Are my expectations unreasonable?

[winnietucker]

My youngest dog started limping yesterday afternoon so I called my vet to see if we could get an appointment. They told me that the soonest we could possibly be seen is Tuesday but they’ll know on Tuesday… no other options or referrals to clinics, just a “we can let you know on Tuesday.”

The last time one of my dogs had an issue I wanted them to be seen immediately for was during a heavy (for us) snow. They had cancellations due to the snow and could take us in but we got charged extra for being seen that day. We’ve been going to this vet for the last 6 years. Their availability has just gotten worse over the past couple of years.

Anyway yesterday I was able to get my dog into a walk in clinic. It was way cheaper.

I know vets have been pretty busy lately but I’m a little grumpy about the response to seeing my dog yesterday. I’ve been thinking about switching for a bit but have been hesitant because my oldest hates the vet (like screams when they do exams, has to be muzzled) and is finally starting to kind of come around to them. It only took 4 years… He’s always hated vets, we got him like that and I think his old family might have mentioned something to that effect too, so it’s probably been an ongoing thing for him.

I need cooler heads to weigh in on if I’m being unrealistic with my expectations for my dogs to be seen relatively quickly.

 

[RetroQT]

I would think if they couldn’t fit your dog in for an issue (and not a routine appointment), then at the very least they could recommend another clinic such as a pet urgent care. Limping could be something that rest and care could help with, but it could also be a more serious issue that could be made worse waiting three days for diagnosis. Hope you were able to get good news and your furbaby is on the mend.

As for the switch, it sounds like I would if it were me. Hopefully your other dog can get comfortable quicker this time if you do.

 

[nala]

I think you did the right thing and am glad you had the means to do it. When my elderly mother has a pressing issue and her doctor isn’t available to see her,I take her to urgent care and the issue they treat has always been an urgent one—never one that could have waited.

 

[winnietucker]

I would think if they couldn’t fit your dog in for an issue (and not a routine appointment), then at the very least they could recommend another clinic such as a pet urgent care. Limping could be something that rest and care could help with, but it could also be a more serious issue that could be made worse waiting three days for diagnosis. Hope you were able to get good news and your furbaby is on the mend.

As for the switch, it sounds like I would if it were me. Hopefully your other dog can get comfortable quicker this time if you do.

Thank you. I don’t want to leave our current vet if this was a common issue with vets right now and if maybe my dog’s leg wasn’t as urgent as I felt it was. Especially because he’s walking fine today…

I think you did the right thing and am glad you had the means to do it. When my elderly mother has a pressing issue and her doctor isn’t available to see her,I take her to urgent care and the issue they treat has always been an urgent one—never one that could have waited.

Thank you. My husband wanted to wait and my dog is okay today so I was worried that maybe I was being a little dramatic. I was planning to switch vets when my oldest dog passes but we’ll do it sooner.

 

[Lookinagain]

If I have something that I feel is urgent with my dog, I don't try to get an appointment with my vet as I know they rarely have immediate openings. I take him to the vet hospital that is run by the vet school here and it has a 24 hour emergency room. The local MSPCA hospital also has a 24 hour emergency room. Neither is inexpensive however. I don't think we have a "walk in clinic" around here, and didn't know they existed, so I'm going to look around for one. Thanks for the idea and I hope your dog is doing okay.
I do think your vet could have suggested another option besides waiting 3 days, since they had no idea what was actually wrong. I think that would bother me too. If you aren't thrilled with your vet, I agree, you might want to look for another if you think your dog can handle the change.

 

[donnabrsd]

No, you are not being unreasonable. When your pet is sick they should be seen same day or the next day. I'm glad you have the option of a walk-in. I have a local animal hospital with a 24 hour emergency room if I ever need it. I'd recommend looking at different vets. Maybe your older dog would prefer a different vet. Anyways, hope your youngest dog is better.

 

[Matata]

Vets are in crisis and have been for quite awhile. Covid just brought it more into the light. Many have left/are leaving the profession and there are low numbers of people interested in entering the profession.

I've been frustrated from the time Covid started to today because I can't get in to see my regular vet for both routine and emergency visits. She is booked at least 3 wks. ahead and has been trying for years to being in a partner. She is a small clinic and can't compete salary/benefit wise with the larger ones in town who also can't keep staff.

So for the last 2.5 yrs I've spent approx. $40,000 visiting the emergency clinic due to health crises in 2 cats as well as for minor issues that, while not emergencies, could not wait nearly a month for treatment.

Veterinarians Face Unique Issues That Make Suicide One Of The Profession's Big Worries

"It's not all puppies and kittens." The people who care for our pets deal with pressures that makes the job unusually stressful

time.com

 

[seaurchin]

Maybe you could just keep both places in mind, then decide at the time depending on what comes up.

 

[Arcadian]

You did the right thing. In general I'm able to get my girl to the vet whenever, but here lately they have been very very busy. Only reason why I do it is based on her age. otherwise I have a standby clinic to go to.

Their vet has changed their hours to no weekend hours and 2 days a week they close a 2pm.

Lucky is dealing with lot of itching and we had to schedule with a dermatologist....which can't see her until September. I'm a bit perturbed but not much I can do about that given that, so for now, we manage it at home (everything looks to be subsiding as pollen is going away), but should it become worse, I will use other options.

I'm super picky about who I go to because greyhound blood values are very different from other dogs and they have some quirks that have to be managed http://www.greythealth.com/blood.html I've had to be a dictionary where greyhound "issues" are concerned.

I think you have to have options as to what vet you go to. For some issues if they're grey specific, I wait for her regular vet. Other non specific issues, I can visit another vet for and its not a big deal.

 

[Austina]

Did you speak to a vet, or was it the receptionist who told you they couldn’t see your dog til Tuesday? I only ask because once when I took my dog, the vet asked why I hadn’t taken him in earlier. I told him that I’d explained to the receptionist what the problem was, and this was the earliest appt I was given. He was furious, and went straight out to speak to the receptionist and told her that when someone said they needed to see him, she needed to tell him and let him decide whether the pet needed to be seen immediately or could wait.

 

[winnietucker]

If I have something that I feel is urgent with my dog, I don't try to get an appointment with my vet as I know they rarely have immediate openings. I take him to the vet hospital that is run by the vet school here and it has a 24 hour emergency room. The local MSPCA hospital also has a 24 hour emergency room. Neither is inexpensive however. I don't think we have a "walk in clinic" around here, and didn't know they existed, so I'm going to look around for one. Thanks for the idea and I hope your dog is doing okay.
I do think your vet could have suggested another option besides waiting 3 days, since they had no idea what was actually wrong. I think that would bother me too. If you aren't thrilled with your vet, I agree, you might want to look for another if you think your dog can handle the change.

Yeah having to figure it out on my own was a bit stressful. Luckily my friend had told me about the walk in clinic before when her dog had an issue. They couldn’t take because I walked in 4 min after they stopped taking patients for the day, but they did give me a list of possible places to go to and one of those places worked out.

No, you are not being unreasonable. When your pet is sick they should be seen same day or the next day. I'm glad you have the option of a walk-in. I have a local animal hospital with a 24 hour emergency room if I ever need it. I'd recommend looking at different vets. Maybe your older dog would prefer a different vet. Anyways, hope your youngest dog is better.

Thank you. I intend to call around and see who is taking new clients/ what their schedules are like.

Vets are in crisis and have been for quite awhile. Covid just brought it more into the light. Many have left/are leaving the profession and there are low numbers of people interested in entering the profession.

I've been frustrated from the time Covid started to today because I can't get in to see my regular vet for both routine and emergency visits. She is booked at least 3 wks. ahead and has been trying for years to being in a partner. She is a small clinic and can't compete salary/benefit wise with the larger ones in town who also can't keep staff.

So for the last 2.5 yrs I've spent approx. $40,000 visiting the emergency clinic due to health crises in 2 cats as well as for minor issues that, while not emergencies, could not wait nearly a month for treatment.

Veterinarians Face Unique Issues That Make Suicide One Of The Profession's Big Worries

"It's not all puppies and kittens." The people who care for our pets deal with pressures that makes the job unusually stressful

time.com

I’m sorry to hear about your cats! But yeah… That whole issue with vets is what I wasn’t sure if I was being unreasonable. Our vet is so busy now. When you call the recording says they don’t take new clients for urgent matters due to being so busy.

When she wasn’t as busy the care was great. She had to refer us out to another clinic for surgery when my oldest tore his CCL and when that clinic said they couldn’t get us in for a bit, she was able to call and get them to take us in earlier. She also called outside vets to double check/ get second opinions when my oldest dog received the incorrect medications from an online pharmacy (cancer meds instead of his pain meds) and when my younger dog wouldn’t stop shaking and crying after coming out of anesthesia. All of which I appreciate and am not sure another vet would have done too. I feel like I should extend some grace but I also feel like I need my pets seen quickly when they have issues.

Maybe you could just keep both places in mind, then decide at the time depending on what comes up.

That was something I had considered too but I wasn’t sure if that was a faux pas.

You did the right thing. In general I'm able to get my girl to the vet whenever, but here lately they have been very very busy. Only reason why I do it is based on her age. otherwise I have a standby clinic to go to.

Their vet has changed their hours to no weekend hours and 2 days a week they close a 2pm.

Lucky is dealing with lot of itching and we had to schedule with a dermatologist....which can't see her until September. I'm a bit perturbed but not much I can do about that given that, so for now, we manage it at home (everything looks to be subsiding as pollen is going away), but should it become worse, I will use other options.

I'm super picky about who I go to because greyhound blood values are very different from other dogs and they have some quirks that have to be managed http://www.greythealth.com/blood.html I've had to be a dictionary where greyhound "issues" are concerned.

I think you have to have options as to what vet you go to. For some issues if they're grey specific, I wait for her regular vet. Other non specific issues, I can visit another vet for and its not a big deal.

Yikes! That wait would really upset me. Hopefully Lucky is okay until then. I understand that vets have lives outside of work too but the lack of availability is a little upsetting to me.

Did you speak to a vet, or was it the receptionist who told you they couldn’t see your dog til Tuesday? I only ask because once when I took my dog, the vet asked why I hadn’t taken him in earlier. I told him that I’d explained to the receptionist what the problem was, and this was the earliest appt I was given. He was furious, and went straight out to speak to the receptionist and told her that when someone said they needed to see him, she needed to tell him and let him decide whether the pet needed to be seen immediately or could wait.

It was the receptionist. They were closing early because the vet had appointments. They also close on weekends now. To make up for it they usually stay open later on Monday but since it’s a holiday they’re closed for that too. I know they wouldn’t have been able to get me in regardless.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

My youngest dog started limping yesterday afternoon so I called my vet to see if we could get an appointment. They told me that the soonest we could possibly be seen is Tuesday but they’ll know on Tuesday… no other options or referrals to clinics, just a “we can let you know on Tuesday.”

The last time one of my dogs had an issue I wanted them to be seen immediately for was during a heavy (for us) snow. They had cancellations due to the snow and could take us in but we got charged extra for being seen that day. We’ve been going to this vet for the last 6 years. Their availability has just gotten worse over the past couple of years.

Anyway yesterday I was able to get my dog into a walk in clinic. It was way cheaper.

I know vets have been pretty busy lately but I’m a little grumpy about the response to seeing my dog yesterday. I’ve been thinking about switching for a bit but have been hesitant because my oldest hates the vet (like screams when they do exams, has to be muzzled) and is finally starting to kind of come around to them. It only took 4 years… He’s always hated vets, we got him like that and I think his old family might have mentioned something to that effect too, so it’s probably been an ongoing thing for him.

I need cooler heads to weigh in on if I’m being unrealistic with my expectations for my dogs to be seen relatively quickly.

i dont think its an unrealistic or unreasonable want
but i live in a smaller rural city
we cant get in to see a human family doctor that quickly
when poor Tibby was literly at death's door i rang on Saturday morning and we couldn't get in till Monday 4pm
poor Tibby just lay on the bed all weekend
even i knew we were past praying for a miricle
good luck with the wee falla's foot

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Yeah having to figure it out on my own was a bit stressful. Luckily my friend had told me about the walk in clinic before when her dog had an issue. They couldn’t take because I walked in 4 min after they stopped taking patients for the day, but they did give me a list of possible places to go to and one of those places worked out.



Thank you. I intend to call around and see who is taking new clients/ what their schedules are like.



I’m sorry to hear about your cats! But yeah… That whole issue with vets is what I wasn’t sure if I was being unreasonable. Our vet is so busy now. When you call the recording says they don’t take new clients for urgent matters due to being so busy.

When she wasn’t as busy the care was great. She had to refer us out to another clinic for surgery when my oldest tore his CCL and when that clinic said they couldn’t get us in for a bit, she was able to call and get them to take us in earlier. She also called outside vets to double check/ get second opinions when my oldest dog received the incorrect medications from an online pharmacy (cancer meds instead of his pain meds) and when my younger dog wouldn’t stop shaking and crying after coming out of anesthesia. All of which I appreciate and am not sure another vet would have done too. I feel like I should extend some grace but I also feel like I need my pets seen quickly when they have issues.



That was something I had considered too but I wasn’t sure if that was a faux pas.



Yikes! That wait would really upset me. Hopefully Lucky is okay until then. I understand that vets have lives outside of work too but the lack of availability is a little upsetting to me.



It was the receptionist. They were closing early because the vet had appointments. They also close on weekends now. To make up for it they usually stay open later on Monday but since it’s a holiday they’re closed for that too. I know they wouldn’t have been able to get me in regardless.

dang.
why so these things always happen on long weekends

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Did you speak to a vet, or was it the receptionist who told you they couldn’t see your dog til Tuesday? I only ask because once when I took my dog, the vet asked why I hadn’t taken him in earlier. I told him that I’d explained to the receptionist what the problem was, and this was the earliest appt I was given. He was furious, and went straight out to speak to the receptionist and told her that when someone said they needed to see him, she needed to tell him and let him decide whether the pet needed to be seen immediately or could wait.

that sounds like the receptionist at our old Wellington doctors

 

[ecf8503]

Vets are in crisis and have been for quite awhile. Covid just brought it more into the light. Many have left/are leaving the profession and there are low numbers of people interested in entering the profession.

Veterinarians Face Unique Issues That Make Suicide One Of The Profession's Big Worries

"It's not all puppies and kittens." The people who care for our pets deal with pressures that makes the job unusually stressful

time.com

As a veterinarian, I feel sad about this entire situation. Yes the profession is in an upheaval right now - there aren't enough doctors to go around, days are very long and booked solid, mountainous student debt looms large, and we don't get paid enough - no where NEAR what an MD makes. And yet all we hear is negativity - regarding cost, availability, etc.

When I'm at work I'm working - non-stop - from the time the first patient arrives until well after "closing time" (ha ha). Most days none of us get lunch, hell we barely have time to use the bathroom. We are busy giving the best care possible to your pet - everyone's pet - and that takes time and manpower. Which is in short supply. There aren't enough technicians, nurses, kennel staff and assistants, receptionists, or doctors.

So we do the best we can. To use your time efficiently when you are there - educating you as well as providing a thorough examination of your fur baby and making appropriate recommendations. And you know what we hear? "How much does that cost?" and "Dr X didn't charge that much" or "My breeder says..." and "you're just in it for the money" followed by negative reviews online and sometimes even in the press. Which hits home, by the way - we are there because we want to take care of your family member. It's emotionally exhausting, and as Matata correctly pointed out, the burnout and suicide rates are high.

That said, if there is a true emergency, we will see it. And the scheduled appointments will have to wait a bit . Because if it was YOUR pet having the emergency, you'd expect the same. But determining the difference between a true emergency vs an urgent need is sometimes a grey area. And receptionists are often not trained medical personnel and quite literally don't have the ability or knowledge to make that determination. We are dealing with that issue at our clinic right now - some patients are being turned away that really should be seen. We try to give a little space in the schedule for those exact situations, which inevitably come up every single day. If you think your pet should be seen, then ask for someone else if the receptionist is not in agreement.

So be nice to your neighborhood vet. Everyone is overwhelmed - from your local vet to the urgent cares (where they exist) to the emergency clinics. We really are there because we want to be, and we are doing the best we can.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

As a veterinarian, I feel sad about this entire situation. Yes the profession is in an upheaval right now - there aren't enough doctors to go around, days are very long and booked solid, mountainous student debt looms large, and we don't get paid enough - no where NEAR what an MD makes. And yet all we hear is negativity - regarding cost, availability, etc.

When I'm at work I'm working - non-stop - from the time the first patient arrives until well after "closing time" (ha ha). Most days none of us get lunch, hell we barely have time to use the bathroom. We are busy giving the best care possible to your pet - everyone's pet - and that takes time and manpower. Which is in short supply. There aren't enough technicians, nurses, kennel staff and assistants, receptionists, or doctors.

So we do the best we can. To use your time efficiently when you are there - educating you as well as providing a thorough examination of your fur baby and making appropriate recommendations. And you know what we hear? "How much does that cost?" and "Dr X didn't charge that much" or "My breeder says..." and "you're just in it for the money" followed by negative reviews online and sometimes even in the press. Which hits home, by the way - we are there because we want to take care of your family member. It's emotionally exhausting, and as Matata correctly pointed out, the burnout and suicide rates are high.

That said, if there is a true emergency, we will see it. And the scheduled appointments will have to wait a bit . Because if it was YOUR pet having the emergency, you'd expect the same. But determining the difference between a true emergency vs an urgent need is sometimes a grey area. And receptionists are often not trained medical personnel and quite literally don't have the ability or knowledge to make that determination. We are dealing with that issue at our clinic right now - some patients are being turned away that really should be seen. We try to give a little space in the schedule for those exact situations, which inevitably come up every single day. If you think your pet should be seen, then ask for someone else if the receptionist is not in agreement.

So be nice to your neighborhood vet. Everyone is overwhelmed - from your local vet to the urgent cares (where they exist) to the emergency clinics. We really are there because we want to be, and we are doing the best we can.

are you doing ok ?
ive read recently vets are under enormous mental pressure
the pandemic hasn't been kind to anyone, everyone is more stressed but vets are dealing with sick pets and upset humans all day long

i hate going to the vet, even for a check up or for shots
i hate the noise kitty makes in the cage in the car
im a wreck before we even get to the vet
i just wish we could find a vet that has really great report with cats
once with Tinky, we got a true cat loving vet and it made a difference to both Tinky and me

 

[Lookinagain]

When I find a good, caring vet, I stick with them. I also don't ask what things cost, but I'm lucky that I can afford whatever it does. I also do have local emergency vet services as mentioned, so that is where I go when it's truly an emergency. I will sometimes call my vet first just to confirm that it is, but I don't expect them to see me. Getting appointments for normal stuff can be 2-3 months out, so I know how busy they are. And honestly, I think most people think that vets make a lot more money than they actually do. And as the article points out, most owner's don't buy insurance. I find it interesting that some people seem to think that a vet should give them free services. Do they ask their M.D. the same question?

 

[Matata]

Gratitude and respect @ecf8503 for all you do for your patients. I hope amidst all the pressure, you are able to take time to take care of yourself. Hugs.

 

[ecf8503]

are you doing ok ?
ive read recently vets are under enormous mental pressure
the pandemic hasn't been kind to anyone, everyone is more stressed but vets are dealing with sick pets and upset humans all day long

i hate going to the vet, even for a check up or for shots
i hate the noise kitty makes in the cage in the car
im a wreck before we even get to the vet
i just wish we could find a vet that has really great report with cats
once with Tinky, we got a true cat loving vet and it made a difference to both Tinky and me

Lol - yes, I'm ok. I'm on forced "vacation" right now thanks to Covid!

I do truly love what I do - I work with just cats, and that in itself is a saving grace for me. It fits me - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Lol - yes, I'm ok. I'm on forced "vacation" right now thanks to Covid!

I do truly love what I do - I work with just cats, and that in itself is a saving grace for me. It fits me - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

i hope if you have covid, you are well again soon
thanks from my kitties, for loving the cats

a few weeks ago i had trouble with a dog in our street (i do not dislike dogs)
it had bailed me up before, it was quite scary
i had to call dog control
i was worried for the man from the council (he said it had fair aggression and inpounded it - it went back to its family on the condition it had retaining)

mind you angry moggies have sharp bits too

 

[TooPatient]

I like the vet's office I am with now. (For the last 15 years or so!) They are usually able to get me in same day for an urgent thing. Or a day or two later. With one of those where they couldn't see for a few days, they recommended several others and stressed how urgent it was and not to wait for them. One got me in a few hours later and my regular vet took the time to chat with me to confirm what I was thinking of course of action. I know that is not common now for many offices. It helps that they have multiple vets in the office plus know me well. I am able to see any of the vets (and like all of them) if my usual is not available immediately.

Just started taking my grandmother's dog to them also as the vet he was with was booked out weeks at a time and always rushed. At his first appointment with mine, she and her tech spent a full hour with us. This is the level of care I am used to and why I drive two hours each way to stay with them.

 

[TooPatient]

Just wanted to add that if it is an issue my vet thinks can safely wait a few days or whatever, she lets me know what to watch for and how to address until then if needed. I think this lets them keep a few slots open for more urgent needs.

 

[missy]

My youngest dog started limping yesterday afternoon so I called my vet to see if we could get an appointment. They told me that the soonest we could possibly be seen is Tuesday but they’ll know on Tuesday… no other options or referrals to clinics, just a “we can let you know on Tuesday.”

The last time one of my dogs had an issue I wanted them to be seen immediately for was during a heavy (for us) snow. They had cancellations due to the snow and could take us in but we got charged extra for being seen that day. We’ve been going to this vet for the last 6 years. Their availability has just gotten worse over the past couple of years.

Anyway yesterday I was able to get my dog into a walk in clinic. It was way cheaper.

I know vets have been pretty busy lately but I’m a little grumpy about the response to seeing my dog yesterday. I’ve been thinking about switching for a bit but have been hesitant because my oldest hates the vet (like screams when they do exams, has to be muzzled) and is finally starting to kind of come around to them. It only took 4 years… He’s always hated vets, we got him like that and I think his old family might have mentioned something to that effect too, so it’s probably been an ongoing thing for him.

I need cooler heads to weigh in on if I’m being unrealistic with my expectations for my dogs to be seen relatively quickly.

No, your expectations are not unreasonable. IMO. Our animals are our babies. No one should say they are any less worthy than anyone else. And sometimes we do not know the difference between a real emergency and a situation that can wait. So one must always err on the side of caution. Period. I hope your baby is OK. I am sorry your veterinarian and his staff treated you that way. And yes, I would switch vets. (((Hugs)))

As a veterinarian, I feel sad about this entire situation. Yes the profession is in an upheaval right now - there aren't enough

doctors to go around, days are very long and booked solid, mountainous student debt looms large, and we don't get paid enough - no where NEAR what an MD makes. And yet all we hear is negativity - regarding cost, availability, etc.

When I'm at work I'm working - non-stop - from the time the first patient arrives until well after "closing time" (ha ha). Most days none of us get lunch, hell we barely have time to use the bathroom. We are busy giving the best care possible to your pet - everyone's pet - and that takes time and manpower. Which is in short supply. There aren't enough technicians, nurses, kennel staff and assistants, receptionists, or doctors.

So we do the best we can. To use your time efficiently when you are there - educating you as well as providing a thorough examination of your fur baby and making appropriate recommendations. And you know what we hear? "How much does that cost?" and "Dr X didn't charge that much" or "My breeder says..." and "you're just in it for the money" followed by negative reviews online and sometimes even in the press. Which hits home, by the way - we are there because we want to take care of your family member. It's emotionally exhausting, and as Matata correctly pointed out, the burnout and suicide rates are high.

That said, if there is a true emergency, we will see it. And the scheduled appointments will have to wait a bit . Because if it was YOUR pet having the emergency, you'd expect the same. But determining the difference between a true emergency vs an urgent need is sometimes a grey area. And receptionists are often not trained medical personnel and quite literally don't have the ability or knowledge to make that determination. We are dealing with that issue at our clinic right now - some patients are being turned away that really should be seen. We try to give a little space in the schedule for those exact situations, which inevitably come up every single day. If you think your pet should be seen, then ask for someone else if the receptionist is not in agreement.

So be nice to your neighborhood vet. Everyone is overwhelmed - from your local vet to the urgent cares (where they exist) to the emergency clinics. We really are there because we want to be, and we are doing the best we can.

This is my sister's experience exactly. From the minute she gets in to the clinic she is busy nonstop. No time to even have a bite to eat or a drink of water. She sometimes works over 12 hours a day. They have been short veterinarians in her practice since the beginning of the pandemic. She works incredibly hard for little pay too. It's a passion of hers. Helping animals. But I worry she is going to burn out. She never turns away anyone if there is an emergency and she will stay til 10PM sometimes. Yes, she is overwhelmed as many veterinarians are right now. But it won't stop her from doing her very best for each and every animal. That's who she is. Just like @ecf8503...an impeccable work ethic and deep caring for all animals.

 

[winnietucker]

i dont think its an unrealistic or unreasonable want
but i live in a smaller rural city
we cant get in to see a human family doctor that quickly
when poor Tibby was literly at death's door i rang on Saturday morning and we couldn't get in till Monday 4pm
poor Tibby just lay on the bed all weekend
even i knew we were past praying for a miricle
good luck with the wee falla's foot

dang.
why so these things always happen on long weekends

So sorry about Tibby! I can definitely understand that happening in a rural area.

But yes…. My dogs seem to have a knack for needing urgent care before a long weekend/ other event where it’s inconvenient. Especially my oldest. His timing is impeccable.

As a veterinarian, I feel sad about this entire situation. Yes the profession is in an upheaval right now - there aren't enough doctors to go around, days are very long and booked solid, mountainous student debt looms large, and we don't get paid enough - no where NEAR what an MD makes. And yet all we hear is negativity - regarding cost, availability, etc.

When I'm at work I'm working - non-stop - from the time the first patient arrives until well after "closing time" (ha ha). Most days none of us get lunch, hell we barely have time to use the bathroom. We are busy giving the best care possible to your pet - everyone's pet - and that takes time and manpower. Which is in short supply. There aren't enough technicians, nurses, kennel staff and assistants, receptionists, or doctors.

So we do the best we can. To use your time efficiently when you are there - educating you as well as providing a thorough examination of your fur baby and making appropriate recommendations. And you know what we hear? "How much does that cost?" and "Dr X didn't charge that much" or "My breeder says..." and "you're just in it for the money" followed by negative reviews online and sometimes even in the press. Which hits home, by the way - we are there because we want to take care of your family member. It's emotionally exhausting, and as Matata correctly pointed out, the burnout and suicide rates are high.

That said, if there is a true emergency, we will see it. And the scheduled appointments will have to wait a bit . Because if it was YOUR pet having the emergency, you'd expect the same. But determining the difference between a true emergency vs an urgent need is sometimes a grey area. And receptionists are often not trained medical personnel and quite literally don't have the ability or knowledge to make that determination. We are dealing with that issue at our clinic right now - some patients are being turned away that really should be seen. We try to give a little space in the schedule for those exact situations, which inevitably come up every single day. If you think your pet should be seen, then ask for someone else if the receptionist is not in agreement.

So be nice to your neighborhood vet. Everyone is overwhelmed - from your local vet to the urgent cares (where they exist) to the emergency clinics. We really are there because we want to be, and we are doing the best we can.

Thank you for your insight and advice! I’m so sorry people treat you that way. That’s definitely not okay and I promise we do not treat our vet that way.

Just wanted to add that if it is an issue my vet thinks can safely wait a few days or whatever, she lets me know what to watch for and how to address until then if needed. I think this lets them keep a few slots open for more urgent needs.

Oh see I like that. I would have been perfectly content with that too.

No, your expectations are not unreasonable. IMO. Our animals are our babies. No one should say they are any less worthy than anyone else. And sometimes we do not know the difference between a real emergency and a situation that can wait. So one must always err on the side of caution. Period. I hope your baby is OK. I am sorry your veterinarian and his staff treated you that way. And yes, I would switch vets. (((Hugs)))





This is my sister's experience exactly. From the minute she gets in to the clinic she is busy nonstop. No time to even have a bite to eat or a drink of water. She sometimes works over 12 hours a day. They have been short veterinarians in her practice since the beginning of the pandemic. She works incredibly hard for little pay too. It's a passion of hers. Helping animals. But I worry she is going to burn out. She never turns away anyone if there is an emergency and she will stay til 10PM sometimes. Yes, she is overwhelmed as many veterinarians are right now. But it won't stop her from doing her very best for each and every animal. That's who she is. Just like @ecf8503...an impeccable work ethic and deep caring for all animals.

Thank you Missy. He seems to be ok but we’ll know for sure once he’s off the pain meds.

 

[canuk-gal]

Lol - yes, I'm ok. I'm on forced "vacation" right now thanks to Covid!

I do truly love what I do - I work with just cats, and that in itself is a saving grace for me. It fits me - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Healing vibes across the miles.

 

[Bron357]

Here in Australia we are spoilt.
Many vets are walk in and the vet nurse will triage you, like in a hospital so if your pet is very I’ll you jump the queue. Surgery hours are 10am to 3pm so walk in times are 8am to 10am then 3pm to 6pm.
Then we have emergency vets / hospitals. These operate 24 /7. It’s helpful if you can phone ahead so they can prepare while you are en route. Costs are x 2 for ordinary hour visits (8am to 6pm) and more expensive for middle of the night visits which is fair enough.
And finally we have mobile vets. These vets are most expensive but the vet calls to your home. Helpful for end of life care and people who can’t get to a vet for various reasons - elderly, no car, etc etc.

 

[missy]

Here in Australia we are spoilt.
Many vets are walk in and the vet nurse will triage you, like in a hospital so if your pet is very I’ll you jump the queue. Surgery hours are 10am to 3pm so walk in times are 8am to 10am then 3pm to 6pm.
Then we have emergency vets / hospitals. These operate 24 /7. It’s helpful if you can phone ahead so they can prepare while you are en route. Costs are x 2 for ordinary hour visits (8am to 6pm) and more expensive for middle of the night visits which is fair enough.
And finally we have mobile vets. These vets are most expensive but the vet calls to your home. Helpful for end of life care and people who can’t get to a vet for various reasons - elderly, no car, etc etc.

We have mobile vets and 24 hour emergency veterinarian hospitals here as well. And there are many vets who do take emergencies. Unfortunately @winnietucker ’s current veterinarian is not accommodating.