Really cross

[HeyheyheyGoodbye]

One of my beloved cats has a number of health problems, and we have an extraordinary vet who has invested endless time and effort into finding a regime which works for her. He is fab and has actually taken the time to do his own research into maintaing her good quality of life. He even wrote a paper!

He was on holiday around Christmas, when HeyCat's regular treatment was due, and so we had no choice but to see the cover vet. She asked a lot of annoying questions about HeyCat's treatment, but we said we didn't want to change it without speaking to our regular vet, so she said ok and gave HeyCat her usual treatment.

I really noticed that the condition didn't seem to respond as usual, but it is extremely cold at the moment and HeyCat isn't going outside and keeps putting her face on the radiator so I didn't think too much of it. Usually HeyCat goes 8-10 weeks between veterinary treatment, with smaller twice-daily treatments at home, but after four weeks I decided enough was enough and took her back in.

Our regular vet is back, and I explained it to him. He checked the record, went very quiet, and finally told us that the cover vet decided to only give her half her dose! He was extremely annoyed, although maintained professionalism, and said he hates going on holiday now because this always happens. Our vet is very disappointed that a young locum would think they knows better than the regular, experienced vet who is invested in our animal's welfare on a personal level.The receptionist, with whom we are friendly, divulged that lots of people have been complaining.

Anyway, he said he is going to put a personally-written letter by him on HeyCat's file saying she MUST have the proper treatment, even if whoever is covering finds it unorthodox. Which it is! But it works! And it is the ONLY THING that works. I don't want to complain anymore to our surgery as they have done everything they can, but I want to write to a higher body. Would the BVA be able to help me, do you think?

Fingers crossed, no long-term damage has been done to my particular animal, although I feel very angry that HeyCat has suffered for no reason. Her file makes it clear that she is a frail animal with delicate health. I am concerned that this will happen to other animals and there could be a case where it can't be reversed. This locum could do irreparable damage by ignoring the regular vet's orders

[RubbishMantra]

Sorry I'm not any help, but I'd be f*cking furious too.

Your actual vet sounds lovely though.

Hope your girl is feeling right as rain soon.

[chockbic]

I don't know, if he's doing stuff off label, as it were.

Perhaps that's why the locum went with regular treatment.

Can see why you're annoyed, as it works.

[cozietoesie]

I would also be annoyed but I would have serious reservations about going to the BVA - at least without discussing it with your existing vet.

While I appreciate that you have tried to give us as much information as you can consistent with confidentiality, it sounds rather as if your own vet has been giving more than the recommended dose of meds to your cat - and has possibly been doing that with more than one animal. (The 'complaints' mentioned by the receptionist - who shouldn't have said a darned thing by the way.)

In those circumstances, the locum would be acting correctly, I suspect, and your own vet would be the one who might find himself being questioned critically - whatever his sterling hard work and however pure his motives - by the BVA during the course of a complaint investigation.

I don't know the rules on supervising locums - one of the vets who post might comment - but your own vet has the option of not employing them again and, I would have thought, of taking up any dereliction of duty on their part to a professional body. Is he minded to do that?

I'd speak with him before you do a thing.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I'd be furious too BUT complaining to her governing body could get her suspended from practice.

If the treatments un-orthodox then she's adhering to her training?.

I'd let the vet sort it out with the locum.

[HeyheyheyGoodbye]

Yes - you are right. This is great advice guys, thank you.

I've calmed down a bit now I don't want to divulge too much about the treatment as it's unusual and identifying, but you are right that I should just leave it for now. I was just upset to think of HeyCat suffering needlessly. I'll get myself to the grip store!

I think what had upset me more than anything is that she lied to us. Why not TELL us what she was doing and I would at least have known and been armed with that knowledge? I was worried HeyCat had stopped responding. But you are all right that I should cool my heels! Thank you