Going to a new vet - questions

After feeling like I got really poor guidance for Pretty Girl from my AAHA hospital, I'm feeling like I can't go back there. I thought they were great - and certainly much better than many others I had been to. But it seems like when I needed them the most then I didn't get the best help.

What are the things you look for in a new vet? I just realized today that SweetPea's back leg is swollen. Ack!

I'm thinking about going to an animal hospital in the city. They are AAFP certified (American Association of Feline Practitioners) and say they know the special needs of cats. I was referred to them by the ER vet I've used.

SweetPea needs to be seen tomorrow. Have you ever just walked in to a vet and asked to be seen? Thoughts?

 

I am a nervous wreck about the whole thing. SweetPea is still pretty feral even though I've had her for more than 10 years. She will hate the whole thing even more than most cats.

My stomach is in knots. How to cope?

 

I'm usually limited by price and location since I live out in the boonies, but if I got to choose I'd find a cat-only practice. I feel like they'd ideally be a little more educated on kitties and not lump them together like a mixed animal vet.

I've never walked in, just called ahead.

 

Give this a read before you go.

Vet Interview/Screening Topics & Check List

Good luck.

 

If your kitty is still pretty feral, you might want to reach out to the local rescue or humane societies and see if they can recommend someone good with the wilder ones. Our local TNR group tends to deal with just one or two vets.

 

Thank you all for your thoughts and replies. I found a vet in the city - they are AAHA and AAFP certified (not the one I referred to above). They have good reviews (avg 4.7) and great hours 6:30-8:30 PM Mon to Fri and 8:00-4:00 on Sat and Sun. They were VERY nice on the phone and in person.

I did call - I've never ever walked in but was considering it. They had an opening at the exact time this morning - 10:40 - that I needed. It was a long drive but I hurried and made it. Due to COVID they're not letting any people in but they seemed good and very organized with numbered parking spaces (call when you arrive), phone consult before and in-person consult after. They had a shady area with misters for the people who were waiting not in their car and they came and got your pet and brought them back. They had a coupon for $25 first visit checkup. And they do Trupanion vet direct pay.

The vet office I referred to above called me mid-morning to follow up on my online inquiry. They wanted a $65 payment to make an appointment. That seems crazy to me and I was already headed to the hospital for the 10:40 appointment.

Sadly they gave me really bad news - I am devastated. SweetPea has a very large mass in the lower part of her body. Her paw is swollen because the fluids aren't moving properly. She might not survive the major surgery needed to get rid of the mass and it would leave her horribly disfigured and with quality of life that sucks. They suggested it is time for her to go to kitty heaven as soon as possible - she is 14. I brought her home with pain meds and will take her back in probably 2 days or so to tell her goodbye. I am heartbroken. She isn't eating much, mostly liquids, but after the pain medication she is purring. I am praying she will let me know when it's time but its likely to be very soon.

As far as finding a new vet - what worked for me was searching for an animal hospital with both certifications, reading the online reviews and reading their website and staff biography thoroughly. They are my go to vet now. Thanks y'all for the input and for listening.

 

I am so sorry to hear about the prognosis. The kindest thing you can ever do is let them go before they lose that precious quality of life. The clinic you took her to today sounds absolutely lovely. Please take care of yourself and SweetPea.

 

So sorry to hear the news about SweetPea. No matter how long we have them, it's never long enough.

Make some good memories over the next few days to help sustain you. There's no reason she can't have whatever her little heart desires in the way of foods. Spend as much time as you can with her and she'll tell you when it's time.

You might look for a mobile vet who will come to your home when the time comes so you don't have to drive her out to a vet again.

 

Oh Elizabeth, my heart is breaking for you, I'm so very sorry. You and Sweet Pea are in my thoughts

 

I'm so sorry

 

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts. SweetPea left me on Wednesday night. As @Chris & China (GA) said, we never have them long enough.

I am heartbroken. But glad SweetPea isn't suffering. I will always miss her.

I know many of you know how it is.

Thank you.

 

I'm so very sorry, my thoughts are with you. Fly high Sweet Pea, no more suffering
you are like a little kitty again running and playing

 

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sigh tiz true we never do have long enough with our furry babies. My heart goes out to you.
Fly free Sweet Pea land ever so softly back to mamas heart forever.