Dear Dr. Forsythe: I really want to switch veterinary care from the place I’ve been going to for a very long time; every time I go in it seems they have a different person and the girl at the front desk never remembers my name. Even worse, often times the person who is on duty doesn’t know my dog’s name either, even if we have an appointment! Last time they said Pete was a “she” even though I told them several times he was a “he.” My problem is, I’m a little worried about switching, and don’t all the doctors talk about us anyway? The thought of that is just awful, although I bet it probably happens more than any of us realize. How do you suggest I get around this?
Nervous with my care
Dear Nervous: Well first of all, there is no reason why a good veterinary client should feel like a complete stranger at the reception desk at the veterinary hospital they choose to bring their pet. If you are finding the person at the front doesn’t recognize you and your pet despite several repeat visits to the clinic is a problem with the veterinary personnel, not you. I’m sure this is an unfortunate oversight and something no veterinary clinic likes to admit they have to deal with in their office. I know if anyone kept referring to my pet Pete as a “she” after I had corrected them politely, I would feel perturbed as well. Sometimes, as customers and patients, we occasionally feel “invisible” when we go into a store to do business. It feels like a bad space to occupy when this happens. Especially during this challenging economy, we all expect people to be on their top game when we enter a marketplace of any kind. I understand your disappointment and irritation, for I would be aggravated too if I took my child to the doctor and they got his or her name wrong or glazed over something important. Message received!!!
As a believer most people are good, especially those who choose to treat pets for a living, I can only recommend a frank and heartfelt discussion with your doctor about the reasons for your departure, even if it is in the form of a letter. I speak from a vulnerable place and from a painful place: the hardest thing after losing a patient FOR ANY VETERINARIAN is the feeling one gets when we have done the best we can and a client chooses to walk away with no explanation. This happens to us all. It is particularly difficult if we were the vet who saved that pets’ life last year after a car accident or snake bite, and the client feels no inclination to even say goodbye or farewell. It is as easy as a quick phone call by the other vet.
What I’m saying here is I have invested so much love and care into current clients and those from yesteryear. Think carefully before you bail: it is often a smart and proper decision, but say goodbye to the veterinarian with kindness and appreciation. This is a small town, you may need his or her services in the future, you will certainly see this person on the street, and I can assure you, no matter what your emotions are telling you, nobody toils through veterinary school to harm pets: we do it to help them. Perhaps thanks are in order no matter where you are going or heading. Just a Christmas thought.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My cat Wilbur got out recently before the rain and came back in with his head shaking. I can see he is really irritated and it looks like there is dirt in his ears. It looks thick in there and like there are small specks like coffee inside. He is really upset and scratching and itching himself like mad. Do I need to get a collar to put on him?
Jim, Sonoma
Dear Jim: No, a collar won’t “cut it.” It sounds like your kitty may have ear mites, or Otodectic mange. This is caused by a small mite Otodectes cynotis which lives in the external ear canal mainly. These little critters multiply and cause damage through irritant effects, mechanical and chemical, and can also cause hypersensitivity reactions. Most veterinarians perform an ear swab and cytology to look under the microscope and see six-legged “crab-like”critters crawling around for proper diagnosis. Then treatment begins with a thorough ear washing followed by a topical ear treatment with a medication which kills both the mites and then eggs. I realize this is a disgusting parasitic illness, but rest assured it is easily diagnosed and treated. Your pet should be trouble free in no time at all.
Thanks for a great question.
Dr. F
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