I'm Torn

yosemite

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Bijou got out on my husband (again
) and got bitten by something (again
). He had a big swelling over his right eye that had pus oozing out. I took him to our local vet clinic which is just down the road about 1 km from us (if that far). Our other favourite vet has left the practice where she was and we don't know where she has gone.

My problems:

1. The vet we saw treated Bijou very well so no problems there. He said Bijou should lose a couple pounds. I have to agree again since Bijou weighed in at 20.14 lbs and the vet would like to see him down to about 17 lbs. I told him what I was feeding (Orijen & Acana mixed together with a bit of Hills T/D for his teeth). He asked me why I wouldn't just feed T/D alone. I told him I wasn't a big fan of Hills/Science Diet. He said he has studied feline nutrition and that Hills paid for him to visit their facility. He said he was impressed with the quality of the food - that they used human grade meats. I didn't get into an argument about it with him and he ended up just telling me that once Bijou gets to be around 7 years old I should keep an eye on any kidney issues with the high protein diet.

2. I forgot the topical wash and had to run back to pick it up. When I got there, there was a young man with a 7 week old kitten (sweet little fellow). He was making an appointment to have the kitten de-clawed. I asked him if he really was going to do that and he said yes. The receptionist basically tried to ignore my comments to him that I think anyone declawing should first agree to let me cut all their fingers off at the first joint.

Now, this is not a pro/con declawing thread or question.

My dilemma is whether I should continue to go to this vet or not. I am really torn as I've heard good things about the vet that owns the clinic (not the fellow who saw Bijou BTW) from my former vet, but I am so upset that they do de-claws.
 

AbbysMom

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I've found out in the past year that my vet also declaws. When I questioned her on it her answer was that people are going to declaw whether we like it or not and at least she knows if it is done by her it will be a "good" job and won't be "butchered" by someone else.

I was torn like you, but after visiting a few other vets, she really is the best vet and the only feline specialist in this area.
 

arlyn

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My current vet declaws, but she also tries education first, gives out reading material and asks that they read it all and come back in a week to discuss declawing and alternatives.

While I understand your hesitation, I would discuss some things with your vet first.
Not neccesarily declawing, but cat health in general, get a feel for them so to speak.
Its hard, but I can overlook the practice of declawing if the trade off is having vet worth their fees. Really good vets are getting harder and harder to find.

It might also be worthwhile if you can talk the practice into educating first and being candid with clients as to what a declaw really entails.
 

mybabies

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INTERESTING! I am having the SAME problem! I LOVE my Vet - he is sooooo kind to me and to my babies BUT he is not up on everything.

I have decided to stay with him as long as Missy lives as I want HIM to be the one to put her down ( she has CRF) but then I am leaving.

As for losing weight - my Kotton and Panther were WAY overweight. I was told a cat needs 30 calories per pound to maintain it's weight and less to lose weight. I found out how many calories were in the foods I give them and fed them less - actually measure it out each day and they, along with Ben HAVE lost weight!

OH and as for tarter control to help teeth - cats don't chew (side to side like we do) they crunch once or twice and swallow so I don't see how that food will help!

Sorry for rambling! <sigh>
 
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yosemite

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Originally Posted by MyBabies

INTERESTING! I am having the SAME problem! I LOVE my Vet - he is sooooo kind to me and to my babies BUT he is not up on everything.

I have decided to stay with him as long as Missy lives as I want HIM to be the one to put her down ( she has CRF) but then I am leaving.

As for losing weight - my Kotton and Panther were WAY overweight. I was told a cat needs 30 calories per pound to maintain it's weight and less to lose weight. I found out how many calories were in the foods I give them and fed them less - actually measure it out each day and they, along with Ben HAVE lost weight!

OH and as for tarter control to help teeth - cats don't chew (side to side like we do) they crunch once or twice and swallow so I don't see how that food will help!

Sorry for rambling! <sigh>
I tried feeding less but hubby feeds in the morning and I feed at night. I don't need to put down any food at night as you can imagine. Hubby was with me at the vet and he doesn't agree with the vet that Bijou needs to lose weight. Hubby thinks Bijou is just fine. I have to admit Bijou is very muscular and generally a big cat to begin with, but I do agree with the vet that he needs to lose a couple pounds.

As for tartar control, I realize that cats don't "chew" but apparently T/D has been proven to help a bit and any help at all with tartar is worth trying.
 

AbbysMom

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We were given SD T/D for Molly quite a few years ago. My vet suggested that we give her a little as a substitute for treats, as opposed to an every day food.
 

breellablue

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I worked for a veterinarian who did declawing-- and he reasoning was the same. He would try to deter them but if their heart was set on it he'd rather do it than have the people go to some less experienced veterinarian hurt them more than is necessary with the procedure.

I had to assist with one declaw, and I think that anyone wanting to do that to their animal should have to sit in the room with the veterinarian and hear the cracking of the joints. It's the most horrible noise you will ever hear in your life. After seeing it done I'd compare it to the old practice of breaking a woman's foot and binding it.
 

rockcat

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Originally Posted by Yosemite

As for tartar control, I realize that cats don't "chew" but apparently T/D has been proven to help a bit and any help at all with tartar is worth trying.
I agree, but I think it depends on the cat. Oliver, who will be 10 in August has pearly white teeth and takes his time when he eats. So far, my vet has not recommended his teeth be cleaned. He has had tartar control treats since he was old enough to chew them.
Tripod, on the other hand, eats very quickly - basically swallows his food whole. He is almost 7. His teeth appear yellow amd my vet said I should be thinking of getting his teeth cleaned soon.

As for your declaw question - I think, as others have said, you should find out why he declaws. If he does it because it is readily available in your area anyway and he would rather do it "correctly" than have another vet botch it - I would stay with him. If he suggests declawing - I think you should find another vet.
 

strange_wings

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My opinion of the clinic I use went up when I heard them detouring a woman from getting her kitten declawed (it was much too young to have a scratching problem, yet). They actually gave her some information and were discussing training and soft claws.


A big part of that is vet techs and assistants who care about animals enough to take time for this. Just like when in the hospital, ER, or even at your doctors - it's the nurses who you interact with the most and who can make a positive impact.
 

snake_lady

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Originally Posted by Yosemite

My dilemma is whether I should continue to go to this vet or not. I am really torn as I've heard good things about the vet that owns the clinic (not the fellow who saw Bijou BTW) from my former vet, but I am so upset that they do de-claws.
Aside from the fact that they do de-clawing, is there any other probs with the vet? If not, I would stay. It's so hard to find a good vet that you like ( IME).

I love my vet, they also do de-clawing...but it is not something they push. IF a person chooses to declaw, I would hope they have a good vet (like mine) doing it, rather than a vet who doesn't really care and may not thoroughly educate on the experience or process.

When I took Kizzy in to get neutered and wanted to bring him home the same day, they asked me if the neuter was all they were doing. I wasn't thinking and said huh? They asked if they were doing his claws, I said no... and that was it. No pushing or promoting declawings, and no "well why aren't you" attitude.

JMO.
 

rosiemac

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If the vet is good Linda stay with them. You could always lecture them and try and educate them whenever you go with Bijou for a checkup, which is what i would do if we did it here
 

coolcat

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Originally Posted by Rosiemac

If the vet is good Linda stay with them. You could always lecture them and try and educate them whenever you go with Bijou for a checkup, which is what i would do if we did it here
is a hard dilemma my friend...
But I think Susan has the right...
 

trouts mom

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Originally Posted by Rosiemac

If the vet is good Linda stay with them. You could always lecture them and try and educate them whenever you go with Bijou for a checkup, which is what i would do if we did it here
Its hard to find a good vet!
 

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I have never found a vet that doesn't do de-claws (I'd travel if I did find one!). I have to settle for a vet that doesn't PUSH de-claws, because most of them in this area do push. Ugh. Such a barbaric operation, and most of the time it's done for absolutely no reason.

If you didn't like how the vet pushed Science Diet, if you think he was rude or whatever, I would find a different vet. He's entitled to his opinion as to the quality of SD, but if you didn't like his manner, that's a deal-breaker.
 

forensic

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Maybe bring in literature for him next time, documentation from reputable sources as to why you made your choice.

SD coming to visit their class is no reason to pick them!
 

tigerontheprowl

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Me an my vet have gotten into many arguments about de-clawing. It would always end with him saying "I'd like for you to leave now" because he can't come up with anything to say in response to my thoughts on it. I think he finally got the message now that he's offering alternatives like Soft Paws.

As for the weight issue, I can't be much as I'm not much of a nutritionist. But I would say that as long as Bijou doesn't gain any more weight, you shouldn't worry too much. From the pictures I've seen of him, he seems like a big cat anyways.
 

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After dealing with the er vets I am so thankful for mine( two clinics) as one vet no longer does x-rays or surgery... The manner is what would have me leaving but you say the owner is better>>
 
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yosemite

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The vet was very respectful so no worries on that score. Bijou has to go for a follow-up check-up on Friday evening so I'll talk to the vet about my de-clawing concerns.
 

missymotus

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Declawing is illegal here so it's not an issue for me, but I think I'd have a very hard time using a clinic that supported this practice - doesn't really matter what their reason it's just wrong IMO and I don't see how a good vet could offer the procedure.
 
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yosemite

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Originally Posted by missymotus

Declawing is illegal here so it's not an issue for me, but I think I'd have a very hard time using a clinic that supported this practice - doesn't really matter what their reason it's just wrong IMO and I don't see how a good vet could offer the procedure.
I think many of us agree with your feelings on this subject, but on the other hand, as some of the others were saying, it is still legal in this country and in most of the US so it's a matter of knowing your vet is good at their job and having them do a proper declaw versus a sloppy job at a not-so-good vet. It's the old story of staying with the devil you know sort of thing.
 
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