UPDATE:Looking for a new vet

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Squalliesmom

Squalliesmom

Member Since 2015
I need a new vet but my choices are very limited where I live. Has anybody had any experience with VCA Animal Hospitals? They are one of my few choices, and I saw they had hospitals nation-wide, so I figured maybe someone here might be familiar with them. Thanks!
 
They're a big chain in Los Angeles. I haven't been there but a friend of mine took her cat there when he had thyroid problems and she speaks highly of them. I think like many places it's going to depend on the individual vet. You can look up the VCA near you on Yelp and see what the reviews are like. Good luck, hopefully you'll get a good new vet!
 
granadilla said:
They're a big chain in Los Angeles. I haven't been there but a friend of mine took her cat there when he had thyroid problems and she speaks highly of them. I think like many places it's going to depend on the individual vet. You can look up the VCA near you on Yelp and see what the reviews are like. Good luck, hopefully you'll get a good new vet!
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Thanks, Shane!
 
A lot of their website stuff is well-written and informative. Granted that doesn't give an indication of what an individual practice will be like, but it is a positive.
 
NEW VET! NEW VET! NEW VET! Can you tell I'm excited? He's a little farther away than I had hoped for, but he sounds like just what the doctor ordered (yes, pun intended :)) I am so happy! He spoke with me on the phone for at least a half an hour. He:
has several diabetic kitty patients,
is happy to have me do home testing, including curves,
is fine with my using OTC canned food,
is aware of all the other problems diabetic kitties can be beset by,
uses PZI as well as Vetsulin, and last, but not least,
is affordable, although a bit higher than my now ex-vet.

I was seriously impressed at his understanding of a cat's dietary needs, and how to balance Squallie's needs due to age, diabetes, and kidney issues.

He advised that everything I was doing to treat Squallie's current tummy issues was good, doesn't think he has an obstruction as he is still eating well, said older cats who have diarrhea can sometimes take several days to recover and begin to have bowel movements again. If he has any more vomiting, or any other, new issues, I will call and he will see him right away; barring that, we have an appointment for Monday afternoon.

I am so happy for Squallie! :):):)

@BJM thank you for the vet interview topics, that was a huge help!
 
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! :bighug::bighug::bighug: Where is the hallelujah choir?!?

Lucy, I am SO thrilled for you with the great news! The new vet sounds terrific!!! This is the news we've been waiting for!!!

I think you'll be able to finally sleep better at nights now!
 
Cat Ma said:
YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! :bighug::bighug::bighug: Where is the hallelujah choir?!?

Lucy, I am SO thrilled for you with the great news! The new vet sounds terrific!!! This is the news we've been waiting for!!!

I think you'll be able to finally sleep better at nights now!
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Thank you! I'm so excited, and I feel a great sense of relief, too. It is going to be nice for me not to dread the vet every bit as much as the kitties do, lol!:)
 
Squalliesmom said:
NEW VET! NEW VET! NEW VET! Can you tell I'm excited? ... he sounds like just what the doctor ordered ... I am so happy! He has several diabetic kitty patients ...
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iu


Cat Ma said:
The new vet sounds caring and dedicated. The fact [the new vet] took a half hour to talk to you on the phone is already very promising.
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Oh, I agree! That happened when I spoke for the first time to the person who is now our main vet and he's brilliant. Wishing the same result for you and Squallie, Lucy. The fact that you felt much more comfortable and struck up a rapport with your new vet (sounds so good I'm gonna say it again - your new vet :)) sounds like you'll be able to forge a partnership to care for Squallie's health needs going forward.

Way to go, Lucy! :D


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
iu




Oh, I agree! That happened when I spoke for the first time to the person who is now our main vet and he's brilliant. Wishing the same result for you and Squallie, Lucy. The fact that you felt much more comfortable and struck up a rapport with your new vet - sounds so good I'm gonna say it again - your new vet :)D) sounds like you'll be able to forge a partnership to care for Squallie's health needs going forward.

Way to go, Lucy! :D


Mogs
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I am so excited! I think he's going to be a good fit for us!
 
Even though this is a text-based communication medium, your relief is palpable, Lucy. I know how you feel, and I'm very happy for you. I was incredibly relieved when I changed practices last year.
 
finally got a chance to get online for a moment and saw the wonderful news.
I'd sing the Hallalujah chorus for you for you, but I don't think you'll hear it from Columbus, Ohio!
(And I've been breathing in dust from clearing out a storage unit with falling chunks of spray insulation - it is FILTHY!!!)
 
BJM said:
finally got a chance to get online for a moment and saw the wonderful news.
I'd sing the Hallalujah chorus for you for you, but I don't think you'll hear it from Columbus, Ohio!
(And I've been breathing in dust from clearing out a storage unit with falling chunks of spray insulation - it is FILTHY!!!)
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Thank you! If you can just hum a few bars...Lol! And yuck, that dust is nasty and can be hazardous, be careful!

Your interview notes were really a godsend to me, I had them up on my computer screen the whole time I was on the phone with the new vet!
 
Wow! I'm so glad, Lucy! Your new vet sounds fabulous! The further drive will be worth it. I'm relieved for both you and Squallie to be in good hands!! :cat:
 
@Squalliesmom, are you going to continue using both meters? It sounds like it won't be necessary with the new vet :)
Glad the new vet is familiar with other insulins. You've worked so hard trying to regulate Squallie on Vetsulin.
 
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