So you need a second opinion on your pet's illness?

As a general rule,we are  told, that if you are not happy with the  opinion given to you on whatever it is that you are getting checked out,  whether it be your mechanic, electrician, or  your vet or doctor, to go seek a second opinion. That is, disregard the first one, and go somewhere else. Where are animals are concerned, though, the decision to go seeking a second opinion should be done under alot of consideration.

In  many cases, seeking that second opinion,  is the right thing to do, but before you go "vet hopping", there are some things you need to do to  make sure you and your pet gets the most out it.

Ok, I am jumping ahead here.  I need to back up a bit.  You need to look at why you are out and about getting a second opinion on your pet, in the first place. 

Is it really the right thing to do?  

• Have you spoken to your first vet about the concerns that you have.  
• Have you listened to what they have had to say back to you? 
• Are you being honest with yourself about why you are seeking the second opinion?  Is it because they want to do tests, and you don't want to pay? or is it because they are not doing the tests you think they should be doing.

In the cases I see as "second opinion" cases, they usually fall into  4  categories....

1. The pet is seeing different vets at each visit, and there is no one really responsible for the overall case, so the pet doesn't improve like it should, or the same old treatment is being dished out at each visit.  Or, the pet is seeing the same vet, and ditto - no change.  
2. The pet owner is being told different things at each pet visit, and is confused about what the problem actually is.
3. The pet owner has an expectation that things should be improving faster than they actually are, and just want a second opinion in case the first one is wrong. 
4. The pet owner has been advised by the vet that further tests are needed, and this is going to cost money, and the pet owner is not willing or able to pay for the tests, and just wants a second opinion for another "treatment trial". 
5. A communication breakdown between the pet owner and the vet. 
6. The opinion that the owner is getting is not matching the opinion the owner thinks himself, or matches the "Dr Google" diagnosis so they are trying to find a vet which matches what they think.

Now I have no doubt some of my clients have sought second opinions elsewhere, as is their right.  I regularly see second opinion cases too... it happens.  

Naturally,  you don't think you fall into the above categories, and you may not, but I think you will agree, being honest with yourself about why you are seeking a second opinion, will mean that your pet will get the maximum benefit from that visit. 

Up to now, I have placed the onus on you.... what are your expectations, what are your limitations.  And I have asked you to be honest with yourself about that.   

You know, I am not one of those vets that rubs my little hands together with glee when there is a second opinion case booked in, simply because it means, in my mind, a communication breakdown between the pet owner and the vet, and that breaks my heart. 

Diagnosing a pet's illness is not "child's play". 

 The majority of colleagues that I have met and worked with, are hard working, dedicated, caring and knowledgeable, as am I.  And sadly, some owners of second opinion cases come in and say unpleasant things about my colleagues.... just don't do it.   You may be right in what you say, but it doesn't help me look after your pet better.... and it is all about the animals for me.  When your pet is in my consultation room, they are my priority, as is addressing any concerns you have.   Dr So and So is not my concern. 

But sometimes, there has been a breakdown, or a personality clash, and so, you come to us for a "second opinion".   And that is within your right, and in some cases, is in the best interest of the pet, as we will sit down, and go over everything, with "fresh eyes", like a detective on a "cold case".

And we will give you our honest appraisal of what is going on, and what needs to be done to get the improvement that you are seeking. 

That is our guarantee to you.  We guarantee  you, that we will treat you honestly, and fairly, and address your pet's concerns with kindness and compassion.  And that applies, on whether you are a regular client of ours, or whether you are visiting us for a "second opinion"

As the vet at Russell Vale Animal Clinic, I take what I do very seriously, and try to address owners concerns as best as I can.  So, if you do need a second opinion on your pet's illness, we are only happy to help.