ANYONE GOT A VET FRIEND?
It’s a question commonly heard or seen on chat groups everywhere. You’ve got a question about your four legged friend that you just want to run past a vet without the hassle of an appointment.
Maybe you’ve been to your regular vet and received some treatment that didn’t work, maybe they didn’t have time to explain the plan or treatment, maybe you feel you’re going around in circles because you see a different vet each time, maybe you’ve been told your pet needs some tests or a procedure and you want to check it will be money well spent. Perhaps you just have a general question that doesn’t warrant a visit but you want answered. Maybe searching the internet has left you more worried than informed.
Maybe you’ve been to your regular vet and received some treatment that didn’t work, maybe they didn’t have time to explain the plan or treatment, maybe you feel you’re going around in circles because you see a different vet each time, maybe you’ve been told your pet needs some tests or a procedure and you want to check it will be money well spent. Perhaps you just have a general question that doesn’t warrant a visit but you want answered. Maybe searching the internet has left you more worried than informed.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THAT MY VET CAN'T?
I offer an impartial online first opinion query and second opinion case review service for canine and feline veterinary cases. I charge a flat fee of £20 for non-specific queries or £45 for a second opinion case review specific to your pet. I’m not here to sell you flea and wormer, to offer you a monthly health plan or sell you services you don’t want. I have the time to review your pet’s previous history in a way that your vet probably won’t in a 10 or 15 minute consultation. I can then make recommendations so that you can work together to achieve the best outcome for your pet. After reviewing your case I will provide a written summary and follow up with a phone or video call to answer any queries.
WHO ARE YOU?
I work full time in a busy first opinion small animal practice. I have been a vet and member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS number 6509423 findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet-surgeon/) since 2008 which in my view is long enough to develop experience but not so long as to be set in my ways! I hold a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Cert AVP) which I earned by completing medicine and dermatology modules. I use this to develop logical approaches to cases using evidence based veterinary medicine. I am NOT a specialist in any field. I have worked in private practice and for a corporate one. I like to think I am the vet that will take the time to get to the bottom of things rather than offering a quick fix to keep the waiting room queue down.
WHAT KIND OF SITUATIONS WOULD BE APPLICABLE TO VET FRIEND?
Nothing is off limits, but some cases will lend themselves to an online review more than others. I will not be examining your pet but rather assessing the approach taken to your pet. Some examples might include…
- Recurrent ear problems
- Itchy dogs and cats
- Management of certain cancers
- Investigation and management of medical problems e.g. Thirsty pets, thyroid problems etc.
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder
- Management of chronic kidney disease
WHERE IS VET FRIEND NOT APPROPRIATE?
I offer a consultancy/second opinion service and do not treat pets directly, as such I do not offer an emergency service. In an emergency you should contact your primary practice who will have made provisions for an out of hours service.
My daily work is at the level of a first opinion practitioner therefore I cannot review cases that have been referred.
I do not feel it is appropriate to offer a second opinion on any cases from the practice I work at in case of a conflict of interests.
My daily work is at the level of a first opinion practitioner therefore I cannot review cases that have been referred.
I do not feel it is appropriate to offer a second opinion on any cases from the practice I work at in case of a conflict of interests.