Second opinions in people medicine are common. And smart.
The same is true for veterinary medicine. In fact, even though I see patients in person as a veterinarian near Lafayette, Indiana an increasing number of my patients are virtual… pet parents seeking a second opinion or alternative treatment for their pet.
So, when SHOULD you seek a second opinion and why? Here are some common situations in which a second opinion should be considered:
You are being told there is ONLY ONE treatment for this problem or NO treatment for this problem. Schedule a second opinion.
Your veterinarian hasn’t given you a clear option to resolve the issue. Sometimes a second pair of eyes makes things clear. Your veterinarian can be doing everything right — and a second pair of eyes just sees something new, different, or differently. If you don’t have a very clear path to resolve whatever it is you’re concerned about, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion.
Your furry friend has just been diagnosed with cancer. Just like with people cancers, your pet can benefit dramatically from more holistic approaches other than — or in addition to — chemo, radiation, and surgery. Schedule a consult with a holistic or integrative veterinarian.
Your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes. Your dog still has options. The only treatment for diabetes in a dog is not just prescription diet food and insulin shots. There are solutions that help all that work better — including acupuncture, raw diet, herbs that can really help. Get a second opinion.
In the end, if you wouldn’t accept the same diagnosis or course of action for yourself or your two legged children, don’t accept it on behalf of your pet
Dr. Cathy Alinovi DVM
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Cathy treated 80% of what walked in the door — not with expensive prescriptions — but with adequate nutrition. Now retired from private practice, her commitment to pets hasn’t waned and she looks forward to impacting many more pet parents through her books, research, speaking and consulting work. Learn more at drcathyvet.com
Lynne Fowler
December 27, 2014 at 10:48 am
Always seek a second opinion, AFTER listening to your gut. If it doesn’t sound right, Seek another Vet!
Wolf
December 27, 2014 at 11:44 am
Many people tell us they have been going through a particular situation with their dog for months or years – skin issues, ear infections, even diarrhea, and have been to their vet many times without relief. Courses of antibiotics, steroids, or both have been done, with small temporary or no effect. This is definitely a time to seek a second opinion. There ARE answers.
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Linda Leonard Hughes
December 28, 2014 at 5:26 pm
What if you were on your fifth vet and a specialist! Still have problems! Our pets are still contagious and are on Revolution twice a month! We are beside ourselves and you would think a Dermatologist Vet would be able to help with this problem? Can’t figure out if they have Sarcoptic Mites or maybe something else? We are all doctored out!!!
Now we are showing some signs and went to doctor ourselves! We are doing better! Our pups are looking and acting well but every time I groom them now I have to ware gloves and our doctor says not to touch them without gloves! This is a nightmare! Any Ideas What To Do Next??? Could it be what no one wants to talk about???? I pray it is not! Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Lynne Fowler
December 28, 2014 at 6:49 pm
Have you sought out a holistic vet?
Celine
January 19, 2015 at 7:09 pm
When my dog had a growth growing back on her front paw after a first surgery a year prior. I took her back to the vet clinic. She was seen by a different vet who after barely looking at her (5 seconds top and just held her paw while looking from a distance). She told me the first biopsy (non-cancerous) was most likely wrong and she needed to have her toes amputated. I was in shock, asked several questions, to which she replied with eye roll and kept saying that amputation was the only way…
I took my dog and went to another vet…no amputation needed, they just lasered out the growth and removed another one. 2 stitches, $200 less than the amputation quote and she kept her toes. My baby is doing just fine and the second biopsy said it was NOT cancer at all, just a very common growth in Bully breed.
So yes, please do seek another opinion when something doesn’t sound/feel right or seems a bit drastic.