Do you get annoyed and think is an idiot and find a new vet....
You are glad that is honest w you, but think he is stupid and will find another one as soon as you get out of there....
You are glad that is honest w you and would recommend him/her to others due to his/her integrity?
2007-03-26 17:36:49 · 16 answers · asked by kitty98 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I had great love and respect for my former vet, and was so sad when he retired. He would always tell me if he didn't know or wasn't sure. AND he would research and find out! I raised exotic animals and an uncommon breed of dog. The fact that he admitted when he didn't know and was willing to learn, at his age, was very impressive.
He actually sent his intern to a seminar to learn about the exotic animals I had..
If a vet won't admit when they don't know, it is just misplaced pride..and not for the good of the animal or the owner.
In contrast, the vet that bought his practice when he retired, 'knows' everything! She has done more damage than good, and has lost at least four lawsuits, with more pendging. She gets upset if a client makes a suggestion. She is so hard headed she is an idiot! She killed my dog and aborted my friend's mare. (no, we are not the ones suing) Last I heard she was closing practice and going on the vaccination clinic tour, as she can't get insurance.
Most important is a vet that will take that extra minute to talk to me, so that I have an understanding of what is going on.
That has become even more dear to me as I read these questions. Pet owners coming from the vet and not knowing what to do for aftercare, or what the meds are for .
2007-03-26 21:11:26 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem with medical fields is that there will always be cases where all the knowledge and expertise in the world won't help solve a condition.
The expertise or information on specific diagnosis' may not be available due to technological setbacks, lack of research or information on the diagnosis, and the fact that science itself hasn't yet presented an answer.
Consider the fact that veterinary medicine didn't begin as a study until the 17th and 18th centuries; primarily due to a spread of livestock diseases that surfaced in Europe (the first school opened in Lyon, France in 1761). Of all the medical sciences, veterinary science is the newest, and many problems still arise that are new to DVM's/researchers.
You will also see this a lot in exotic animal medicine. Many DVM's have to figure out the problem and solve it to the best of their knowledge/expertise, even when no research/understanding of the diagnosis is present.
I would never consider anyone "stupid" for not knowing how to deal with a certain problem, especially given the above statements. I would respect and admire the professionalism, responsibility and courage that it takes to be honest with patients.
I would take the initiative to ask for a referral to someone who is more specialized in the field of where the problem lies. For example: a DVM may not recognize a certain eye condition because of it's rarity, but a veterinary opthamologist might.
If it was a continous problem, I would take my services to a place I felt better suited my needs, but by no means would I consider someone "stupid".
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I guess I would pick the last choice in this instance. If it wasn't a recurring situation, I'd have no problem recommending a DVM that is caring and honest with his patients.
I'd rather have someone like that looking after my pets, rather then someone who is going to blow smoke in my a** and tell me what I want to hear, only to end up with horrible care in the end.
2007-03-26 18:34:28 · answer #2 · answered by mroof! 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My vet - who's the greatest in the world - occasionally *does* say 'I don't know'. I love him for it.
The medical professions are too full of gung-ho types who are prepared to dive in despite inadequate knowledge, and the chances are very high under such circumstances that damage will be done. I lost a pancreas to just such an arrogant dolt.
It's worth noting that the Hippocratic Oath contains several clauses that specifically attempt to head off these things. Doesn't stop bad medics, alas.
When my vet says he doesn't know, all he's giving is a tacit apology for the fact that finding out will take a little time. That's just courtesy. I'd much rather have the right answer later than the wrong answer now.
Others on here who have responded negatively to the idea that a medic should admit uncertainty are in for a rough life. If you ever get someone with this attitude as a client, get rid of them and maintain your obvious integrity.
CD
2007-03-26 23:57:01 · answer #3 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly rather have a vet that was honest than one that would give a bogus answer to avoid sounding stupid. Even professionals cannot possibly know the answer to every single question they are confronted with.
So, to answer your question, I would be glad that he was honest. Whether or not I would recommend him to others would depend on a lot more things than that one question.
2007-03-26 17:45:01 · answer #4 · answered by Sunshinekitty 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would be very happy with any vet who was humble and honest enough to admit when he/she didn't know something. After all, if the vet isnt prepared to admit their limits, then perhaps he/she isn't providing correct treatment for your pets. No one knows everything. Every single one of us can learn more. And those who are prepard to admit that, are the ones that are more likely to seek out the knowlege rather than just blindly carry on.
2007-03-26 23:48:43 · answer #5 · answered by PJJ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd be annoyed if it was something serious. But, if I asked him a question, and he was like "Well, to be honest I don't know, but I'll find out right away," that would be 100% okay will me. BUT, if he told me he didnt know, and didn't make any attempts to find out, I'd probably start looking for a new vet.
2007-03-26 18:18:01 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie V 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don`t know is not an answer, if the vet doesn`t know then he needs to further his knowledgeof the subject. He should have said, I don`t know, but I will find out or should have referred u to a vet specialist. If the situation is life threatening, then find another vet asap, don`t accept an "I don`t know" if he makes no effort to persue a solution to whatever u asked.
2007-03-26 17:53:31 · answer #7 · answered by flamingo 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'd rather a vet said ,"I don't know" than give me a line of b.s. that hurt my animal. Now I would also expect a little more detail as to why he said that or effort on his part to find the answer,but a "I don't know" is not a bad answer.
2007-03-27 05:51:01 · answer #8 · answered by ravalli_5 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vets are required to know the anatomy of several very different species.Some are small animal specialists and some are large animal specialists,other specialize in "exotics"(snakes,lizards,birds,etc)No one doctor is expected to know every parameter of every one.If they said they would have to research for an answer I think that would be acceptable.If they just said "I dunno"and left it at that I would maybe look for another.Human doctors must often research for answers and they have the advantage of working on just ONE species(us).
2007-03-26 18:10:21 · answer #9 · answered by K H 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i'm glad they were honest but find another vet to check out my animal right away
2007-03-27 06:03:10 · answer #10 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋