Veterinarian's Oath

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional
knowledge and competence.

Veterinarian's Oath as adopted by the American Veterinarian Medical Association July, 1969

Have A Good Veterinarian - Client Relationship

Shortly after I moved to Chesterfield County my new local veterinarian, who I thought was very nice, wanted to vaccinate my dogs every six months for Infectious Tracheobronchitis or kennel cough. This vaccine is not considered a "core vaccine" or one that is medically necessary, but one for dogs at risk due to confinement with other dogs. My dogs are not boarded frequently nor do they visit the city dog park. They're a Shih Tzu and a Chinese Crested Powder Puff that went to the clinic to be groomed about every eight weeks or so. That must have put them close enough to other dogs in the clinic to justify his policy that they be so frequently vaccinated.

Repeated vaccinations over time can inflame the area where given and also cause other serious side effects. I wasn't comfortable with this approach in dealing with kennel cough and my vet, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association , is encouraged to discuss their vaccine schedule with me and customize it based on their needs. So at Katie and Choo's next grooming appointment I wanted to discuss alternatives to these shots with him, but was instead informed by his staff that it was the doctor's policy, and that if I didn't agree to the vaccine or to pay extra for an "isolation cage" my dogs could not be groomed.

The next day I was mailed a Termination of Veterinarian-Client Relationship Letter for being "rude to staff" over the policy. More or less I asked to wait and speak privately with the doctor, was denied that opportunity, dared question policy, then was told to seek care somewhere else.
The good news is I found an excellent groomer who has the time to screen and get to know her clients and their pets.

Make sure that whatever services your Veterinary Clinic or Hospital is providing they are doing it in a professional and caring manner. Be aware of large scale operations that may come with all the bells and whistles THEY think your pet wants and needs but without the time and staff to provide good one- on- one attention to you and your pet. These places can include new high end practices with grooming spas, extravagant boarding facilities with television, pools, and dog parks. To operate these facilities what's needed is high overhead costs that you pay for. That includes staff, their pay, and benefits. Also utilities, maintenance, insurance, and much more. Don't forget the more animals your pet comes in contact with the more often they need expensive vaccinations to avoid illness. A pet "Clinic and Spa" can become a booming business for your veterinarian and a nightmare for you, your pet, and your wallet.

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Our Pets: Happy, Healthy, and Living Longer

I hope this blog will help anyone who reads it keep their pet well and living a healthier, longer life. First I have to share some background as to what started my involvement in Pet Wellness Advocacy.

My cat Smokey was diagnosed with vaccine associated sarcoma or VAS in January of 2007. This is a very aggressive but preventable tumor. Smokey was given a vaccination before some minor surgery and three years later developed cancer. Certain viruses in pets can be deadly and your pet should be protected from them but there is a lot of information owners should be getting from their pet's doctor first.

The very first step on your pet's wellness path is to always find a veterinarian that will inform you of everything about treatments and educate you about wellness including the nutrition, medications, and the habitat your pet needs. Never be bullied or persuaded to have your pet given anything you're not informed about or comfortable with.

Smokey was an indoor older cat that should never been given a vaccine when his immune system would be under the stress of surgery. I think that if even just one pet can have a healthier longer life, and an owner can take their animal to the vet for the right reasons because of what I learned with Smokey and passed on here, I'll be happy.