Buuny_Friend
Mama Doe
...the actual 'rules' about having your pets registered with more than one vet?
Is it actually 'allowed'?
Thank you
Is it actually 'allowed'?
Thank you
This is interesting giys as I have been told that a quote from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons states that, 'No animal should be registered with more than one vet to avoid confusion on clinical notes' (those are not the exact words but you get the jist!)
Surely, we all have a right to choose which vets our animals are registered with. For example, you may choose to get your bunnies vaccinated at a certain vets because it is cheaper but may choose another for more complicated issues as they are more bunny savvy.
Now, I don't know whether this quote is true or, in fact, if there is more to it but it has got me thinking as I know that many of us do use more than 1!!!!
That's what my vets say, and they will not take on the same animal who is registered with another vet, unless it is a referral form that vet.
Officially a single animal should be registered with a single vet - that way the vet has all the details they need to provide complete care.
This vet should provide all basic care for the registered patient
A 'second opinion' is when an owner wishes to seek confirmation/further options over a diagnosis or treatment. The animal then goes to another vet of a similar or advanced status for this appraisal. After a second opinion is given the animal returns to the original vet for treatment.
A 'referral' is when a vet forwards a case to a more experienced vet for investigation/treatment. The new vet is in charge of the case until the problem is resolved then the animal is back under the care of the original vet.
Nobody is preventing anyone using the vet of their choice, but once you make that choice stick to it. The usual reason is that one is cheaper for routine procedures and the more experienced and expensive vet is only used for more significant problems. My issue with this is that potentially a more appropriate vet may pick up on problems at a routine check e.g. dental problems, early signs of illness, that the other may miss as not as knowledgeable, or that each vet only has half the story when trying to assess whether a problem or symptom is significant. I do emergency work for other practices and I hate having to see cases without access to their prior medical history, latest blood results etc, most owners can't given detailed clinical histories especially when emotional, and I would never expect them to remember what the white blood cell count was several months ago! It does make it difficult to objectively assess changes in an animal's condition when you don't know how it was previously.
You are absolutely able to switch vets if not happy with them but it is best to be open and honest and let them know you are going to another vet (if nothing else if they lose several rabbit clients they are more likely to be more enthusiastic to learn more about them!) and try and build up a good relationship witht he one you choose.
I am confused as to why you would *want* your animals registered with more than 1 vet, unless it is a consult. There are all sorts of complications which may lead to a lack of a full record for the animal, which is potentially dangerous.
I am confused as to why you would *want* your animals registered with more than 1 vet, unless it is a consult. There are all sorts of complications which may lead to a lack of a full record for the animal, which is potentially dangerous.