they will never go back to that place! It's a shame because the doctor is really nice, but nice doesn't over-rule my babies well-being.

[Irish]

Choose a vet carefully, let them know your expectations right from the start, and learn theirs. Then make sure you both uphold your ends. If the vet doesn't, insist on an explanation, apology and a modification of the bill. If they refuse, choose a new vet. Pay your bills on time, follow their directions, and show up to appointments on time. Veterinarians are in business, whether they've forgotten it or not, to take GOOD care of our non-clothed families, not to do things strictly for their own convenience and profit, and to provide employment for a bunch of what often appear to be money-grubbing secretaries who could care less about the animals and people they greet and deal with before an animal ever sees the vet. If they don't realize that, then the only way they'll learn is when they start losing their clientele to more accomodating vets.

A good relationship with your vet goes an awfully long way. My mom spends so much at hers (she's the "crazy cat lady" of her neighborhood, plus she has 2 elderly labs) that the vet's office sends her presents and cards for not only all of her cats and dogs, but for herself and my stepfather, too. Now THAT's customer service! LOL! All I get from my vet, after so many years, is friendly calls and a Christmas card!

A bad relationship (or none at all) can be unsatisfying at best, and heartbreaking at worst. When you find a good vet for your needs, though, things like what you've just went through with your 2 woofmeisters shouldn't happen.

I'm sorry your babies had to go too long without food or drink. Maybe ask the vet to press his "Empathy" button and try going w/out food and water for 24 hours, sometime, just to see what it feels like....

[cfulhage]

Are you sure they didn't have water at the vet's office? I worked as a vet assistant for many years, and the only thing we ever took away from them before anesthesia was food. They could have water clear up until surgery time. Maybe they provided water for them?

[FeatherLover]

Vega, I'm sorry to hear about that. How are the dogs doing now?

[Vega]

Hey all, well I picked them up around 5:30. The one was pretty awake, but didn't attempt to jump in the truck. The other was still in a complete fog. She cried/whined the whole way home. Then while driving I had to hit the brakes a little harder than I normally do. The poor thing fell off the seat and onto the floor (rolled over) and just laid there with her back leg still up on the seat. She stopped crying...So I pulled over the first chance I had to check on her and get her back up on the seat. She had difficulty getting up the 6-7 steps into the house...she just wasn't awake yet.

I got them home and they both headed for the water bowl. I waited until 11 pm to offer them food. The first chowed down but the second really took her time...which isn't like her. The reason I figured they weren't given any at the vets was because the girl told me the ran into a few things and got them in later than expected. When I worked at a local vets office we didn't offer anything until they started waking up, and that was only in small amounts. However we also had all of our surgeries done before lunch.

Anywho, both seem to be doing much better this morning

[MandysBlackRoses]

Some Vets will allow clear liquids right up till surgery. It depends on whats being done, hows long it will take, and if a cathitor will be used. I have HEARD vets say that people would not need to come in for cleanings, if they did it at home regularly.

I think giving your dogs Dry food, chew toys and Regular brushing at home is fine. Unless the doctor notices something during a regular examination, or there is a medical issue which promotes tooth decay. I don't beleave in routine cleaning by the vet. The risks involving anesthesia dose not seem worth it. Cats on the other hand seem to be more at risk for dental diseases.

Here they only have to wait an hour before allowing the pets to go home after surgery. It is hard to watch your loved pet act so doped up, But its better for them to be home where they can relax and heel.

They owe you an apoligy for running so late, But few dogs eat after surgery anyway, they just don't feel up to it. But 14 hours with no water is just not right! I would of come off on them. When they knew they were running late they should of offered some water. I hope they are recovering well. Them meanie vets need there bottoms bitten sometimes. ~grins~