I just did something I was "dying" to do.

[DawnCt1]

When Jude's symptoms first appeared, (frequent urination), I had an appointment with a local vet for a canine flu shot, only because it was convenient. Jude's vet is 45 minutes away. The night before, his symptoms became apparent. Once there we caught a urine specimen and there was clearly blood in his urine. To make a long story sort of short; the vet told me that he "didn't have to worry about prostate cancer because he was neutered". I told corrected him and said he was neutered late in life. He called him "she" twice. (easy mistake?) and then ordered over $250 worth of blood tests. Okay, info we could use. My gripe? He NEVER did rectal exam. If he did, he would have felt an enlarged prostate and a tortuous urethra. Now I am not accusing him of contributing to Jude's death. The outcome would have been the same, but I felt I was being set up for churning, with an appointment scheduled for the lab results, etc. The next day I called for the blood work, he diagnosed him with an infection only, which is pretty unusual for a neutered male 11 year old dog who has never had a UTI. I picked up the antibiotics without Jude and five days later was at our vet. Since then I have gotten at least 4 post cards from this practice for everything from vaccinations to dentistry and check ups. Today I called the office. Told them to take me off of their mailing list and said that any vet that doesn't do a rectal exam on a male dog with blood in his urine is providing poor care. Jude passed away from TCC and when I got another dog, I wouldn't consider returning. It probably wasn't nice but I feel better.

 

[disney1990]

You did exactly what you needed to do.

 

[hellokitty86]

I would have done the same thing. So sorry about Jude.

 

[Brit17]

Today I called the office. Told them to take me off of their mailing list and said that any vet that doesn't do a rectal exam on a male dog with blood in his urine is providing poor care. Jude passed away from TCC and when I got another dog, I wouldn't consider returning. It probably wasn't nice but I feel better.

And you may have just helped/saved another dog by reminding the vet what he should have done and do in the future ... Good for you ...

 

[terri01p]

 

[agnes!]

And make sure you recommend your usual vet and *never* the other vet.

agnes!
PS -

 

[DawnCt1]

And make sure you recommend your usual vet and *never* the other vet.

agnes!
PS -

Absolutely! I know nothing would have been different for Jude, but for some other dog in the early stages? Maybe. TCC is a bad disease but it needs to be found as soon as possible. Instead this guy spent time telling me about his new "million dollar" facility he was building for 24 hour a day service, etc. I didn't think he was particularly "polite" to Jude. Most vets talk to the patient while examining them. Not him. He is my SIL/BIL's vet. I told them also, that they are spending too much money for mediocre care. I am sure he is fine for well visits, but when there is something serious, it needs to be found.

 

[luvwinnie]

It had to be done. When our Winnie past away at an ER hospital (we had to euthanize her due to pancreatitis) in the care on an inept and overworked intern, I had to write a long letter to the hospital's director about the lack of communication and the poor care I felt she received. I do not think the outcome would have been different, just as in Jude's case, but her suffering would have been shortened.

 

[Kathi OD]

Nothing wrong with saying how you felt, especially when it comes to the medical treatment of your beloved pet. Sorry for your loss.