Vet-iquette

[KeltonB]

Hi all,

If you've been following the thread on one of my buns, Bean, athttp://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=10916&forum_id=1you'llknow we have a regular vet we have been seeing for a while. Today, wewent to a rabbit specialist and I feel very comfortable with moving thebunnies care over to them.

My problem...how do I explain this to my previous vet? She and herstaff have been nothing but great to us, and I hate leaving them, but Iwant my buns to get the best care available.

Any advice?

Kelton

 

[CorkysMom]

I would just tell them you found someone thatspecializes in rabbits....if they don't, they should be thrilled youfound someone with more knowledge...they really shouldn't question youas its your decision. Maybe plan to keep them as a backup incase the specialist is out at some point and you need care.

Glad you had a good appt with the new one...a good vet who has some bunny knowledge is worth their weight in gold!

 

[Carolyn]

Hi Kelton,

Very catchy and clever title! :great:

Well, you could just fade to black, say nothing and keep both numbers.You never know if you'll want to go to your other vet in the event thatthe specialist isn't available.

If you feel the need to say something if they ask where you've been,I'd be honest. You found someone that specializes in rabbits that youfelt very comfortable with. I'd add how you value the relationship youshare with your current vet, and hope that this doesn't get in the wayas you want to keep all venues open.

People can tell when you're trying to cover something up or lie. Oftentimes, they get a sixth sense about it. Besides, if one of the currentvets clients sees you there and mentions your name, you'll be glad youwere honest.

As I say, take what you like and leave the rest. That's just my opinion.

Gotta go read up on Bean right now.



-Carolyn

 

[Carolyn]

P.S. My own vet has given me the names of rabbitspecialists. Your current vet might welcome knowing that there'ssomeone she can refer to if she's unable to answer a question.

 

With all honestyIt would be to your benifit to Keepboth Vets .

God forbid you should run into such asituation as I did last week , then have yourregular vet go on vacation , you have a Vet on backup . It saved the life of my little rabbit . I amkeeping Both Vets , it makes common sense.

 

[Alice]

Why tell them anything? People get second opinions all the time, so why not animals? :}

I've only had one vet for Meat, but I've switched vets w/ ferrets,cats, & my bearded dragon (I didn't like the first ferret vet,I found a cat specialist closer to my new house, & found a herpspecialist who was much cheaper than the lizard's first vet (I'm notgoing to sacrifice the quality of my pets' care, but when you've got abeardie w/ chronic abscesses & you can get them treated equallywell for $55-$100 every few months instead of $300+, ya tend to go w/the cheaper one ;} )). *Anywho*, every time I've switchedvets, the first vet office was happy to fax over my critters' records,no questions asked. In the ferret's case, I ended up havingher euthanised at the first vet's office (because she worsened quicklyovernight & the old vet was closer to my house), &there were no problems (they still had her files & everything).

If the old vet does ask why you're going to a different vet, I agree w/what's already been said: very nicely explain that you've found anothervet that you'd like to try because they specialize in rabbits.

 

[bluebird]

Soince i have soo many pets i use severalvets,one for horses, they dont treat rabbits.one for bunnies and thesame one for cats and dogs.bluebird

 

[KeltonB]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

The problem I'm facing is I have a follow up visit scheduled for twoweeks with the initial vet, based on meds that she had prescribed. Now,I've seen the rabbit spcialist and we changed all the meds. So there'sno point in going back to the initial vet.

I suppose I'll just call and cancel the appointment, and if asked,explain that we've taken the bunnies to a specialist. I feel like Ireally owe more to my initial vet than a "thanks...c'ya!".

Kelton

 

[Carolyn]

KeltonB wrote:

Isuppose I'll just call and cancel the appointment, and if asked,explain that we've taken the bunnies to a specialist. I feel like Ireally owe more to my initial vet than a "thanks...c'ya!".

Kelton

I don't think there's anything wrong with saying that. Ithink they'll appreciate your honesty. I'd just let them knowthat they'll hear from you again in the future. As noted, inan emergency or in case the rabbit specialist can't see you, you'll begrateful for the backup.



-Carolyn