VikkiVet
Mama Doe
I'm not one for posting woe-is-me threads, and i hope no-one takes this personally, but i have really noticed in the last few months how often and how harshly some people on RU criticise their vets.
I'm not saying that some complaints aren't justified, and everyone is entitled to hold an opinion and let off steam, but the venom with which some people express it really shocks me. Also, the generalised judgement people make upon a vet or a practice based on one incident or one thing a vet said or did.
I know lots of you have wonderful vets who you do praise and appreciate greatly, but please think carefully and use some compassion when dealing with your vet. We're only human, we make mistakes. Sadly many cases, regardless of illness or animal, dont come in with textbook signs and symptoms, causes are not clear on x-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds etc and medical and surgical therapies are not flawless. This frustrates the vet as much as the owner, trust me.
As has been discussed before, vets dont really get enough training in rabbits and rodents, although it is increasing. This is mainly because rabbit medicine doesnt make any money, unless you are a rabbit specialist. We'd all like to be vets because we want to treat animals, and make the money irrelevant, but you can't run a practice on nothing so most vets actually treat rabbits because they care and not for business/financial reasons. But if your vet isnt sure what is going on, consider how frustrated they feel inside, even if they're not showing it, rather than assuming they dont care or are being arrogant or ignorant. Most would welcome information and advice, and i apologise for those that don't. If you want something done about it, complain to the RCVS or the vet colleges, not the vet.
I started the "ask the vet student" thread as an outlet for people's questions and frustrations, so there could be a reasonable non-personal debate and i could learn about what frustrates or distresses owners most. But sometimes i read threads and comments about vets and it makes me not want to come on RU anymore. I don't dare post what i think on some such threads for fear of being flamed and inciting a greater argument, as thats just not constructive.
I just wanted to post this so people can understand what its like from the other side of the argument.
I'm not saying that some complaints aren't justified, and everyone is entitled to hold an opinion and let off steam, but the venom with which some people express it really shocks me. Also, the generalised judgement people make upon a vet or a practice based on one incident or one thing a vet said or did.
I know lots of you have wonderful vets who you do praise and appreciate greatly, but please think carefully and use some compassion when dealing with your vet. We're only human, we make mistakes. Sadly many cases, regardless of illness or animal, dont come in with textbook signs and symptoms, causes are not clear on x-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds etc and medical and surgical therapies are not flawless. This frustrates the vet as much as the owner, trust me.
As has been discussed before, vets dont really get enough training in rabbits and rodents, although it is increasing. This is mainly because rabbit medicine doesnt make any money, unless you are a rabbit specialist. We'd all like to be vets because we want to treat animals, and make the money irrelevant, but you can't run a practice on nothing so most vets actually treat rabbits because they care and not for business/financial reasons. But if your vet isnt sure what is going on, consider how frustrated they feel inside, even if they're not showing it, rather than assuming they dont care or are being arrogant or ignorant. Most would welcome information and advice, and i apologise for those that don't. If you want something done about it, complain to the RCVS or the vet colleges, not the vet.
I started the "ask the vet student" thread as an outlet for people's questions and frustrations, so there could be a reasonable non-personal debate and i could learn about what frustrates or distresses owners most. But sometimes i read threads and comments about vets and it makes me not want to come on RU anymore. I don't dare post what i think on some such threads for fear of being flamed and inciting a greater argument, as thats just not constructive.
I just wanted to post this so people can understand what its like from the other side of the argument.