We put my dog to sleep a few years ago and it was very difficult. Just now I feel I am ready for another dog. I have a three year old and am not sure what is a good dog for that age. Can you recommend very "child friendly" dogs.

I do not want a golden (as that would remind me to much of my former dog).

Anonymous wrote:How do you feel about euthanizing an ill animal when expensive surgery that may or may not work is the alternative? I was shocked when we brought our cat with a recurrent urinary tract blockage to the vet and our ONLY OPTION was $10,000 surgery. We ended up choosing to sign rights to him away and per those conditions, the office refused to tell us what happened. To this day, this is one of the most absurd experiences I have ever had. In retrospect, I wish we had just taken him elsewhere.

What do you mean that you signed your rights away? You don't even know if they euthanized the cat?

Anonymous wrote:Do you receive any training at all in pet nutrition in vet school?

I am always appalled by the Science Diet marketing materials all over my vet's office (and the cans of Science Diet "prescription" food on her shelves), given the inferiority of that food to grain-free, premium pet foods.

Hear, hear! Same at my vet, except it's Purina. It makes me not trust anything he says.

Do veterinarians generally feel differently about clients who come in with a rescue dog or cat vs. a purebreed?

Do you have a pet?

What is your favorite type of animal?

Any animals or breeds you don't like?

My son (9) wants to develop pet medicines when he "grows up". Would he need to study as a vet, straight sciences, or both?

Do you receive any training at all in pet nutrition in vet school?

I am always appalled by the Science Diet marketing materials all over my vet's office (and the cans of Science Diet "prescription" food on her shelves), given the inferiority of that food to grain-free, premium pet foods.

How do you feel about euthanizing an ill animal when expensive surgery that may or may not work is the alternative? I was shocked when we brought our cat with a recurrent urinary tract blockage to the vet and our ONLY OPTION was $10,000 surgery. We ended up choosing to sign rights to him away and per those conditions, the office refused to tell us what happened. To this day, this is one of the most absurd experiences I have ever had. In retrospect, I wish we had just taken him elsewhere.

Anonymous wrote:Have you every spanked any animal for mis-behaving?

have you every done a bad procedure that lead to the animal's death but blamed it on the condition?

Spanking = never. That would be appalling. I consider my patients to be my client's babies, their kids (not everyone feels this way about their pets, but most pets *are* important family members). If a pediatrician spanked my kid, I would be livid. I respect my clients and I respect my patients. I do this because I love people, and I love animals, and I love and appreciate the bond that they share.

Bad procedure = no. If something goes wrong or unexpected, I am honest about it. I had one patient die under anesthesia, and it was horrifying. I did everything right, followed all of the highest standards of care. It was totally unexpected and the cause was either underlying heart disease or a reaction to the anesthetic drugs. Awful. I kept the owner informed every step of the way. That was years ago, and I've never gotten over it.

Anonymous wrote:Is pet insurance worth it?

It really depends. If your pet is healthy and only needs to go in to the vet once or twice yearly for annual exam and vaccines, then no, I don't think it's worth it. But, if anything unexpected happens, like a serious illness or a fracture, wounds, etc., then it can be very beneficial.

My clients who have pet insurance are happy with it.

Don't get me started......

Why the f__k do vets charge hundreds of dollars for spaying/neutering when MILLIONS of dogs and cats are euthanized in this country every.single.day??? I found a vet who charges less than $60, but then again, he's worked with rescue groups for over 25 years.

There's a crisis in this country and you all have a responsibility to do your share!!!!!!!! Spaying and neutering should be free, and no, I'm not poor, I've paid thousands of my families own money to pay for low income ppl's companion animals sterilization. Disgraceful.

I'd love to know your income because I have 2 friends who are veterinarians and one makes about 160k and one makes 70ish. Both are excellent physicians.

You probably didn't mean specific advice, but you said ask anything, so if you have a moment.... My beloved foxhound mix is almost 12 years old. He weighs about 75 lbs. He has slowed down considerably but he still gets around fine. He has a bit of incontinence but so far nothing too bad, and he is borderline for Cushing's disease. We were told not to treat the Cushing's unless it gets really bad. We have him on a thyroid medication and something that's supposed to help the incontinence.

My DH and kids and I are all so attached to this dog, and lately I've been getting the feeling like he may not have much time left. It's nothing specific, and the vet wasn't concerned at his checkup 2 months ago (except for the above), but I know dogs of this size don't last forever and he just looks really old. How long do you think we can expect he will be around? And "how" does a dog in this situation usually go? Will we probably end up having to put him down at some point, or will we come home one day and he will be dead? Ugh, I am dreading this.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Have you every spanked any animal for mis-behaving?

have you every done a bad procedure that lead to the animal's death but blamed it on the condition?

Is pet insurance worth it?

I've been reading DCUM for a few years, and every so often, a thread comes up about veterinarians, and it makes me sad to see so many misconceptions about those in our profession. So, here I am. Please ask me anything. I own my practice, so I'm very busy and it might take me a few days to respond to your questions, but I will respond.