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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

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Rumbles Vet Has Closed Shop
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New Jersey
Member Since:
4 June 2011
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1
11 March 2012 - 9:26 pm
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A few weeks ago, Rumbles had a scary licking, throat clearing episode, so I called his vet to make an appointment and the phone number had been disconnected. So I drove by the clinic and the windows were papered over and there was a sign on the door stating they would open "very soon". The sign listed a number for one of the vets in the practice (we saw him once and he wasn't very nice). And it also said that if you needed medical records, or the other doctor (ours) to call a number for the State Board.

So I called the ornery vet and true to form, he brusquely said that the other vet had decided to close the practice unexpectedly and that he was in the process of opening it again. He didn't know when that would be, however.

I asked more questions about the other vet and my pets' records and he said that our vet took all of the records to his new practice. I asked for the number and hung up.

I called the new clinic and asked for the location and learned that the new practice is about 50 miles from here. I didn't ask to speak with our old vet or to make an appointment. (Rumbles had recovered the next morning and my husband found a chewed up piece of aluminum foil near the dog bed).

I really like this vet. He is kind and loves Rumbles so much. He is the only vet we've had who would get down on the floor, wrap his arms around Rumbles neck and accept big sloppy boxer kisses all over his face. Does anyone else's vet do that?! He laughs out loud at Rumbles crazy uncropped tail as it whacks against everything in the waiting room, the hallway and the exam room. He obviously cares about his patients.

This is the vet who guided us through Punch's Cushing's Disease and eventually helped her pass to the Bridge. And this is the vet who advised us on Rumbles cancer diagnosis in a calm, balanced way, even though I could tell he was very upset about the news too.

But, I wonder why we didn't hear from him when all this happened. It seems strange to just close up an animal clinic so suddenly and then not notify the patients. Doesn't it?

Since Rumbles amputation, I've really been counting on this guy to guide us through to the end. I even talked to him about how worried I was when Rumbles had his first check-up after the orthopedic surgeon said that he was finished with his role. I told him how hard it was at that time for me, worrying about the cancer returning and checking Rumbles remaining legs (obsessively) for lumps and bumps. He told me to enjoy each day. And that we'd keep him healthy for as long as we could. Like him and me...together, we are going to keep this dog alive.

I think I'll just make an appointment. Rumbles needs to go. His arthritis is getting worse and yesterday he seemed really uncomfortable for the first time. I even carried him up the stairs at bedtime. This morning he was fine again. But I know that he's slowing down. And I'm scared about that. And I just can't imagine searching for a new vet again. Last time I conducted phone interviews with 4 vets to find this one. And he was, by far, the more patient and easy going.

I know that he hasn't disappeared off the face of the earth. But 50 miles when you have an 'ailing' dog seems like a long way away from help.

What do you guys think? I know I'll get some good, honest feedback here. Thanks.

In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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11 March 2012 - 9:49 pm
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Well, I think I would make an appointment and take Rumbles and use the visit to assess the situation. I would tell the vet I was confused and somewhat hurt that he pulled up stakes with no warning. I would try not to be accusatory but I would say that I'd like to hear from him why he felt he had to do things the way he did. I would try my best to present things as you've described the relationship: a partnership that benefits Rumbles. I might say that it's hard to keep the partnership going if one of the partners pulls up and leaves with no warning.

If I didn't get a good feeling about things, I would begin a new search for another vet. If I heard an explanation I could live with, I'd commit to the 50-mile trek every once in awhile. More than anything, I would want to impress upon this guy that I need to count on him during times of emergency. If Rumbles had really had a life-threatening emergency when you found the doors locked, all the devotion and compassion in the world wouldn't have helped.

One day Rumbles will need a strong ally in his corner, an ally other than you and your husband. Will this man be there then? As hard as it is to consider, someday in the future you are going to thank God that someone as devoted as this man has Rumbles' best interests at heart. Fifty miles won't seem like much then. But you need to make sure that this guy can be counted on to answer the phone. So if his explanation is something you can deal with, perhaps you should give him another chance.

Shari

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

Scottsburg, IN
Member Since:
5 February 2010
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12 March 2012 - 6:34 am
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I agree with Shari. I drive 30 miles to our vet when there are tons of vet offices between my house and Dr Hollis' clinic. But like you said, Dr Hollis gets on the floor and loves on my dogs. She talks to them and laughs at them with me. She was calm and collected while I was crying like a baby on our late evening phone calls when Roxy was diagnosed. That is hard to replace because not all vets are in it for the animals. Or maybe they started out that way and just became jaded. Either way, a person who treats my dog with the kind of love and respect that I do is worth a long drive. So I would follow Shari's advice. If you feel the drive is a small price to pay then follow your heart.

Leslie

knoxville, tn
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12 February 2010
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12 March 2012 - 7:41 am
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i too agree with shari, i'd make an appt, and get the scoop...maybe it was a legal issue, or a real estate issue, or something that isn't 'public knowledge' but he can explain to you in person.  i'd travel 50 miles if i really liked the vet (i did when we lived outside of kansas city), but it would be good to have a close emergency option if you needed one.  if you lived in ET, i'd insist you come to our vet - christi moser is the best vet ever!!!  good luck, and hope you find out there's a good reason for the mystery....

 

charon & spirit gayle

Life is good, so very, very good!!! Gayle enjoyed each and every moment of each and every wonderful day (naps included).  She left this world December 12, 2011 – off on a new adventure.

Love Never Ends

http://etgayle

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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12 March 2012 - 7:58 pm
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WOW!  That is one of the oddest things I have every heard!  Sorry to hear!  That really rather sucks!

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

krun15
6
12 March 2012 - 11:56 pm
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I would be devastated if this happened to me. My vet has seen Tani her whole life, and Spirit Maggie most of her life. I think Linda cried more than I did when she helped Maggie cross the Bridge.
But I think I would give her the benefit of the doubt, and go see her at least once and find out what happened. I would expect to be notified if my vet was closing, to give me time to find an alternative. If something out of their control happened, I would probably keep seeing them, but it still seems odd that they didn't notify their clients.
I drive the pugs all over the Bay Area to see their specialist vets- the onc is about 30 miles, the eye doc (pug thing!) is about 25 miles away. With traffic those drives can take an hour, but it is worth it because I like those docs.
But, with the nature of what we are dealing with, I think you need to have a back up, emergency plan. You may need to get to a vet faster than a 50 mile drive will allow.
Good luck- I hope you find a resolution that works for you.

Karen and the pugapalooza

New Jersey
Member Since:
4 June 2011
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13 March 2012 - 11:53 am
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Thanks for the advice. You've all reinforced what I was thinking. I left a message for the doctor today. Think I'll chat with him on the phone as a first step.

There is a 24-hour animal hospital about 10 miles from us. It's where Rumbles had his amputation and follow up care. It's a very large, modern, well-equipped facility. This is definately where we would go if we had to act quickly.

New Jersey
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4 June 2011
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8
13 March 2012 - 9:01 pm
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I had a great phone convo with the vet. Seems there were issues with the grumpy partner vet, so he closed the practice. He said he sent a mailer in Dec and had a forwarding number on the phone that expired recently. I guess I was just unlucky to miss both. He's settled into his new spot and said that he would be happy to continue as Rumbles vet. I'm so relieved!
Of course he asked about Rumbles and I told him about the advancing arthritis. He called in an Rx for Rimadyl at the Animal Hospital, which I picked up tonight. So we're set. All that wondering and anxiety for nothing.
Thanks again. After reading through your replies, I was like, "of course"! Guess sometimes I need to be pointed in the right direction.

krun15
9
13 March 2012 - 9:08 pm
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Sometimes it helps to talk (or write) it out!  I'm glad you got a good resolution.

 

Quad pug Tani has pretty bad arthritis and we started her on rimadyl last year.  It made a huge difference in her mobility and life quality.  Just be sure to get regular blood work done to check liver function- NSAIDs can be tough on the liver.  We have had good luck so far- no problems.

I hope it helps Rumbles as much as it has helped Tani.

 

Karen and the pugapalooza

San Diego, CA
Member Since:
29 October 2010
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13 March 2012 - 9:12 pm
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Glad things had a good resolution. Another time where the worrying was for naught. (I'm a classic for that!)

I bet Rumbles wasn't worried! Give him a tummy rub from me,
Jackie, Angel Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

Mount Pleasant, Ia
Member Since:
27 October 2010
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14 March 2012 - 5:05 am
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I agree totally with Shari, and seeing your later post I am so glad that you have resolved this. It seems to be so hard to find a vet that really cares about the animals and yes, our vet gets on the floor and hugs Samson and Bailey and gives them treats, and pets and talks to them during the whole visit. He was this way with Cooper too during Coopers journey and Cooper was always so at ease there, even after both of his surgeries. I hope everything continues to work out for you.

 

Coopsdad

Coopsdad/ Kenneth Blackburn

http://cooper.t.....ipawds.com

the monkeydogs only THINK they have invaded the tripawd state

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