[tiggersmum]

One of my dogs had to have a rhinoscopy recently. My vet couldnt do it was he didnt have the equipment so he referred us to a veterinary hospital just over a hundred miles away. This particular dog had been diagnosed with a heart problem so has been on medication for almost a year. I didnt want to put him through any unnecessary stress and was also told that treatment would start at around £2,500!!!!!!!!!!

I spent four days ringing round locally, speaking to loads of vets and finally found one that had the equipment and who also specialised in cardiology just 3 miles away from my existing vets. The upshot of it all is that my beautiful dog has had the operation and is now fit and well and after a scan of his heart, he no longer has to have medication as the medication was doing nothing for his 'minute' tear!! I also managed to save myself £1,500.

Its a shame that some vets are just paranoid about you moving to another practice. When I spoke to the original vet he admitted knowing that this other vet had the correct equipment and was a cardiologist!!!!!!!!!!

Moral of the story: Don't be afraid to ask around and get a second opinion!

[cigwyllt]

Wow - that is definitely worth bearing in mind. We have 4 vets in easy travelling distance (loads more if you are prepared to drive 30 miles or so) but I never think to travel. I chose our vet on the basis that in an emergency I can walk to the surgery but will definitely look at others if an expensive treatment is required.