Do you need a second opinion if your pet is sick?
The opposite, however, is rarely true. If your veterinarian says your pet is sick, it most likely is. You may still want to seek a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis or to discuss alternative treatment options, but that won’t change the original diagnosis.
Do you need to consult with a second veterinarian?
Consulting with a second veterinarian may give you some comfort and help you to establish trust with your new veterinarian. Your gut says differently: You know your pet better than anyone.
Who is the best person to see for a second opinion?
The first person you should ask about getting a second opinion is your primary veterinarian. “The veterinary community is very small, so your veterinarian likely knows the right specialists,” says Ann Hohenhaus, DVM and staff veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
What happens when word gets out that you are a vet?
A funny thing happens when word gets out that you’re a veterinarian or veterinary technician: You become the neighborhood go-to person for medical advice. Neighbors will knock on your door with their dog in tow, point to a wound, and ask “What is this?”
The opposite, however, is rarely true. If your veterinarian says your pet is sick, it most likely is. You may still want to seek a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis or to discuss alternative treatment options, but that won’t change the original diagnosis.
When to get a second opinion for an undiagnosed illness?
Get a second opinion if your gut reaction tells you something is off. By all means, if you are not comfortable with the diagnosis or the recommended treatment, get a second opinion. You should never agree to a procedure or treatment plan when you don’t feel good about it. Trust your gut and gather more information.
What happens when you get a second opinion?
A 2017 study of 286 patients conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that as many as 88% of patients looking for a second opinion will leave the office with a new or refined diagnosis. Meanwhile, 21% of the people will leave with a “distinctly different” diagnosis.
What did the new veterinarian say about my cat?
The new veterinarian took the time to go through my paperwork and explain the labs to me. He said that while my cat was in the early stages of “kidney failure,” kidney disease i s very slow to develop. It can take years. In the past two years, my cat’s lab work had barely changed.
