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AMA
Original poster

I work in a vets AMA

127 replies

Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 20:30

Have seen quite a few of these posts and have found them quite fun to read, so as it says AMA about working in a vets. Have been a lurker up until now and this is my first post. 😊

OP posts:
WedonttalkaboutMaureen · 22/02/2023 22:22

@Gymmum82 why are you being such a bitch to OP when she's trying to be helpful and answer questions from her own point of view. Start your own thread if you want to be applauded for being SuperVet.

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:24

Catnipcapers · 22/02/2023 22:20

What is your experience with gabapentin and anxious cats? I have an ex feral who I adore but still cannot be picked up - it takes gauntlets and him peeing himself in fright which makes me feel awful. He is booked jn for his booster tomorrow and I've been prescribed gabapentin for him. I've been told to give 1x 25mg tablet 2-3 hours prior but all the Googling I've done suggests 100mg. I'm going to stick with what I've been told of course but I'm already massively stressed that 25mg isn't going to do anything for him.

I think it works a treat!! It’s a really good
protocol for anxious cats and when used in the right circumstances can be amazing. I don’t think I can discuss dosages and agree or disagree but vets will always typically start at the lower end of things first and work up to maximum, that way the adverse effects are avoided. Don’t feel afraid to call up in the morning and clarify what you are giving though, they won’t mind confirming :)

OP posts:
Parrish · 22/02/2023 22:26

Why do vets hate treating rabbits so much? And why are they so quick to pass them on to specialists?

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:27

TicTac80 · 22/02/2023 22:06

This is a great thread, thank you for starting it. I have a question…are there any basic courses that a layman like myself can undertake so that I can better watch out for any issues/illnesses with my cats (I have 4)? FWIW, I’m a nurse (for humans), but worked as a BMS before retraining as a nurse. Goes without saying that I take mine to a vet if there’s any concerns I have, but I’d love to learn more!

This is great and thank you for being such an amazing owner!! I suggest getting in touch with your practice your cats are registered at and asking if the nurses do any education talks etc, where I work we regularly do open evenings where we do discussions and practical talks with owners and they may offer something in your area. These are usually low cost or free too :)

OP posts:
Strawberrypicnic · 22/02/2023 22:27

Thanks for answering our qus, I don't know why some people have hijacked this thread to argue with you about freezers and bags 😅My question is which breed(s) of dog do you least like to see in the consulting room / which are you most wary of?

NickMyLipple · 22/02/2023 22:28

Given this is AMA, I'm going in with a slightly weird one...

I recently watched The Good Nurse about a serial killer who was thought to have killed around 400 people. There are a number of stories where medical or nursing professionals have murdered their patients.

Are there similar stories within vetinary practice? Are there such things as "animal" psychopaths who come into veterinary practice purely to harm innocent and vulnerable animals? I've never heard of a story like that but I expect it wouldn't necessarily make the MSM unless it was local!

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:31

Parrish · 22/02/2023 22:26

Why do vets hate treating rabbits so much? And why are they so quick to pass them on to specialists?

Rabbits are classed as an exotic which is funny when there are so many of them in the UK! But medically they can be challenging and unless a vet has a specific interest they may feel like the rabbit will receive better treatment and value for money elsewhere, but they can never refuse to see you if you are registered and it’s an emergency situation :) I advise finding a rabbit savvy vet, there are plenty out there!

OP posts:
Beaucielblues · 22/02/2023 22:32

@userxx I'm going through exactly the same thing but mine got cancer of the jaw. How old is your cat? Mine is nearly 14years. Sending love. I know how much it hurts.

redboxer321 · 22/02/2023 22:32

@Howdoipickaname
I just think the veterinary industry has changed so much over the past few decades and all for the worse.
I think it must be a largely awful job. I would actually like vets to have more power in some ways and be more willing to insist that animals are pts. But they can't because they are worried about getting sued. I see so many dogs out on walks that are so clearly in pain but their owners can't or won't see it.
I can only imagine the frustration that vets must feel.
I think it's a job where you need to sell your soul (like many admittedly).
Many vets are actually working in high pressured sales jobs and they may want to put animal welfare first but they can't as they need to hit targets so that shareholders get rich. So they give them unnecessary treatments, tell the owners what they want to hear, basically try to do a job that has become impossible.
I've had experiences, ranging from excellent to truly awful but I'm afraid my faith has been destroyed and I am wary of following any vet's advice.

Suzi888 · 22/02/2023 22:33

Do you recommend Librela? DDog has just started Librela for arthritis. He also has Galliprant, Gabapentin and human paracetamol (vet said it’s ok to use the latter).
Is there anything else you can recommend for severe arthritis please?

I’ve heard vets say “never throw a ball for a dog” Do you agree?

Thanks for the thread 😊

Thisisnotmyname2022 · 22/02/2023 22:33

My dog is an arse with the vets and turns into a complete pshyco. He’s a rescue and has trust issues, something we’ve tried to work on but the vets is a no. A muzzle makes him anxious (he’s a boxer) and then we all get frustrated. He’s typically healthy although he’s now 8 so I imagine health will start to decline.

He hasn’t had his boosters since pre covid as I can’t hand him over to the vets without him losing his shit. I literally have to stand over him and walk straight out once done while OH pays etc.

Do you judge us and how can I make it better?

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:33

Strawberrypicnic · 22/02/2023 22:27

Thanks for answering our qus, I don't know why some people have hijacked this thread to argue with you about freezers and bags 😅My question is which breed(s) of dog do you least like to see in the consulting room / which are you most wary of?

Neither do I 🙄 haha!! So I find Shar Peis quite nervous in the veterinary environment and in turn can be aggressive, that’s one breed which I’m always a little
more cautious around, them and German shepherds!

OP posts:
Thisisnotmyname2022 · 22/02/2023 22:34

Our other boxer is an absolute dream and loves the vets, so different in personalities and I put that down to their start in life being so different.

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:36

NickMyLipple · 22/02/2023 22:28

Given this is AMA, I'm going in with a slightly weird one...

I recently watched The Good Nurse about a serial killer who was thought to have killed around 400 people. There are a number of stories where medical or nursing professionals have murdered their patients.

Are there similar stories within vetinary practice? Are there such things as "animal" psychopaths who come into veterinary practice purely to harm innocent and vulnerable animals? I've never heard of a story like that but I expect it wouldn't necessarily make the MSM unless it was local!

Wow! I’ve never heard of anything like this happening in the veterinary profession but how awful, glad to say I have no stories of experiences x

OP posts:
Suzi888 · 22/02/2023 22:37

“Many vets are actually working in high pressured sales jobs and they may want to put animal welfare first but they can't as they need to hit targets so that shareholders get rich. So they give them unnecessary treatments, tell the owners what they want to hear, basically try to do a job that has become impossible.”

If you directly ask a vet if it’s time to consider pts ? can they be honest with you? Or are they prevented from doing so?

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:39

Suzi888 · 22/02/2023 22:33

Do you recommend Librela? DDog has just started Librela for arthritis. He also has Galliprant, Gabapentin and human paracetamol (vet said it’s ok to use the latter).
Is there anything else you can recommend for severe arthritis please?

I’ve heard vets say “never throw a ball for a dog” Do you agree?

Thanks for the thread 😊

It sounds like your dog is on a good mix of meds, I’ve seen very good results with librela! If your vet is happy I’d recommend sticking with it, it can take a few weeks to really notice the effects though. You could also try some supplements, next time you see your vet mention it and see if they think they could be beneficial but from what you said you have a good vet with a good approach to pain management :)

OP posts:
bloodyplanes · 22/02/2023 22:39

Why can I literally never take my dog into the vet without them finding something to treat them for ( usually costing £££££)? They will never just say oh go away and keep an eye on it for a couple of days and then come back if it continues, they absolutely always give them some kind of expensive test, treatment or medication!!

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:41

Suzi888 · 22/02/2023 22:37

“Many vets are actually working in high pressured sales jobs and they may want to put animal welfare first but they can't as they need to hit targets so that shareholders get rich. So they give them unnecessary treatments, tell the owners what they want to hear, basically try to do a job that has become impossible.”

If you directly ask a vet if it’s time to consider pts ? can they be honest with you? Or are they prevented from doing so?

Hmmm I think you’ve misunderstood, there are no targets to reach and contrary to popular opinion we do not work on commission. Of course a vet can be honest- I wouldn’t expect anything less!! Who would be preventing them!?

OP posts:
Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:42

bloodyplanes · 22/02/2023 22:39

Why can I literally never take my dog into the vet without them finding something to treat them for ( usually costing £££££)? They will never just say oh go away and keep an eye on it for a couple of days and then come back if it continues, they absolutely always give them some kind of expensive test, treatment or medication!!

Probably because if you went away without medication or tests you’d moan you just paid £(insert consult fee) for the vet to just tell you to keep an eye!! Honestly we can’t win. I wondered how long it would take before the vet bashing started on this forum, it took longer than I thought.

OP posts:
Octopusmittens · 22/02/2023 22:42

Do you ever end up taking any waifs and strays home OP? My friend and her DH are both vets, and they’ve adopted quite a few.

Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:45

Thisisnotmyname2022 · 22/02/2023 22:33

My dog is an arse with the vets and turns into a complete pshyco. He’s a rescue and has trust issues, something we’ve tried to work on but the vets is a no. A muzzle makes him anxious (he’s a boxer) and then we all get frustrated. He’s typically healthy although he’s now 8 so I imagine health will start to decline.

He hasn’t had his boosters since pre covid as I can’t hand him over to the vets without him losing his shit. I literally have to stand over him and walk straight out once done while OH pays etc.

Do you judge us and how can I make it better?

No judgment at all. Speak to your nurses about coming in for a friendly visit, where you can all sit in the consult room, chill and have treats- do this for however long you think is needed, it will help to show your boy that it’s all ok. Your vet may be able to prescribe some drugs for when he needs to come in which will help him relax and take the edge off. I’m not a behaviourist of course and they will have better and more in depth advice :)

OP posts:
Original poster
Howdoipickaname · 22/02/2023 22:46

Octopusmittens · 22/02/2023 22:42

Do you ever end up taking any waifs and strays home OP? My friend and her DH are both vets, and they’ve adopted quite a few.

Yes! I ended up with a rabbit for a while, and my Nan still has a cat who was taken into us after being found on a motorway.

OP posts:
bloodyplanes · 22/02/2023 22:47

@Howdoipickaname i was asking a genuine question not vet bashing!!! They will literally never ever say oh there's nothing wrong or just go away and keep an eye on it 🤷‍♀️

redboxer321 · 22/02/2023 22:48

@bloodyplanes
Have a look here:
www.greenbayvets.co.uk/2019/03/20/proud-to-be-independent/

I'm not saying there are no good vets, I'm just saying the industry needs radical reform, not least for vets themselves (the suicide rate is pretty high).

Also, have a look for why I'm ashamed to be a vet online.

I've no desire to vet bash but this Enid Blyton idea we have about vets is just not true.

XenoBitch · 22/02/2023 23:02

bloodyplanes · 22/02/2023 22:47

@Howdoipickaname i was asking a genuine question not vet bashing!!! They will literally never ever say oh there's nothing wrong or just go away and keep an eye on it 🤷‍♀️

Mine does, and they are a big chain. They wont push for tests that are not needed and you can't afford.

Vets can't win. There is no NHS for animals, so the bills we get are the upfront real life costs of the treatments. People moan about paying £50 for a consultation.. that does not go into the vet's pocket. It pays for the vet, the other staff, the building, the bills etc...
If we had to pay for things like MRI, the cost for humans would be a lot more than it is for animals.