Choosing a GOOD Vet

[Kodabear]

Seeing as how I just moved, I have started the search for a new vet and it is SCARY. My last vet was an absolute dream so my first visit today at this new place made me uneasy. Or maybe I was just spoiled to begin with...

I took Koda up there to talk about getting her spayed and because she has a yeast infection in her right ear(smells lovely.) My last vet stood behind the fact that it is best to get my dog spayed after her first heat. As I was telling the new vet this, he corrected me when I said that their joints do not close until after their first heat. He said no, a Newfoundland's joints are closed at 8 months and he also said that in their clinic they spay dogs around 7 months to prevent mammary cancer. From what I have read this is NOT TRUE!!!

I went ahead and got her Bordatella vaccine updated and added on a Leptospirosis vaccine, which they told me was necessary. Hopefully that is the case. They also billed me for a Venipuncture.. I have no idea what that is and they didn't ask me if I wanted it, I suppose I missed that on the bill. I also declined the Lyme Disease vaccine, because it seemed unnecessary, given that Kodas flea and tick stuff should keep the ticks away.

Now that I have typed this all out, I'm thinking I need to find a new place, however, this stuff may have been needed. Anybody have advice on this, maybe these guys were right but after paying 400 dollars today I get the feeling I should at least trust the people who are offering their medical advice...

 

[Newfs Forever]

Perhaps, I am someone not to ask. Simply put, after the initial vaccs, I titer. It costs a little more, but I am not having him injected with toxins that he doesn't need.

I got Sam as a rehome in January of 2010. At that time he was 2 months shy of 7 yo.

This year (2011) at his regular exam, he was titered and had a very good level of antibodies.

However, I do use an holistic vet.

My feeling is if you don't feel comfortable with him/her, go elsewhere.

 

[wrknnwf]

I would find an holistic vet as well, but my personal experience is that it's good to have a couple of vets you can go to. And, be sure ask about emergency after hours. Also, ask what vaccination protocol they use. If they say everything yearly, you're at the wrong place.

After reading what you wrote, I think you need to change vets. Sounds like a salesman to me.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Agree with Sue if your uncomfortable find some place that suits you. It took us a few vets until we found the one. It's like finding a dr or a mechanic. Find one you trust with the spay! We do Lepto here, but we have little critters everywhere, as for the venipuncture...just looked it up...did they draw any blood for tests..ie Lymes, heartworm?

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

I think you instincts are right to choose another vet. The growth plates close on a newf at 18 mo. and spaying too early keeps them from closing even later. If all un spayed bitches got mammary cancer, there would be a lot of dead show dogs. I am having a hard time understanding how an ear infection and vaccinations could cost $400.

 

[Kodabear]

She also got a blood panel done because I am looking into spaying soon. Is this to early? Koda has had her first heat and is 1 year old now. Im not going to ask the vet on this one because everybody says different things...

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

She also got a blood panel done because I am looking into spaying soon. Is this to early? Koda has had her first heat and is 1 year old now. Im not going to ask the vet on this one because everybody says different things...

That should ok on the timing of her spay. When was in season? It is a good idea to wait about 2 mo after the last heat cycle to spay.

 

[Kodabear]

Oh man, then I have some waiting to do. Her heat cycle started mid July and didn't end until Aug 12th or so. She was a late bloomer this gives me some time to seek out a vet who will do a great job on the spay.

I also asked the vet how long he would wait to spay after heat and he said 2 weeks... ugh.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Venipuncture is just medical terminology for sticking a needle in a vein...blood draw for example.
I agree with everyone above..Sounds like he is definitely not the vet for you and your girl...

 

[Ohana Mom]

Perhaps you may want to ask for recommendations from members here living in your area? Also - are you in your local Newfie Regional Club? They too would have good recommendations.
We actually have a few vets we use depending on the issue. We have a holistic vet that offers a different perspective, does chiropractic care etc. We have our primary vet for most everything else and then our 24 hour clinic which coincidently is home to all of the specialists in the area. Not uncommon to have a few sources....
Regarding the spay - you are right on the growth plates. We actually waited until after 18 months to spay. not sure it's horrible in bitches to be earlier - I know in boys it definitely changes their development to neuter too early....

 

[Pipelineozzy]

You should have asked him why OFA won't accept xrays from a dog at 8 months if the joints and bones are mature by then lol.

 

[newfvo]

All great advice! One thing I would add as just an FYI. There is a common misconception that the most common flea/tick products will protect a dog from tick borne diseases such as lyme. This is not the case. Ticks and fleas can still bite the dog thus passing on the disease but once bitten they most often will die. The benefit to the products is that they don't continue to feed.

 

[Kodabear]

Jennifer, I am not a member of the regional Newf club, I may email them to see if they have any recs in Manhattan. I wish there was a vet in this area who specialized in giant breeds

Cindy, yeah, I really couldn't believe that he told me that a Newf's joints close at 8 months... After reading a post on NN a while back about when people's Newfs got to their full size I absolutely KNOW this is untrue!

Also, Susan, about the Lyme disease, I was not aware of this. Would you 100% recommend the Lyme Disease vacc? I live in New York City and don't encounter heavily wooded areas. Better safe than sorry, and I would get it for her if it is practical.