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  Discussion on Second Vet Opinion
Author Message
Member:
Mkuchta

Posted on Monday, Sep 8, 2003 - 2:27 pm:

I have a wonderful vet who has done a lot for my horses over the years. Recently she diagnosed my older Appy gelding with a spur on the navicular bone and my younger STB gelding with stifle problems requiring ~ a 6 month rest. (not a good summer)

It's been ~ 5 weeks now and the STB has shown no improvement at all. I have some questions about him and I called and left a message. Recently she hasn't been so good about returning calls. I waited and she never got back to me so I decided I wanted to get a second opinion and a more definitive answer than the "stifle problems" that my vet gave me.
I made an appointment to take my STB to a very highly regarded vet who has seen a lot of racing STBS over the years. Since I have to trailer this horse I decided to also take my older Appy gelding. I want to discuss shoeing and see if he has any opinions about anything else that can be done for this horse including nerving (which my vet doesn't do).

Here's the problem: I want to get the older Appy's x rays from my vet so I will have to tell her why I want them.
1. Will this cause a problem if I call her office and ask for the x rays?
2. Is there a professional, polite way to explain why I am taking the horse to another vet or do I even need to explain? Is this done all the time and are my concerns about offending my vet unnecessary? Thanks for your help.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 9, 2003 - 9:25 am:

No vet likes to leave a lame horse with a indefinate diagnosis and uncertain prognosis, but this happens all the time. I love a second opinion in these cases as it either provides us with new avenues of therapy or at the least helps my client accept the situation. I make it a regular part of any case where there is a uncertain diagnosis or poor prognosis.

For some a second opinion is viewed as a failure, but the client may be able to cultivate a more open dialogue. The trick is getting him/her to see that a second opinion helps you both. My suggestion is that you try one more time to get her on the telephone and talk to her directly about a referral. If she does not return your call or if you can not get her to agree that a second opinion might be of benefit to you both, perhaps it is time to seek a less sensitive vet.
DrO
Member:
Ryan

Posted on Thursday, Sep 11, 2003 - 12:33 am:

I think everyone has the right to a second opinion, especially since the horse can't talk for itself. Before we chose to do anything very invasive, I certainly would. Sure doesn't mean we are putting the first vet down.

I would sure have the feet checked out on your horses. Imbalance can cause a lot of problems.
I would like to ask that you do alot of research before you ever consider 'nerving' a horse. You will find that the nerves are incredible, regrow - but may cause more problems down the road. Instead of covering over the pain, find out the cause. Usually high heels, or underrun heels are what start heel pain/problems.
Just a thought.
Melissa
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