Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

sheepiecow · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Hello!

i'm new to the forum, although i've been 'tuning in' once in awhile to read the new topics. now maybe someone can help me.

i have a 6-months old male daschund mix. he's had all his 3 jabs and is now on heartguard.

recently i was too busy to bring him to the vet to clip his nails, and my sister brought him instead. she also asked the vet on certain minor problems (eg. mild constipation, itchy skin).

without asking her anything, the vet gave my dog a yellow pill and a jab, saying that he needs them.

i've gone to this clinic from day one, as it's well-known and well-liked. but the vet who treated my dog wasn't his regular vet.

now i'm very pissed off, cos i don't know what i paid RM65 for! the yellow pill sounded alot like the deworming pill, which he doesn't need. and the vet vaguely mentioned the jab was for 'fleas', but my sis told the vet we've got flea spray.

when i tried to call, they kept passing me around. so i'm really disappointed with the clinic, cos i feel they've ripped me off. i'll try again to get an explanation from them.

but now i want to know what i can do - can i ask for a refund? if not, then can i ask them to 'credit' the amount for his next visit? basically, what's the next step that i should take?

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

The frst thing one should do is just confront the vet incharge. ask which vet was incharged and get the vets side of the story.

Firstly it is your right to choose which vet to see ur dog. normaly most ppl would go to the same doc unless that vet is not avalable. If one jumps in between vets the bonding and trust may not be there and judgements may b harsher. (some may not agree).

Secondly one have the right to refuse treatment and/ or seek a second opinion (another vet or a different pracitce all together). On tha spot. Of course dipending on the pracitce some would charge for the consult while others may not charge. That however is the clinics right.

Lastly, it is the responsibility of the vet to educate the owners. (why certatin drugs are given for example or when is the next visit or what is the next step of treatment). However the one should voice out if one is not clear with the vets explanation. The vet is running a clinic and not a clssroom after all.

The situation is difficult in ur case since it is not u who brought the pet over but a third party (your sis in this case). Take time to set a meeting with the vet incharge and talk about it. In our line of work trust is an important factor in ur dogs (pets) wellbeing. Trust in ur vets ability, trust in the owners ability to follow recomended instructions...it all boils down to that. so keep calm and go see the vet. there could be a good logical explanation. Or the vet may really b a con man and was all too happy to rip u off ur money! Just kidding.

Anyway I hope things turn out well. Take care.

PS there is a link to another part of this forum which u should check out
http://www.vet.com.my/viewtopic.php?t=154. its under 'vet clinics' subtopic "question to the vet".

sheepiecow · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Thanks for your sound advice, Dr Dunker. I'll try to actually go to the clinic to try and solve the mystery.

Good news is, my dog's not dead yet, so it can't be anything harmful! But on the other hand, if he didn't need the pill or jab, then it's just a waste of my money.

But thanks for replying :D

Dr Dunker · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 464 Location: Puchong,Selangor

U are most welcome. Glad to b of service. Take care.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

It is good to clear things up with your vet. But, if you can, bring along your sister. Otherwise, you might find yourself going back and forth a couple of times. Many times, cases like this is just a case of a little misunderstanding/miscommunication. The way different people explain or interpret the same statement can be completely different from the original story.