When you partner with a veterinarian for your animal’s health, you trust that the vet knows what is best for your pet. Yet sometimes, you may feel that your vet’s answer may not be the right one. In these instances, you may want to seek a second opinion. Knowing when to do so can be challenging, but here are some guidelines that will help you know that it is, indeed, time for that second opinion.
Consider the Vet’s Knowledge of Your Pet’s Condition
The average vet sees many different types of animals and treats everything from fleas to cancer. Sometimes, a pet with a unique disease or condition may be beyond the vet’s particular expertise or experience. This does not mean that the vet is not trying to give your pet the best possible care, but it may mean that consulting with a vet who has that experience would be helpful. In most instances, your vet will refer you to an expert when this is needed.
When your pet faces a serious, life-threatening diagnosis, like cancer, that second opinion can mean the difference between life and death. Talking to a veterinarian who specializes in cancer, in this instance, will ensure that your pet’s cancer is properly identified and the best, most aggressive treatment for that specific type of cancer is chosen. In this case, consulting with the expert could save your pet’s life.
Consider Personality Differences
Just as with choosing your own doctor, choosing a vet comes down to personality in many instances. If you feel that your personality and your vet’s personality are not working well together, you may wish to seek a second opinion simply for your peace of mind, to ensure that the diagnosis you received is accurate and not simply a result of differing personalities.
Consider Whether Your Questions Have Been Adequately Answered
When your pet is facing a serious medical diagnosis, you will, understandably, have a lot of questions. If your vet is recommending euthanasia for your pet, you will have even more, and specifically you will have questions about whether you have done enough to save your pet’s life or improve your pet’s health. If you feel that your vet has not thoroughly or satisfactorily answered your questions, seeking a second opinion may be the right choice. If nothing else, doing so will give you the peace of mind that you have done everything you can do to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.
Remember, there is no shame in asking for a second opinion, even if you have been with the same vet for a long time. It does not mean your vet is doing a poor job or is trying to harm your pet. Doing so is simply your way of ensuring you are doing all you can for your pet. It’s what dedicated, concerned pet owners will do.
If you know of a relative, friend or anyone else that feels it’s time for them to get a second opinion about your their pet’s health, we here at Centre Street Animal Hospital would be happy to help. They are welcome to contact us anytime to schedule an appointment to discuss their pet’s health needs and concerns. If at any time you or any of our clients feel that they would like a specialist opinion and wish to have us refer, we are happy to assist and oblige – our goal is to ensure their best health care always!  The bottom line is that we really want to help you to keep your pets as healthy as possible, and to ensure availability of the best veterinary care.
Please contact us if you have any questions, we are here to help.