Ok, I'm just summarizing this but you guys have to read it, I'm not sure how you guys will take it but you are more than welcomed to post your replies. And of course this isn't going to be true for all vets, I know there are MANY good ones out there.
Original Article:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/the-irreverent-vet-speaks-out--what-veterinarians-dont-want-you-to-know/page2.aspx1.
A vet hospital is a small business: Some don't really like to discuss this or put it in this perspective for a client. But truth be told a hospital is still a small business and so a vet can't give out treatment for free and still be able to pay bills and their employees.
2.
Hospital pays a lot less for vaccines than you do: So in other words there is a high profit margin on vaccines. However its necessary because the profit margin for treating an ill pet is much lower. Not to mention that vets are careful where and how they get their vaccines and can be much safer than if you get them, stored them and administered them yourself.
3.
They want you to buy preventative medication: Mainly because its good for your pet but also because some of these meds have a high profit margin as well. Vets don't really like over the counter products.
4.
Vaccines can be Dangerous: There is and always has been a danger in vaccination. Adverse effects are rare but aren't stressed nearly as much as they should be. This is due to the fact that vets think they do more good than bad.
5.
Not all supervise your vet 24/7: Some hospitals do, but there are a few where they have some periods (during the night) where no one is taking care of the pets while they stay at the vets. To compensate there are hospitals that have employees come in early.
6.
Recommendations for vaccines have changed: 15 years ago it was recommended that pets get yearly vaccines, but now we know that vaccines last longer yet some vets still give/recommend yearly vaccinations. Titers are a good alternative to yearly vaccines.
7.
Vets don't agree with Breeders: Its true, in some aspects vets differ in their ideas when compared to breeders. The topic they most disagree on is nutrition.
8.
Some vets are better at something than others: Depending on how often they do a procedure will determine how well and how little complications they will have during said procedure. Ask vets and vet techs how often they do that surgery if you have any doubt.
9.
You have referral options: Some vets will happily refer you to someone else if they are dealing with a difficult case but some are not. If you note that your pet isn't getting better ask if they could give you a referral to get another opinion.
10.
Not fond of alternative methods of treatment: Vets are well versed in traditional medicine, therefore they aren't too excited when dealing with alternative or natural cures.
11.
Vets are usually GP's: A GP is a General Practicioner, which means they have a general ability to cure anything. Whereas a specialist has at least 3 years of study of something in particular and has to take a specialized exam.
12.
Vets have low tolerance for aggressive animals: This is due to the fact that they've seen enough nice animals put to sleep due to these cases. They have also dealth with techs, employees, and owners get unecessarily injured.
13.
Vets get attached: They are professionals and may try to act as if this was just another case but in some circumstances it can't be helped that they become attached to certain pets, especially if they've been treating them for years.
14.
Vets have bad days too: They do, they are people after all.
15
Cats May be Happier as Indoor/Outdoor Cats: Some cats may be happiest as indoor-outdoor cats. Their life span may be less and there are inherent risks of being outdoor cats. However, a balance of food, shelter at will with the stimulation of outdoor life and make for a very happy at. Based on the outdoor risks, most veterinarians recommend that cats be kept indoors.
16.
Dogs don't need vitamins:Of course this depends on the quality for dog food you are feeding but generally dogs don't need the extra supplements provided they are completely healthy.
17.
Dog foods aren't made equal: Vets will generally not want to debate with you about what food you are feeding your dog. They believe in premium proven foods.
18.
All drugs have side effects: All meds will have some sort of side effect, and these are usually not discussed as much as they should.
19.
If your dog is acts aggressive, its muzzled: If a pet that comes into the hospital shows ANY sign of aggression is it muzzled.
20.
You have a bad dog: They will usually say that the dog was "pretty good" even if it wasn't.
21.
No House Calls: In short these are a pain and aren't usually done in your typical vet hospital. Dogs can be more aggressive at home, there isn't adequate light or experienced staff to help restrain a dog.
22.
Dogs do better when you aren't around: Usually pets will be more calm and better behaved when it's owner isn't in the room. Of course the vet won't always tell you to get out.
23.
Vets are People people: Most will usually think that a vet is a animal person and in some cases its true, but vets can be people people and in truth what matters most is that the owner likes them since it is them that make a business successful or not.
24.
Vets don't like talking about money: Generally speaking vets are trained in medicine and animals not business. They would much rather talk about treatment than payment or money. But seeing how a hospital is a business they must.
25.
Vets aren't all knowing: They don't know everything about everything, so if you aren't comfortable with a diagnosis its completely alright to get a second opinion or disagree with them.
26.
Pets change: A pet can show a symptom on day and not the next or even show a new one. So testing often, as the patient progresses is helpful.
27.
Vets are not nutritionist: They generally aren't familiar with all the small dog food companies out there, and just have some knowledge on what the dog needs and some premium dog foods.
Subject: 27 Things your vet doesn't want you to know 
Wed Apr 14, 2010 4:43 pm
