Don’t Believe Everything You Hear—From Your Vet
Dexter’s appetite is back to normal―no thanks to
synthetic chemicals.
As a person who has never had any trouble whatsoever questioning authority, it often shocks me to hear friends and acquaintances tell me that they just went along with whatever treatment their vet recommended for their dog without even questioning it. Often they’ll give their dog a medication without even knowing what it is or they won’t even know the name of the condition or illness that their dog has. They just leave the dog’s health and treatment in the hands of the almighty veterinarian. I think this blind obedience stems from the fact that a veterinarian is considered an authority figure, with lots of educational qualifications and experience. But many people fail to realize that vets are just people too. They can have their biases (veterinary surgeons like to do surgery, for example!), and they didn’t all graduate at the top of their class, either.
The importance of questioning authority cannot be overstated. Blind obedience to authority can lead to horrifying consequences, as was clearly demonstrated in the Milgram experiments of the 1960s, in which between 61 and 66 percent of people were willing to administer fatal shocks (450 volts) to another human being just because the authority figure told them that they must do it.
This is frightening on many levels, but for my purposes, I would like to focus on the implications of this mentality for our dogs’ health and well-being. Recently, my rambunctious, fun-loving, 5-year-old dog Dexter’s appetite started to go wonky. I would call him to come for his dinner, and he wouldn’t come! This continued and became worrisome, so I had blood work done, and the results showed a low thyroid reading. The vet recommended an “add-on” thyroid test, which also showed a low thyroid reading. She then strongly recommended that I go ahead and just put Dexter on synthetic thyroid hormone (thyroxine) for the rest of his life, based on the results of those two tests. So I consulted two other vets, including one whom I considered holistic because she does acupuncture and chiropractic, and all three of them agreed.
Because they all sounded so sure of themselves, I did it, but I was very uncomfortable doing it. Dexter didn’t have any other symptoms of a dog with low thyroid levels, and the thought of keeping him on synthetic thyroxine his whole life seemed rather drastic. Actually, it bothered me so much that I decided to seek out a fourth opinion from a holistic vet whom I knew I could really trust―Dr. Monique Maniet at Veterinary Holistic Care in Bethesda, Maryland. She used to be my vet when I lived in Maryland prior to 1996, and I know her to be a perfectionist with a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of all kinds of holistic treatments.
Well, that was the turning point. Dr. Maniet examined Dexter’s record and said, “He doesn’t have hypothyroidism.” She pointed out several reasons why it didn’t make sense and explained that a low thyroid reading could point to many different problems unrelated to hypothyroidism. And as a matter of fact, Dexter was experiencing some other health problems that could have contributed to this low thyroid reading, notably a chronic limp (which is another whole story for later). Dr. Maniet said to take him off the thyroxine, and she gave me a thyroid-stimulating herbal supplement to use for a little while instead. Now, three weeks later, Dexter is back to normal, eating like a champ―no hesitation whatsoever!
I just wonder what percentage of people would have simply acquiesced under pressure, as I initially did, and just put their dog on a lifetime of medication, which would have effectively shut down his thyroid, rendering him totally dependent on synthetic hormones. I’m guessing around 61 to 65 percent.
The moral of the story is this: Take everything your vet says with a grain of salt. You alone are responsible for your dog’s well-being, so if something in a treatment plan seems off, speak up! Ask for alternatives. Get a second opinion and a third and a fourth, if you have to, and by all means, check out the holistic alternatives and approaches. Go online and do some research on your own. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn that way. Take charge of your dog’s health yourself. You, and not your vet, are your dog’s best advocate.
And in case any vets are reading this―I have nothing against vets per se. In fact, I appreciate vets very much. But I just think we need to view them in the proper perspective―as people, not gods.
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October 31st, 2008 at 6:21 pm
very very valid and important points
November 1st, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Thanks for sharing. I have an awesome vet–she has literally brought several of my cats back from the brink of death. But she also is very grounded in a western medicine way of thinking, and she is often suspicious of holistic methods. Thanks for sharing Dr. Maniet’s advice–I live in Maryland, and I may consult her for some ongoing problems with my poor old lab, Carl. Sometimes you just need to question even the best of authorities…
November 1st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Thank you for posting this article. I had a dear friend with “normal” illnesses for his breed; an American Cocker Spaniel. I must have been to 50 Vets in search of a Vet to give my dog some relief from his terminal ear infections and what appeared to be psoriasis. Nearly every Vet blamed his diet; I think it was the “fall-back” answer when then didn’t know what the heck was wrong.
THE WORST was Vetsmart who seemed to have students caring for the patients? They claimed to be able to fix my dog’s ear problem by putting him under anethesia and deep cleaning his ears. They said he should be asleep during the procedure as there is pain involved. They offered to clean his teeth and cut his nails while he was asleep.
I thought this would be a good idea since my baby wouldn’t have to endure extra visits and he was pretty “high-energy”. I scheduled the appointment ; looking forward to seeing my baby be more comfortable. I never thought a Vet would suggest precedures they were inept to perform. When I picked up my baby I knew it’s always best to pay first as he was VERY ENERGENTIC! Much to my shock; he had to be carried (Too much anethesia I later found out). I carried him to the car and placed him in the seat. At this point I noticed blood on his paws, teeth and in his ears. I didn’t want to leave him alone; so I brought him home to stay with my husband. I didn’t waste a second going back to VETsmart and discussed this with them. They denied it and said he was fine when he left. After much negotiating with the store;I contacted the Corporate Office where I got the same run around. When I threated to sue, they offered be a gift certificate to come back. NO. I told them I would accept a gift certificate for merchandise and reimbursement for my Vets bill at another Vetrinarian. They finally agreed.
During this process, I found out that there is no lawyer (or laws) that protected animals from pain and suffering. I was told many times,”Ma’am, if your dog died in their care, you could sue for the cost to replace the dog.” I did explain to them, “There are people like me to whom their pets are priceless and can never be replaced.”
Thank God I found a wonderful Vet named Dr. Eganhouse in the suburbs of Chicago. He passed away about a year ago. And, just like my dog; he was priceless and irreplaceble. He worked until the day he died just as he always said he would.
I wish I had them both back.
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Dear Karen!!
I wish there would be more people thinking like you!!
I totally agree! I feel so mad when I see people giving insane medications to their pets because of what a vet said in 5 minutes!. It seems like vet don´t care what they say!.
I know they went to school, and they probably know a lot, but it seems that the everyday filled them with routine rather than genuine love and interest for each animal.
Even worse, sometimes they just care about the $$$
Know one except us know better our pets. We live and take care of them in most cases like our own child and if a doctor say to my child something like “take this supplement for the rest of your life” that I would definitely worry.
We need more “Moniques” in this world, not for the holistic, but for the passion they put in to solve a mystery, cure and make the life even for a little furry one more pleasant and better.
Thanks for your blog!
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Thanks, Karen for an inspiring message!
I already use a vet trained in alternative healing methods for one cat issue, and am considering her for my oldest cat with a thyroid issue.
Amazing you mentioned the thyroid problem for your dog - mine is hyper, though, with a cat.
What have you used that brought his levels back to normal if they were indeed abnormal?
I can offer my two cents to say I firmly believe in treating the whole pet - not just cover it up with a drug and “see if that helps”.
Peace to all from Summerville, SC.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Dear Karen,
Although you make some valid points, I would just like you to think about the things you are saying. While many veterinarians didn’t graduate at the top of their class, neither did many doctors. For this reason, it is your responsiblity to research each and every veterinarian.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Thanks for the note,likewise I was instructed by my vet and a specialist that talked me into putting my cat on thyroid meds when she had a limp. She had previously been to radiocat and I contacted them and was told to get her off of those meds. I did but soon after she went into chronic kidney failure. Question these prescriptions is all I can say. Also, I am ne to Virginia Beach, VA and am lookingfor the best vet in the area. Can I get some recommendations and why you think he/she is a geat vet? The vet clinic must be clean. Thanks.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
While I always research my dogs’ symptoms and treaments thouroughly, let’s also get real here. Most people don’t have the money to go to several different vets. As a matter of fact, many people I know don’t take their dogs to the vet at all because of money. And while many vets are not that great, holistic vets are not either. I would very carefully research any supplement or herb any holistic vet gives. Many herbs are not researched well in animals. My advice: find one really good vet you trust and then research that vet’s advice on the Internet and with friends and then make the best decision you can.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I have had problems in the past with a vet misdiagnosing an animal. Parvo is a big misdiagnosis. In the past if you took a dog to the vet with vomiting and bloody, watery stool his/her first ‘guess’ would be “Parvo.” The problem with that is that there are a lot of parasites, illnesses and other problems that have the same symptoms as parvo.
Two summers ago I had a puppy, which had all his shots, get sick. I told the vet I thought it might be coccidia since there were so many birds out where I live. Birds tend to carry the parasite and dogs love bird poo. The vet said, and I quote, “I think its parvo.” I hesitantly accepted his diagnosis only to lose the puppy. Another one got sick. I took a stool sample to different vet. I told him I believe it is coccidia and will not accept parvo or “I think its parvo” as an answer. I want a thorough check and especially for coccidia. I was right, it was coccidia that they had. Thanks to the other vets misdiagnosis I lost that other puppy to a horrible death that could have been very easily cured. A lot of the time, it is not parvo but something else. Parvo is horrible but if caught soon enough can be cured. It is not air born. The horrible smell is the smell of the curdled, congealed blood for which is noticed in cases with coccidia or other parasites and even in cancer patients. That does not mean it is parvo. It is also a sign of pancreatitis as well as something that was swallowed and shouldn’t have been. The best test is a thorough test, even a 1st, 2nd and 3rd opinion.
November 7th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Hello,
I thought that these professionals became vets because they loved animals….I don’t understand really….
November 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Yes, this. Thank you for posting about this subject. I currently work at a small pet supply store and I can’t tell you how many customers I butt heads with because their vet “said so.” One huge issue is with food recommendations and people just don’t even want to hear what I have to say. They don’t realize vets get minimal nutrition training and their practices are often funded by Science Diet and IAMS!
November 7th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I am a vet who agrees with Mina. You can put 10 vets in a room and get 10 different opinions. Ultimately, you need to be responsible for your friend. I dont have many clients that can afford 2 and 3rd opinions, so I tell people what can be happening to their pet and have them help in the decision to treat them or not. I also use some holistic treatments but have such limited time to research each and every holistic therapy. All vets are human and I love animals more than people. Just dont settle for a vet you dont like.
November 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I am vet-tech… the other day a elderly couple came in with their elderly dog with all kinds of ailments. He had been previously seen by another vet who prescribed steroids for a cough which had initially diagnosed the cough as a allergy and recommended an antihistamine. when the owner came back pet still coughing that is when the steroid was prescribed. Looking at the medical history from the previous vet, blood tests nor x-rays were offered or completed. for 4yrs the o got the steroid refilled without an exam. Now their pet has Cushing’s due to the long-term effect of the steroid.
I even have personally experience…years ago I worked with a vet before who prescribed an eye ointment that contained cortisone for my golden retriever who has an iris cyst, even after she told me she could not see the cyst. I was disgusted with her. I reported her to my supervisor. She never touched my golden again and soon after conveinently left the practice.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Hi AnneMarie Wrigley,
I used an herbal supplement called “Thyro-Stim” to get Dexter’s thyroid working properly again. You can get it online. Good luck!
Karen
November 7th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Hi Heather,
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend anyone in Virginia Beach for comprehensive vet care. But there is a veterinary chiropractor and homeopath named Dr. Paul Rowan who is very good and experienced. He works out of his home and his practice is called Animal Chiropractic. There is also a veterinary acupuncturist named Dr. Connie Pozniak on Virginia Beach Boulevard. To the best of my knowledge, all the other vets in the immediate area practice conventional medicine, so you would just have to see which one you think is the best. I hope that helps a little. I wish Dr. Maniet would move down here!
Karen
November 7th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hi Mina and Joan,
I couldn’t agree more that you have to take responsibility for your own animal, including doing your own research and not just blindly accepting what the vet says. And that goes for holistic medicine too. I recently questioned Dr. Maniet about her nonsurgical protocol for my dog’s shoulder joint problem, because everything I read on the Internet said to do the surgery. And her response was that she had had the same problem in her knee and she was applying the same holistic protocol that she used on herself to my dog. Well, that was good enough for me.
But I disagree with you about not being able to afford vet care. Often, it’s simply a matter of priorities. I bet if it were their child, they would go get that second opinion. What else are they spending that money on? New clothes, cigarettes, eating out? You spend your money on what’s important to you, and if it’s important enough, you find the money somehow. And if you can’t afford a second opinion, perhaps you shouldn’t have adopted a dog in the first place, because when you adopt a dog, you are making a commitment to care for that animal to the best of your ability.
Karen
November 9th, 2008 at 10:31 am
finally someone speaks up,i totally agree with you,we are always letting other people think for us ,becuase we think they care when the truth is most care only about money,the same applies to doctors, yes it is sad ,if its an emergency for instance an accident,fracture,etc,conventional medicine is fine but if its not urgent research for yourself first ,and yes dont forget to ask for higher divine guidence and inner guidence too.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I was rather stunned and surprised recently, when I asked a young vet that works at a vet clinic that I take my cats to, why he became a vet. His answer, “Because I can be my own boss!!” I was expecting him to say that he loved animals.
November 10th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Karen,
Wow, sounds like to me that the last vet you chose took your dog off thyroid med’s and put him on thyroid med’s.? Maybe a more holistic form of it but does it not do the same thing? The title of this article is “Don’t Believe Everything You Hear-From Your Vet”, but wasn’t it a vet that fixed the problem??? People listen to what their vet says because they usually have no idea how to fix a medical problem, vet’s go to school for many years and pay a lot of money to learn how to help animals like your dog.
It is good to do some research when your pet gets sick but you should try to have the attitude that you and your vet are a team with the same common goal in mind. No one is perfect, vets make mistakes, but remember it is very hard to figure out what is wrong with something that can’t even tell you were it hurts!
November 11th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I find your blog weird…because we’re all human the vets could have all been telling you what they had learned in vet school. Not everyone is all knowing in the field that they study/major in. They had millions of diseases to choose from that could have all had the same symptoms as your dog had. Just remember we’re all human!
November 11th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hi Nicole Hadley,
It’s true that herbs can function like drugs, but the herbs that I got to stimulate Dexter’s thyroid gland were just temporary–only one bottle’s worth–and that’s very different from a lifetime of synthetic thyroid hormone, which does nothing for the thyroid gland itself, other than to help it become even less functional.
I do definitely see my relationship with the vet as a partnership, but even so, I’ll never blindly accept what they say unless I have no way of verifying it and no alternative. I’ve seen too many veterinary mistakes in my lifetime to be that complacent.
The bottom line is that you know your dog better and love your dog more than the vet does, so you need to be an active participant in getting to the root of the health problem and helping your dog get well.
Perhaps I should have titled the piece “Don’t Believe Everything You Hear … From Just One Vet” since I did ultimately get my answers from a vet–just a different one.
Karen
November 12th, 2008 at 12:40 am
I’ve had similair problems with my vet. My rottie was having a really hard time moving around because of her hip. My vet gave me the NSAID Durramax and told me she would be on it for the rest of her life. She was only three at the time! On top of the constant meds she would need a liver test every few monthes to make sure it wasn’t shutting down. I couldn’t handle 10 years of this nonsense (or put her through that) so I did my own research online and now I give her a glucosomine supplement everyday. She is six now runs around like a puppy, its amazing. When I took her back for an annual check-up the vet was stunned. One more thing, I recently switched my dog over to a natural raw diet. When I tried to talk to my vet about it she had no idea what a raw diet even was! My dog is the healthiest she has ever been and my vet has no idea why. Always do your research and if your uncomfortable with your vets suggestions find another. I’m in the process of finding another now.
November 23rd, 2008 at 4:51 am
Since I rescued my first cat about 6 years ago, I have only had good experiences with vets and never thought to question their expertise — until that cat went in for a routine teeth cleaning and emerged with a URI, anorexia, and deafness. We tried different medications, prescription foods, breathing treatments, and acupuncture (by referral). Three feeding tubes and one year later, I sat in that same vet’s office ready to allow an emaciated Atticus the peace he finally deserved, and she convinced me not to do it - for which I am eternally grateful (because he is now one healthy, lovable food-crazed kitty!), but how did it happen? A miracle maybe.. Definitely not by veterinary treatment. I took him to an animal communicator/reiki healer around that time, and although some may be skeptical, I believe it did help him. Although I used it virtually as a last resort at that time, I may not be so hesitant in the future.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
If you live in a city or larger town, you can also go get a second opinion from another vet clinic. I don’t have a whole lot of knowledge about canine health and don’t trust a lot of what I read online, so this method worked really well for me. I got two very different treatment recommendations for my dog, one of which was much more effective.
December 1st, 2008 at 1:22 pm
What do you do if you have a limited income and don’t live in a big city where alternative care for animals is available? Also, what if your animal is a farm animal and there are very few of those in the area? Alternative care is more than many people are able to afford even for themselves. It would be wonderful if we all could afford whatever it takes to heal ourselves, our pets, and our large animals, but it is unrealistic unfortunately, especially in places like rural and economically deprived areas. New England is one of those areas.