Oh my! back from vet... completely upset...

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Nanaskitty

Nanaskitty

Member Since 2015
From my previous posts, we had a rough start with our vet as far as insulin dosing and communication. We just got back from the vets, who yesterday first told us we COULD NOT use a human meter on a cat. After telling her that was not true and her doing some quick research, she agreed that we could use it and to come in today so we could compare our meter to hers. Well, I thought we were supposed to meet with the vet tech and go over everything together, that is not what happened. The tech took Bananas back and did herself. I told them I thought we were supposed to go over it together and I was told no, that is not how the appointment was written up. The tech brought out my meter with the reading and theirs and said "this is what yours is 62 and ours is 97, yours isn't accurate". I tried to show her my papers copied from here with the ranges for a human meter / vs a AT2 and she went back to talk to the vet. She came back out and said the was no conversion so the paperwork was no good and then the tech told me the vet was not trained in using a human meter. Also another staff member came over (this was all done in the lobby mind you in front of all of the other people with their pets) and told us "you were told to buy the AT2" not the meter you have. We felt attacked and not listened to. Yesterday we thought everything was going to work out after she agreed that it would be ok to use the relion micro, but now I think it would be best to find another vet. I'm completely upset and at a loss. We couldn't see the vet or talk to anyone while we were there that would even listen to what we had to say. The vet is supposed to call to speak with us about all of this, but I don't even know what to say!
 
ugh. No wonder you're upset - that sounds awful.

All I can say is that many people on here nod their heads at the vet about dosing then do what they want from what they've learned here. You don't have to provide a spreadsheet to them - unless you're on FDMB you wouldn't have one.

On the good side - YAY what good numbers Bananas had at the vet's!!!

If you like your vet otherwise (although that's some bedside manner - yikes!) i'd stick with them. If you don't think they are good otherwise then maybe a new vet is a good idea. You don't need a vet for dose advice - but for other things you certainly do.
 
I'm very concerened with the vet at this point. She left out a bunch of info that I have been able to find here, i don't feel we are really listened too, and if she is telling us one thing one minute and then changing her mind the next, I'm not sure if I can trust her. One of her curves we had brought her in and she called and said her numbers were good and that she wasn't going to give insulin and see how she did throughout the day. We got a call and she decided to give it to her, but not on the schedule we had her on, so she advised us to skip the next dose and start over when it was our scheduled time again. Bananas has missed so many doses from them telling us, to skip doses, sometimes ever for an entire day. Which I now know is not how you work with the Lantus. I did see in someone's signature they had a questionnaire for looking for new vets. I think I will call around. I wish I new someone around here who was also dealing with feline diabetes and where they went.
 
I am so sorry this happened to you, I would feel the same way if it had happened to me. That is one thing that I really like about my vet, even if we don't always see eye to eye she always listens and spends as much time with me as I need to be reassured that we are moving in the right direction.

If it were me I would probably looking for another vet also, but I won't base one experience on changing vets. Maybe you need to take a day to reflect and then contact your vet again in a day or so. Maybe there was something going on at the vet office that you didn't know about that caused them to act the way they did. If you get the same feeling when you revisit the discussion then I say it is time to move on.
 
I haven't taken Panther back since his DKA episode this vet could have killed him by not putting him on insulin in December when we're first found out everyone here has been very helpful and he's doing fantastic
 
I would have asked the Tech what recommendation the vet would have with an AlphaT at 92. When she gave the answer it should have been the exact same course of action as your meter at 62 and I would have pointed that out. Also that it is not your fault the vet has failed to become educated in using a human glucometer on cats, many vet offices actually use them in their offices these days.
You are going above and beyond taking care of Banana, many people chose to euthanize a diabetic instead of treating; opting to not get the exact brand of meter is small peanuts in the grand scheme of things and if they felt it acceptable to be so rude then you should find a vet that wants to help Banana while still being civil to Banana's caretaker.
 
:bighug::bighug: What a horrible experience! And to do that in the in the lobby is so insensitive and unprofessional. Is your vet the clinic owner? If not, I'd ask to speak to the owner. Have you asked how many people in the clinic do home testing? It could be you are the first and out of their comfort zone.

You definitely want a vet who will work with you and is willing to learn. Even though my vet started us on the wrong insulin (Caninsulin), she's willing to learn and learn with me. Neko actually has a second vet, her acupuncture vet, who has the same attitude and is at a different clinic. Those vets are out there.

If you do decide to look for a new vet, post in the Feline Health forum to get more eyes.
 
If my vet refused to talk with me that would be the end of it. Conflicting info is very upsetting. I've had to wait to speak with him but he always talks to me and would let me be there for the testing. If he draws blood for a panel he takes him to the back. If you love your vet otherwise and it were me, I'd try to talk it over. Otherwise I would be looking elsewhere too. If you are looking for a new one if you post your location maybe someone will have a suggestion for you.
 
I completely understand why you would be upset -- thank heavens you can shop around for another vet, and I recall BJM (in her signature) has some excellent pointers on how to interview a vet -- remember you are hiring them, not the other way around. Personally, I love my vet, she listens to my concerns and treats my babies as special individuals -- but I really have found much more useful information on this site for managing feline diabetes, and lots of constructive feedback and answers to my sometimes silly questions.

We`re here whenever you need to vent. btw, good numbers Bananakins ;)
 
Thank you for the support! There was no further discussion only that my meter was not accurate. She went back brought bananas back to us and then we were done. The vet just called and basically told me that we were just trying to cut corners and that if we can't trust her plan for bananas that we need to find a new vet. They had already made copies of her records and they are mailing them to us. She still was not listening to me and would not work with me at all.
 
Nanaskitty said:
Thank you for the support! There was no further discussion only that my meter was not accurate. She went back brought bananas back to us and then we were done. The vet just called and basically told me that we were just trying to cut corners and that if we can't trust her plan for bananas that we need to find a new vet. They had already made copies of her records and they are mailing them to us. She still was not listening to me and would not work with me at all.
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I'd say adios and look for a new vet. In my opinion I'd consider myself lucky to have this happen now and not during some type of emergency. Good luck finding the right vet for you. To me that means someone willing to work with me and acknowledge that I am intelligent and will ask questions.
 
What a b### sorry I wouldn't put up with that we like Panthers vet he still can get stressed easy
 
Whatever...:rolleyes:
Who is this vet anyway? (with maybe a disclaimer that this is your experience only).
The best (and not so great) advertisement is word of mouth. IMHO
 
We are in Western Mass. I have put up a post also in the main forum. I'm so upset. Nothing like getting bashed for doing the best you can and getting told your cheap and not doing what is best for your pet.
 
Yes, this is a disclaimer... This is my experience only with my no longer vet. This is a VCA location with 4 different vets practicing. I will not give the exact location. Don't need to be sued.
 
Any vet who would try and lay some kind of guilt trip on a pet owner is not a true animal lover, but a profit driven a**hat not worth a minute of your time. Their loss, not yours. You'll find a fabulous vet, one who will work with you, not against you.
 
4 1/2 months ago I had a vet like this...most of the communications were between myself and the vet tech...I was told AT meter only..feed twice only per day...no home testing..Lantus was the ONLY insulin used for cats...glucose curve at vet office every 10 days...etc..etc..I lasted just over a month and found a REAL vet hospital. Between the new vet and this site my Tuxie is staring to show some improvements. Trust your gut feelings and what you have learned either on-line or from this forum. YOU know your furkid the best!!!

BTW here are some comparisons I did with an AT2 pet meter and a FSLite human meter..the readings you got at the vet are right if they were using a pet specific monitor. There is approximately a 35% higher reading on a human meter vs a pet meter.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...te-human-monitor-updated.135726/#post-1401266
 
I'm not sure what conversion you're using for a human meter to an AT. What I typically suggest that people bring with them to the vet -- especially one who is as arrogant as your former vet -- is an article that was published in one of the leading vet journals on the Lantus/Lev Tight Regulation Protocol. The article contains 2 tables -- one for a human meter and one for an AT or serum chemistry analyzer.

No matter how good the vet, you deserve to be listened to. You are at home with Bananas and know your cat. Any vet needs your input since cats don't usually behave at the vet's office the way they do at home. You wouldn't tolerate this behavior from your child's pediatrician, why should you put up with it from your vet?

If you are on Facebook, there is a FDMB group there. You might also want to ask for the names of good vets on the FB site. We also have a Lantus Land group on FB. If you want to join there, you can ask for vet recommendations.
 
Thank you so much for the replies. I did take the paper that BJM has on glucometer notes. The vet tech looked at the first page, handed it back to me and said she would get her boss. The same tech came back set Bananas down on the floor in her carrier and said the vet said there is no conversion and that's when she told me the vet was not trained on human meter. No more further discussion except telling me that I purchased the wrong meter. I was wrong, they were right no matter what. I do have a Facebook account, but I really have never used it much. Guess I Will look at that too. My head is spinning... I should of know when the vet tech asked for my meter and I said we do the ear prick and she looked at me funny and said what? that things would only go down hill from there.

On the other hand Bananas is snoozing and getting ready for her up all nigh routine. Don't think I'll get much sleep tonight anyways, so maybe I can get a few more BG numbers charted. Ugh... And tomorrow a full class of fourth graders!
 
Just sending along tons of hugs....I agree with the others that you need a vet who will work with you, not against you. Bananas is very lucky to have you on/by her side!
 
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience with your vet. That was very unprofessional. It seems to me your vet cares more about being right than about Bananas' health. Good luck in your search for a new vet. It may take a little time, but there are good vets out there that will listen and work with you. You're doing your best for Bananas and she's lucky to have you.
 
Nanaskitty said:
Thank you for the support! There was no further discussion only that my meter was not accurate. She went back brought bananas back to us and then we were done. The vet just called and basically told me that we were just trying to cut corners and that if we can't trust her plan for bananas that we need to find a new vet. They had already made copies of her records and they are mailing them to us. She still was not listening to me and would not work with me at all.
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Then I would agree that finding a new vet is probably the answer. Not because you're doing anything wrong - you're doing everything right. But any vet who takes a "my way or the highway" attitude when you're clearly getting good results the way you're doing things doesn't deserve your custom (or your money). And that sort of unprofessionalism is completely unacceptable - what sort of person tells you off where other people can hear just because they're not capable of understanding the meter you're using? They don't need to be 'trained' on it, they just need to be aware that the human meter reads slightly differently. If everyone here can understand that with no vet training, then they should be capable of understanding it too! My vet doesn't really like what I'm doing but they tolerate it because Rosa's doing well. But I was perfectly prepared to take my business elsewhere (and with 6 cats in the house, that would hurt them more than it would hurt me) and I made it clear that I was doing this my way whether they liked it or not!!
 
As bad as your experience was, it's better that you learned now what type of person you're working with

Our first vet had the same attitude...."do what I tell you to do and don't you DARE question me or you can find another vet"....Needless to say, we walked out and never returned.

When we went looking for another vet, I just called and asked for the vet to call me when they had time so we could discuss how they deal with their diabetic cat patients. You can learn a lot over the phone...and if they won't call you back or you get the wrong "vibe" off them, cross them off the list and keep looking.

We finally found one willing to give me a prescription for Lantus and from there, we've made all our dose adjustments based on the people here. Our current vet is nice enough, but when she gets on her soapbox about dose changes, I just smile and nod and say things like "I'll think about that"....or "that's interesting, I'll check into it!"

Those were great numbers for being at the vet whether using a human or pet meter!! "Most" cats go higher due to the stress and the vet, but some go lower under stress. China's one of those that goes lower, so maybe Banana's is going to be one of the kitties that didn't read the handbook....LOL

Banana's is lucky to have such a good bean that will advocate for her!
 
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Before we left for the vet she was at 53. At +10 she was over 200. Maybe her stress took time to get there. She is one that tends to not follow the rules. Almost time to do PMPS and it looks like she will be getting a dose tonight.

My biggest concern is getting her lantus prescription again and follow ups. Old vet gave us only 1 pen on last script with no refills. Syringes, I do not need a script for. We just opened the pen in the beginning of March and have always had it in the fridge. She is on a low dose so hopefully this one will last a while. I plan on starting my calls asap. I don't want to wait. I'm sure I will be able to find a great vet around here, but I tend to worry more than needed.
 
On 0.5u a day, that pen should last months so that's one thing you do have time on at least. There will be vets out there who will be prepared to work with you and prescribe the Lantus for you especially when they can see how well her numbers are doing on a small dose. I would agree with starting to call around soon though - it's always good to have a vet available just in case of any emergencies.
 
I see that you live in MA. Do you ever go to Canada? You don't need a prescription to buy Lantus in Canada. (And it's much less expensive there.) (But you must actually go there: the online Canadian pharmacies require a prescription and many of them will no longer ship insulin to the US.)

I'm really sorry that you had to go through this with your vet. My vet is "old school" when it comes to insulin (she has her diabetic patients on Humulin N). But she never questions what I am doing and is happy to write a prescription for me. She's a terrific vet and I am lucky to have her. I hope you can find a vet like mine.

Hang in there!

Ella & Rusty
 
I simply walked in to Costco and asked if I need an Rx for insulin for a cat. They said no, so I bought some. I live in Canada, the rules may be different in the States.

Edit-- I see that Ella just mentioned that an Rx not needed in Canada.
 
you're going to be happier with a different vet. sounds to me like that vet is scared because she doesn't have experience with a diabetic cat and doesn't have any confidence on handling you varying off of her exact plan.
 
I'm so sorry this happened to you! I'd be looking for a new vet too. It's one thing for a vet to not know everything or to disagree with you. It's totally another thing to not be heard. That would be a deal breaker for me, and I'd be out the door. Too bad you're not at the other end of MA. I've got a great vet in RI.
 
Sorry that you had to go through all that! It doesn't sound like a practice I'd want to go back to. In fact since they were berating you in front of others in the waiting room, I'd have been tempted to fire them right there in from of everyone too. They are not up to date on FD, meters or insulin and I would have pointed that out. Also that they are close minded and unwilling to learn. I think it would be a good idea to call the owner of the clinic to express your displeasure and let them know why they have lost your business.

If you put the town you live in on your member profile other members in the area may be able to direct you to a good vet.
 
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My vet is the opposite! She likes me to keep her updated on what I do but never gives any advice and writes whatever script I ask for. I bought Lantus from Mark's Marine Pharmacy in Canada. They require an Rx but it can be from written up to a year ago and just has to mention the kind of insulin you want. We start tomorrow so wish us luck!
Good luck, whatever you decide!
 
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