Forwarded message - please reply to flemingd@caribe.net
Note - While I agree with most of the points in this message, please
remember that a veterinarian's office may be housing animals who are
medically fragile and require a quiet and sterile area. Also, your
presence in certain areas of the hospital may cause animals to become
excited and put their health in jeopardy. For surgery, you obviously
should not be in the room due to possible contamination. And if you
are nervous or squeamish, you may upset your animal during treatment,
making the treatment difficult or dangerous. If your animal is being
kept overnight, a visit may be desirable, but for some animals it can
add to their distress. While it is important to know what is
happening, you should also know when to step back and allow the
medical profession to do what is needed to treat your animal. -
Maureen

Choosing the Right Veterinarian

A 10-Point Plan to Protect Your Animal Companion

Do you know what happens in your veterinarian's back room?
Unfortunately, not every vet is a dog's or cat's best friend. During a
PETA investigation into a veterinary office, an undercover
investigator videotaped veterinarian Howard Baker, who was generally
well liked and trusted by his clients, as he punched and choked the
cats and dogs in his care. To ensure that this will not happen to
your dog or cat, you must know your veterinarian, observe your animal
companion, and be familiar with your rights. Here are 10 things that
you can do to ensure that your dog or cat is being treated well
behind the scenes:

1. Ask to see a copy of the veterinarian's license. It should be
posted in the public area of the clinic.

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local state
veterinary board to see if there have been any complaints or
disciplinary actions against or investigations into the veterinarian
in question.

3. Ask for a tour of the clinic; if you are refused, take your animal
elsewhere. The clinic should be clean and orderly. Animals should be
housed comfortably in clean cages or kennels.

4. Ask friends and family for referrals. Recommendations for trusted
veterinarians can be invaluable.

5. Observe your animal. Is your companion hand shy around the
veterinarian, as though expecting a slap or a blow? Does he or she
cower or urinate when the veterinarian enters the room?

6. Observe the veterinarian. Is he or she nervous or irritable? Does
he or she go into the back room for even simple procedures? Are the
technicians rough when handling your animal?

7. Always exercise your right to be with your animal at all times. If
the veterinarian or technicians want to take your companion to another
room, insist on going along. If they refuse, don't hesitate—take your
animal and leave.

8. If your animal must stay overnight (and always question this),
make sure someone is going to be there to monitor him or her at all
times. If not, take your animal home where there will be constant
supervision.

9. Ask questions. A good veterinarian should explain what he or she
is doing—and why—at all times.

10. For any major medical concerns, seek a second or third opinion.
You are entitled to copies of your animal companion's medical records
and x-rays.

If you believe that an animal has been mistreated, take him or her to
another veterinarian for a thorough examination. If you have evidence
of malpractice, you can file a complaint with the veterinary licensing
board in your area. Contact local law-enforcement officials if you
witness outright cruelty. Always keep records and take photographs.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Aug. 22, 2006