Hard listening to Vet vs what I read here

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Today Derby doodle started out with a loose stool in the a.m.
Then it managed to become loose stool with bright red blood
Her vet is only a few minutes away...so I ran her over there....he took X-rays, put her on ONE pill of DRONTAL if there was a parasite present. Being proactive, I guess...since fecal sample would take a few days..and 1pill twice a day of Metronidazole for 2 wks
and a probiotic...that I refused to take...I use Proviable DC b/c that's what Karen advised....
He was fine with that...he also put her on 4 cans of Hills Prescription diet I/d canned food....then I am Reading about Bailey on Chix & rice...which seems more wholesome & healthier
Are we on the right track...?? The radiology report came back clean

[Kyoko]

Good idea..

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Human doctors don't sell you food or medicine, do they? Rather than MDs going to the veterinarian approach, the vets are going to have to go to the human doctor approach; there is more and more controversy over this issue, as it amounts to conflict of interest. Your vet makes the same profit on the food and drugs he sells as the drugstore or the pet supply store makes, sometimes more. As documented by Marion Nestle, PhD, many vet practices now make more profit on the sale of food than they do from seeing and their patients, i.e. the work they are trained to do.

Most medications prescribed for your dog can now be purchased at your neighborhood pharmacy. Ask your vet to phione in an Rx, you will be surprised how much you save. 

As we have stated many times in The Food Group, and posted the resources to prove it, there is no nutrition curriculum in veterinary school. Everything your vet knows about food comes courtesy of Hill's Science Diet, which just happens to be a subsidiary of the huge multinational corporation Colgate-Palmolive. 

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

As caring pet owners we do trust that what the vet says is in the best interest of our pets.  Unfortunately there are other factors involved.  The vets do make money from selling "products" - definitely a conflict of interest.  We are also interested in "one stop shopping" so we are "happy" that we don't have to go anywhere else to get our pets medications.  For us - we get the "long-term" medications from a pharmacy and usually get "starter" medication from the vet the remainder from the pharmacy (usually antibiotics). 

Most vets are willing to discuss this with you.  Obviously if the savings is small the convenience of getting the meds from the vet may be worthwhile.

One other thing to remember is that other than to provide proper care for your pet a vet has no incentive in keeping your bill down.  Question why they are doing any procedure or testing!!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm very sorry Derby is so sick. Here is how I see it many times.

Many- most pet owners can barely get their animals vaccinated let alone boil chicken and rice.
If we saw what the vets see each day: overweight, poorly vaccinated, neglected animals, etc we might too, suggest a standard care plan instead of an individual, case by case basis care plan and diet.
It's just my guess, but I've always thought vets devised a standard, easy to follow plan, in hopes that so many non-compliant animal owners would be more likely to follow. Suggesting a bag if dog food is more likely to be followed than asking John Doe Whogivesashirt, to follow a strict diet plan.

I don't believe vets see a lot of pet owners like we find here on DK.

Really, I've got to believe 99.9% of vets are doing the very best for our animals.
So, boil your chicken and be thankful all the rest of the care was really great: you were taken in to be seen right away, a thorough exam, instant medication!
So, you didn't like the food suggestion- no big deal. You got great care. Better than I get ;)

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Good reasoning...I can't argue/ I agree with all BUT he knows me very well
I just have to educate him on my standards...he's a sweetie & I'm very conscious of not insulting him....
I will do a better job of informing him of what I expect, I guess

[BG and Gavin]

Once again Joanne, the sweet voice of reason.  Love your big picture perspective Joanne.

[Linda and Bailey]

Along with feeding Bailey the chicken and rice, I was also told to give her a pepto bismal tablet every four hours and her very loose stools should clear up within 12 hours, which thankfully they did. I hope Derby doodle feels better soon!

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Thanks, she's on Rx stuff for stools & tummy....it's weird this came out of nowhere....EXCEPT we were in NYC over thanksgiving and that's a pretty dirty place for dogs esp. I'm very careful with her, but DH well he's a guy..what more can I say?
I just happened to have some boiled chix in freezer. I gave her that and now ill do the neet thing about the sweet potato...I honestly never thought about the microwave....and I formerly in my younger life taught cooking....Oh Jeeze getting old is not easy..

[Miss Ellie]

Hope Derby Doodle feels better real soon!  Pumpkin & sweet potatoes work wonders for a loose stool...just put on top of his regular food.  

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Sorry to hear Derby is under the weather.  The chicken diet then sweet potatoes or pumpkin did the trick for us when Quincy had his bout-hope Derby is better soon.  

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Chicken diet & sweets it is
Thanks

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Stool sample came back negative....yay!! Sweet pot. Seem to be working..no looseness anywhere...yet...I'm superstitious
Thanks for all the good advise & well wishes