Angry and Disappointed

[Gizzymom]

I am so completely angry and disappointed right now. I will preface this by saying that when Giz went for his "senior" bloodwork in Sept, they brought him in the back for the blood draw and I could hear him SCREAMING from the exam room. They asked me to come in the back to get him because he was so upset and like "frothing" at the mouth. As soon as he saw me, he was fine. So I think it was the combo being taken from me and the blood draw. So when I called this week to schedule the blood draw for HCM, I asked if I could stay with him. They told me it shouldn't be a problem.

So Giz and I got up bright and early, drove 55 min to the vet for his 8:30 am appt. I asked if I could take a photo during the blood draw and told him (vet) the reason why (to post here and on my FB documenting Gizzy's contribution to HCM research). He stated that no photos are allowed in the clinic. I asked if we could "mock" a blood draw and take a photo and then do the real draw. He stated again - no photos in the clinic. I was disappointed, but what could I do? So then he stated, "I'll take him in the back for the blood draw and we will be right back". I explained about being with him for the draw because of how he reacted the last time. The vet told me, "if he would have been that stressed, it would have been documented in his chart". I asked him - are you saying that I am lying about it??? I told him that I will absolutely not let Giz get that stressed out again and I insist on being present. The vet then asked me to leave because he would not draw blood in my presence.

I left (after getting copies of all Gizzy's medical record and taking his photos down off their board) with my head held high, but as soon as I got to my car, I was in tears. I was so completely disappointed that we could not get the blood draw done. And I wasted 2 hours going out there after they told me it could be done.


So I spent the last hour calling different vets in my area to see if they make exceptions and let me be present for this and all future blood draws. You would think I was asking to assist with a surgery the way they were acting. Now a pediatrician would NEVER consider not letting a parent be present for a test or precedure on their child... why is it so difficult to put my Giz in a position of comfort by having me there?? My vet told me today that - "you being there isn't going to help". Bull****!!! Then how come last time, he immediately calmed down as soon as he saw me?? They may be the vets, but I know my cat better than anyone else!!

So anywho... I found a cat specialist about 45 minutes away that will allow me to be present during blood draws, but I cannot get in (when I am off work) until 12/27 (just enough time to priority mail the sample for the 12/31 deadline in order for Dr. Meurs to get the panding grant).
I just feel so bad cuz I was so excited about this. I feel like I am letting people down. I just couldn't let Giz get as stressed as he did the last time. That is not fair.
Can anyone tell me why is it such a big deal to be present during a blood draw? I'm just so disappointed... Also, do you think that I should file a complaint with the IDPR (Illinois Dept of Professional Regulation) because Gizmo's records were not kept accurately (no mention of his reaction to the last blood draw) or should I just forget it? It is not THAT big of a deal, but if they didn't document that, what else do they not document??
UGH.... Bad morning.... We'll try again on 12/27... (Sorry for the delay HCM kitties... but my "former" vet is a dickhead!! (I know it got censored, but I felt better typing it!)

 

[Gullivers Keeper]

did you try the clinic I go to, college station cat clinic ?

 

[Mews2much]

Your vet went overboard.
All my vets have let me watch when my cats get blood tests if I wanted to.
In fact my old vet always took blood right in front of us.
File a complaint.
Sorry they are ass######

 

[tessblack]

You did the right thing by leaving. You put Gizzy first and you would not have felt good about it any other way. Don't feel like you let anyone down, because that is not true at all. I would just find another place sooner or go to the one that you have on the 27th. Don't beat yourself up about this. Everyone knows how much you care and no matter what you take care of Gizzy.

 

[Gizzymom]

did you try the clinic I go to, college station cat clinic ?

I did check them, Anita... They were my 2nd choice because they are over an hour away from me. I was trying to find a new vet not SO far away... just cuz Giz is getting older... and if my vet trips have to become more frequent for any reason... that is a long way... Thanks, though!

 

[Bella07]

I'm sorry that you had to go through that....Of course though, we all completely understand. You trusted your gut, and stood up for what you knew was best for Gizzy. Sure, file a complaint if you feel that is best. Cheers to you for standing up for you and Gizzy! (And you even got past the censors on that one!)

 

[marlene]

I've been going to the same vet for over 20 years so he's what I'd call "old school." I've been present for every single normal blood draw, in fact I help hold the kitty down even though he has an assistant. I also literally hold them in my arms if he's putting them down. I don't know if my vet allows this because he knows my background and knows that I can handle it without freaking out or fainting, or if he allows all pet owners to do it. Gonna ask him the next time we go in.

Sounds to me like your vet was more concerned about possibly being sued (the "no pictures" deal) or didn't want to be somehow "inconvenienced" by having an owner present while he was drawing blood. Either way, I'd say it's time to find a new vet.

 

[klreese]

Awe Jody what a crappy day! I agree though, i would not have allowed my kitty to get so upset over the bloodwork. I, also, don't understand why you couldn't be there. that just seems so odd to me. I have heard my babies cry from a seperate room before, it brought tears to my eyes. it's just SO heartbraking. I compend you for your strength! I'd also refuse to pay the bill for the day (if they charged you).
As for the complaint, if his documents are that off and after him speaking to you in such poor maners and obviously not having the pets best interest at heart, i say go for it. if no one complains, "they" may not know the vet is not being professional.
I'm sure the HCM kitties would understand this situation. And hopefully you cant get to the new vet and get the blood work out in time!
Snuggle Gizzy for his bravery for even going in the first place!! what a strong little man- he deserves turkey on a glass plate - just for the stress of the day! (hehe)

 

[Gizzymom]

Your vet went overboard.
All my vets have let me watch when my cats get blood tests if I wanted to.
In fact my old vet always took blood right in front of us.
File a complaint.
Sorry they are ass######

M2M... My cussing got through the censors, but yours didn't.LOL.. I think you censored it yourself, though.
Sorry if my words offended anyone..

My vet was never like this before. He seemed very "short" with me from the get go.. So maybe he was having a bad day. But I do NOT repect the "god complex" attitude of "I know what is best" and "what I say goes".

But besides all that, it is the piss poor record keeping that scares me. There is no mention ANYWHERE of the few times I had to get Gizzy from the back because he was so stressed and hissing. I KNOW how important it is to keep accurate medical records and that is what I would file a complaint against....

 

[Mews2much]

I always get all the records of my cats from the vet.
They have no problem printing them up for me.
I censored my post.
My vet always takes blood from the neck.

 

[spygirl]

I know I would have done the same thing too! YOU are his owner, not the vet. In the end, YOU know how your animal behaves and how he reacts to certain situations. NOT the vet.

When I got Blue, I warned them how nervous he gets in certain situations and they had no problem with me being there for everything. He gets so calm when I sit on the floor with him, with his head on my lap and him laying on his side. They allow me to get him into position and then they do whatever needs to be done. The only thing I haven't been in there for is when he got fixed.

Same thing with Sophie. She's a wiggle worm during shots and they allow me to hold her head to keep her attention when doing procedures.

Yes, sometimes its better for the owner to not be present. For example, Blue wouldn't go into the back to get prepped for his neutering until I left. But a tech was standing right by the door to call me back in if I was needed. Or when Sophie gets groomed (she gets too excited when she sees me!) I just don't understand what the big deal was. Like you said, its not like you were asking to sit in on a surgery.

I wish you luck in finding a new vet. And I hope this one is more sensitive to your and Gizzy's needs!

 

[abbyknitter]

what a jerk! I am so sorry you had to go through that! What bothers me is what was he doing that he didn't want you to see? I'm not saying he did anything to your baby but it sure sounds suspisious. And you are the parent! You should be able to be with him!! I would file a complaint! I hope your day gets better ***hugs from me and Abbers***

 

[NakedNinja]

So sorry you had to go through that. It took many years and many bad experiences before we found our current vet, Annie. She gets it. She knows our boys are our babies, and we don't want them out of our sight. You absolutely did the right thing by being insistent, and the "no pictures" thing is ridiculous, I have TONS of pictures of my guys visiting Annie, having various procedures done. Report the vet, and stick to your guns. You're a good kitty mommy

 

[TotenEngel]

*big hugs* to you both and sorry to hear your vet was such a jerk
I ALWAYS insist on being there and, in fact, raising the vein on all my cats for any blood tests (I even did it for Josh when he was PTS earlier this year) I guess its a combination of my stroppiness and being lucky with vets, but I would NEVER let them do a concious procedure on any of my boys unless I was present
It sounds to me like the vet either isn't very compitent or confident and was worried you would see that. A well trained nurse and vet should be able to get a blood sample out of a healthy cat with almost no fuss and after my years in practice, I can tell you while some animals may 'play up' in front of their owners, most behave far better with a familiar, comforting word or two from someone they love.
I am so sorry both of you had to go through it, and well done on being the strong person you were (in front of them at least!) don't let the bar stewards get you down!
Its not you that has let anyone down, but the vet that has, personally I wouldn't worry about reporting him, just be glad you're done and dusted with him!
Good luck with the new place and glad you found somewhere that can be helpful

 

[ypvsypvs]

Wow, that's really star star star star'ed up!

Everytime I've ever been at vets they ask me to come with when they examine, draw blood, give injections etc. Only surgery you can't be in the room for but for everything else here they expect you to be in the room holding and petting your cat while they do what is needed.

I hope you find a good vet soon. Can't imagine why the hell he didn't let you be present, really strange.
To question your memory of what happened last time was even stranger and from a business sence moronic. Does he have a boss to complain to?

Worst of all is that you had to leave with task undone knowing he probably is talking about you as you are a hysteric when it's him that truly handeled that situation unprofessionaly.

Ps. I would've left as well never to come back.

 

[pooner]

That is a very disappointing story
I would have done the same as you and left the vet's office. As a medical professional myself I know that documentation is of the utmost importance. I am a dental hygienist and I document in my chart notes if a child or adult has emotional disturbances, it is necessary to help them have a better experience the next time. Part of being a health care provider is to make patients comfortable. I think this same philosophy carries over to our pet's health care. Many of us love our pets like children and especially our sphynx babies who need us so much and bond with us like they are humans themselves.

I am wondering about the HCM research you are helping with? Pooner has HCM, is their something he can do to help with the research?

 

[gizmo6370]

Wow...that vet is a wacko...never heard of not being present with a blooddraw....what a looney....he really went overboard....if i go to my vet...i go where my kitty goes...
Good for you...stand up for your baby...he's so worth it

 

[Gizzymom]

That is a very disappointing story
I would have done the same as you and left the vet's office. As a medical professional myself I know that documentation is of the utmost importance. I am a dental hygienist and I document in my chart notes if a child or adult has emotional disturbances, it is necessary to help them have a better experience the next time. Part of being a health care provider is to make patients comfortable. I think this same philosophy carries over to our pet's health care. Many of us love our pets like children and especially our sphynx babies who need us so much and bond with us like they are humans themselves.

I am wondering about the HCM research you are helping with? Pooner has HCM, is their something he can do to help with the research?

Sent you a PM with the info

 

[Gizzymom]

OK.. you google gurus out there... I thought I could find anything on the internet, but I am stumped on this one. I am trying to find info on pet owner's rights at the vet- specifically if an owner has the RIGHT to be present at vaccinations and blood draws. I am in the state of Illinois... not sure if rights vary state by state...

If anyone finds anything, please let me know.. I would be SO grateful!!!

Thank you,
Jody & Gizzy

 

[maxtmill]

I am so completely angry and disappointed right now. I will preface this by saying that when Giz went for his "senior" bloodwork in Sept, they brought him in the back for the blood draw and I could hear him SCREAMING from the exam room. They asked me to come in the back to get him because he was so upset and like "frothing" at the mouth. As soon as he saw me, he was fine. So I think it was the combo being taken from me and the blood draw. So when I called this week to schedule the blood draw for HCM, I asked if I could stay with him. They told me it shouldn't be a problem.

So Giz and I got up bright and early, drove 55 min to the vet for his 8:30 am appt. I asked if I could take a photo during the blood draw and told him (vet) the reason why (to post here and on my FB documenting Gizzy's contribution to HCM research). He stated that no photos are allowed in the clinic. I asked if we could "mock" a blood draw and take a photo and then do the real draw. He stated again - no photos in the clinic. I was disappointed, but what could I do? So then he stated, "I'll take him in the back for the blood draw and we will be right back". I explained about being with him for the draw because of how he reacted the last time. The vet told me, "if he would have been that stressed, it would have been documented in his chart". I asked him - are you saying that I am lying about it??? I told him that I will absolutely not let Giz get that stressed out again and I insist on being present. The vet then asked me to leave because he would not draw blood in my presence.

I left (after getting copies of all Gizzy's medical record and taking his photos down off their board) with my head held high, but as soon as I got to my car, I was in tears. I was so completely disappointed that we could not get the blood draw done. And I wasted 2 hours going out there after they told me it could be done.


So I spent the last hour calling different vets in my area to see if they make exceptions and let me be present for this and all future blood draws. You would think I was asking to assist with a surgery the way they were acting. Now a pediatrician would NEVER consider not letting a parent be present for a test or precedure on their child... why is it so difficult to put my Giz in a position of comfort by having me there?? My vet told me today that - "you being there isn't going to help". Bull****!!! Then how come last time, he immediately calmed down as soon as he saw me?? They may be the vets, but I know my cat better than anyone else!!

So anywho... I found a cat specialist about 45 minutes away that will allow me to be present during blood draws, but I cannot get in (when I am off work) until 12/27 (just enough time to priority mail the sample for the 12/31 deadline in order for Dr. Meurs to get the panding grant).
I just feel so bad cuz I was so excited about this. I feel like I am letting people down. I just couldn't let Giz get as stressed as he did the last time. That is not fair.
Can anyone tell me why is it such a big deal to be present during a blood draw? I'm just so disappointed... Also, do you think that I should file a complaint with the IDPR (Illinois Dept of Professional Regulation) because Gizmo's records were not kept accurately (no mention of his reaction to the last blood draw) or should I just forget it? It is not THAT big of a deal, but if they didn't document that, what else do they not document??
UGH.... Bad morning.... We'll try again on 12/27... (Sorry for the delay HCM kitties... but my "former" vet is a dickhead!! (I know it got censored, but I felt better typing it!)

WOW! I would dump that vet pronto! I have always stayed with my animals during vet check-ups & procedures! I am a nurse, & I compare it to not letting a parent stay with a child. I thank God for my vet, who understands that we think of our pets as our babes! I am so sorry this happened to you!

 

[Moonlight]

If a vet refused allowing me to watch a blood draw, I would have to seriously question if they were hiding something. Or if they were incompetent doing draws and didn't want me to witness multiple efforts.

My vet allows me to be present whenever I wish. I value it, and he also allows me to research and direct my pets' treatments/vaccine protocols.

I, too, would be looking for another vet.

 

[kiennasmom]

OK.. you google gurus out there... I thought I could find anything on the internet, but I am stumped on this one. I am trying to find info on pet owner's rights at the vet- specifically if an owner has the RIGHT to be present at vaccinations and blood draws. I am in the state of Illinois... not sure if rights vary state by state...

If anyone finds anything, please let me know.. I would be SO grateful!!!

Thank you,
Jody & Gizzy

Wow, Jody, that is a stumper!! I consider myself pretty good at web searches but couldn't find much other than how to file a complaint against the vet. I will be interested to read the answer, too!

Sorry you had to go through the experience. I am glad that you didn't submit poor Gizzy to all that stress

 

[BlueGirl]

thats so awful, I think you did the right thing. I would want to be there too! especially since it'll help calm Gizzy down, I cant understand your vet being so arssy about it. I have to say though I found a lot of Vets who has the idea that they know my pet better than me when I was looking for one for Loki. Just because they have the training, dose not mean they know how my cat will act. I had many vets try to tell me that Loki had ear mites and that his tempreture was high too.... so glad I found one who understands now, she's a little cold and stand-offish but she knows how attached me and Loki are and lets me be present for everything short of surgery.

Many hugs.

 

[Stalknndashadows]

Unfortunately having working in a clinic for awhile I can see where the vets come off not allowing the owner to watch. The majority of owners say that the animal will be more comfortable with them around to essentially be the animal's support but unfortunately often times that is not the case and the owner either gets in the way or causes more stress in the end. When an owner is stressed watching their animal have blood drawn then the animal gets more stressed. We have to restrain them in a way that is both safe for them an for us and procedures are put in place for the protection of all.I am NOT saying this would be the case with you and your cat just that it is what most often happens.

I have worked for a vet who allowed the owner to be present for blood drawing but the owner was not the one restraining the animal (unless we are talking about a highly agressive animal who would only allow the owner to touch it) and it was only in the exam room. If an animal is taken in the back, under normal circumstances the owner is not permitted back there. We are not just worried about ourselves but we then become responsible for the owner. We do not need another animal to get injured due to an owner or an owner injured by someone elses animal. Animals can be predictable in their owners homes but not always in a clinic environment.

 

[Gizzymom]

Unfortunately having working in a clinic for awhile I can see where the vets come off not allowing the owner to watch. The majority of owners say that the animal will be more comfortable with them around to essentially be the animal's support but unfortunately often times that is not the case and the owner either gets in the way or causes more stress in the end. When an owner is stressed watching their animal have blood drawn then the animal gets more stressed. We have to restrain them in a way that is both safe for them an for us and procedures are put in place for the protection of all.I am NOT saying this would be the case with you and your cat just that it is what most often happens.

I have worked for a vet who allowed the owner to be present for blood drawing but the owner was not the one restraining the animal (unless we are talking about a highly agressive animal who would only allow the owner to touch it) and it was only in the exam room. If an animal is taken in the back, under normal circumstances the owner is not permitted back there. We are not just worried about ourselves but we then become responsible for the owner. We do not need another animal to get injured due to an owner or an owner injured by someone elses animal. Animals can be predictable in their owners homes but not always in a clinic environment.

Thanks for the input... but do you know if there is any such thing as "owner's rights"... like there are "patient right's" for people. I KNOW it's not the same (I hear that from my friends all the time), but since I own the pet, I should have some rights, no? Like if a vet takes Gizzy to the back to give his vaccinations, how do I know he actually did it and didn't just charge me for nothing?? Just like a small child, an animal cannot speak for themselves and tell me whether or not thei got a shot or were treated gently or whatever... Just curious if you know if anything like that exists??