Proper Vet Manners
This message is from: Ann Longfellow annlongfel...@comcast.net My Bjorn was terrified of shots. I thought that he acquired his fear of vets before I purchased him. It turns out he had an iris cyst on his left eye that severely limited his sight. He had laser surgery to remove the cyst a year ago. He stands for the shots now. He also used to bolt and I never knew what might provoke it. After 8 years of runaways I am trail riding with more confidence and often a loose rein. He still is sensitive but will just startle, speed up for a few steps, and then settle down. Ann Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
RE: Proper Vet Manners
This message is from: melissa ridebaber...@att.net I have had this happen with a farrier and daughters quarter horse who always stood fine if someone held... new boarding facility new farrier, they ruined him he pulled back and we were told dangerous horse... did not come on appointment date or call came 5 days late horse can not go beyond 6 weeks finally came and went to main barn and appointment was for 10am and he was not done until 3pm farrier did not even file after shoes... three weeks later and bigger bucks barefoot farrier came in pulled shoes gave a little ace for two trimmings got out toe cracks due to roll not being done well enough as we had requested now he stand fine as long as it in not under tree where blow up happened... original farrier 3 guys one closing of nostrils one pinching neck without release and tied over head now he had been tied over head for years but not for farrier and no farrier had had forge going in front of his nose straightening tools for 20 minutes either. If you do not like the treatment do not put up with it change or you could end up like we did with an almost train wreck Another note we do not use the vet the main barn uses due to her missing diagnosis of strangles twice not coming for allergic reaction and not available for emergency colic...also diagnosis a fever prior to vaccination on a 102 degree day with high humidity and horse in stall until 1pm when appointment was for 9am but she went to the full care barn instead. Pattern with those who do main barn for uswill always use our own and check them out Have found barefoot trimmer and another farrier that is great and have found 4 vets we definitely prefer and they are al cheaper and pass on multiply horse rates. Melissa in TX Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
RE: Proper Vet Manners...
This message is from: Shawna K-B. quycksy...@hotmail.com I won't mention what I think that behavior is, because I'm pretty sure that our list owner would block me for language. You are supposed to trust you Vet. Your vet has to work on trusting you and not punishing your horses because of something someone else did. You and your animals deserve a vet that works with you. Anyone who actually pays attention to horse should know that a one-size-fits-all approach to horses is not going to work. Try calling you vet and asking for her to call you at a time that is reasonable for her to talk to you for a while. This treatment of your horses is unacceptable. What's more, her reason for treating all horses this way is going to backfire. These are thousand + pound animals with minds of there own. There is nothing on this Earth that a human is going to do to hold a horse that does not want to be held. I've heard stories from the older farm folks around here that include horses busting through stall and trailer walls, climbing 10' stall walls, and blowing through just about any line or fence made when frightened enough. That doesn't count the nastier stories I've heard of the ones that try fight instead of flight. Your Vet's handler is setting her up to be attacked. It's just a matter of time and the right horse. Try expressing your concern for her well being and where you see thing is going for her in the long run. Also try suggesting a different handler. If she won't listen, I would strongly suggesting going on the great Vet hunt, before you need to sedate your horse for his annual shots. As an aside that is funny in an ironic way, I can see an escalation here as her handler's methods upset more horses... One handler going to two handlers, then horses needing to be sedated for their shots so they'll be quiet, then, well... Pictures of a trank gun are trailing into my mind. I'd say in short, but I already blew that. The problem isn't your horse. It's you're vet's mindset. Best of luck, Shawna Yesterday, the Vet and handler immediately put a chain over my horse's nose, pushed him up against the back wall of his stall, and went right for his rump. Â I thought my horse's eyes were going to jump out of his head. Â (I had visions of a B movie drug bust.) Â BIG protest on my part. Â I was told that the handler was there to keep my Vet safe and was just doing her job. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Proper Vet Manners...
This message is from: katesei...@aol.com While I agree with the get a new vet concept, I have been in a situation before where that was not an option, unless you wanted to do all of your veterinary care yourself! That may actually be an option when it comes to shots. As long as they are intramuscular, it's not too hard, but I would not tackle the ones that need to go in a vein. Most vaccinations, I think, are into the muscle so you actually might be able to do this. The other option is to try and desensitize your horse to shots - in case the association is the shot and not the vet. Or to pay your vet for some calls which are spent only having good times (grooming, snacking, gentle positive work) with the horse to realign that connection between vet/handler and bad times. Kate with Joe, Della and Hana (who usually stand untied for whatever the vet wants to do) **An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377005x1201454319/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072hmpgID=62bcd=May Excfooter51609NO62) Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Proper Vet Manners (a little long, but I need your help)
This message is from: Big Horn Forge Daniel Nauman trap...@alexssa.net I need your help ! Yesterday, my Vet came out to give the horses and dogs their spring shots. The last few years she has had a handler with her on all her calls. I realize, from my Vet's point of view, that the handler is there to help keep her safe; and that most owners, while meaning well, can be a big hinderance. If I were a Vet, I would be on Red Alert at all times when it came to safety. So, with that said, I need your advice. My 9yo Fjord started acting up about two years ago for his shots. I believe it was the first time the handler held my horse. I asked the Vet if I could hold him for her and she basically said no, she now had a handler for that. (I know she has been injured because of well meaning owners.) The handler is rather pushy (my opinion). I became a passive observer, and more than a little irritated at how my horse was handled. I suggested that the handler (a woman also) not hold his head so tight. The horse was afraid, and I could tell, was ready to get out of Dodge. He tolerated the handling and stood very stiff. Any suggestions I had fell on deaf ears. Last year the handler remembered that my horse was hard to hold and put a chain over his nose. Things got worse. My fjord pushed past both of them and ran out into the pasture. When he saw me, he ran up to me. I collected him and returned him to the barn alley. My Vet and handler decided to give the shots in his stall, and had to use quite a bit of pressure. I protested once more and got a look that said don't to go there. Yesterday, the Vet and handler immediately put a chain over my horse's nose, pushed him up against the back wall of his stall, and went right for his rump. I thought my horse's eyes were going to jump out of his head. (I had visions of a B movie drug bust.) BIG protest on my part. I was told that the handler was there to keep my Vet safe and was just doing her job. I went into the stall, picked up on the lead rope, asked my horse for his shoulder over, and reluctantly and fearfully got it. It lasted little longer than 2 seconds. I was hoping to build on that, but that would take time, and time is what my Vet evidently didn't have. The coggins test was last. My horse stood like a gentleman, very relaxed, head lowered. He didn't seem to mind at all. The Vet was really surprised, and mentioned the behavior. After the whole ordeal, while my Vet was packing up, I asked her if their was anything I could do to help with this situation. I explained that I wanted my horse to stand on a loose lead while getting his shots. (Like in the past) My Vet said try feeding grain while he is getting vaccinated. My heart sank. I truly believe that the shots are not the issue. The handling is so rough and scares my horse so much, that pretty soon, no one will be able to get near him with a needle. I have used this Vet for 18 years, and have not had these problems in the past. Switching Vets is not really an option because of where I live. I really want to retain this Vet, and mend any problems. If anyone has any experience or advice for me on what I can do from a training point of view, or a Vet's point of view, I would love to hear it. I have decided to work with the horse and talk to my Vet about working with me when she comes to give the boosters. I'm hoping we can cooperate with each other for everyone's benefit. If my needs are ignored, I will have to find a different Vet. But, there aren't many available, and I don't want to go from one problem to another. I won't even get into talking about the other horse or the dogs. Thanks for any help you may be able to give, Toni (and Erick, her Fjord, who thinks the Vet is out to kill him) :( Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Proper Vet Manners
This message is from: Emily Wigley ewig...@mindspring.com On May 15, 2009, at 1:29 PM, fjordhorse-digest wrote: If anyone has any experience or advice for me on what I can do from a training point of view, or a Vet's point of view, I would love to hear it.  I have decided to work with the horse and talk to my Vet about working with me when she comes to give the boosters.  I'm hoping we can cooperate with each other for everyone's benefit.  If my needs are ignored, I will have to find a different Vet.  But, there aren't many available, and I don't want to go from one problem to another. I would get another vet. If I don't like the way my horse is being handled and I feel that I can do a better job to keep everyone safe (and happy), then I either step in or end it right there. Now having said that, I'm a professional, and while I am not a vet and don't play one on tv ;-) I do know how to handle most, and certainly my horses. I especially am concerned for the above situation because the horse is obviously in fear of the rough handling. Go elsewhere, and explain to the next vet what you've experienced. You don't have to name names (although s/he will probably know who you had trouble with), just explain what you didn't like and why, and ask if you can please handle the horse for the vet. Frustrating, to say the least. Sort of like, but different, when my vet arrived last year to vaccinate a dozen horses on the farm and didn't have all the vaccines he needed... even though he knew how many and what we were scheduled to do... at least he didn't charge me for the next trip out, but it was really annoying to get them all ready and then only do half, and then do it again ten days later! Best of luck, Emily P.S. The manners in your subject line are your vet's, not your horse's, who obviously has good sense and good manners when handled politely! Emily Wigley Fish Bowl Farm Vashon Island, Washington (206) 463-5473 http://www.fishbowlfarm.com http://biscuitsfarmblog.blogspot.com/ ewig...@mindspring.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Proper Vet Manners (a little long, but I need your help)
This message is from: Martie Bolinski boli...@dol.net We have experienced similar problems with our Fjord and our new vet. She does not have a handler, but is quite brusque and rather heavy handed compared to our old, slow but sure vet. Kilar was upset when he saw the shots. He was obviously tense and tried to move away. The old vet would have waited a few seconds, talked to him and snuck up on him while cupping his one hand behind the eye so he couldn't see the shot coming. Always worked. Eventually, when she couldn't get him to stand, I put my own hand behind his eye, cupped a little bit and the shots went smoothly. He is a big sissy about his shots, but doesn't mean to cause trouble - he IS however, very very strong once he decides there will be 'pain'. As for the Coggins - don't even want to go there. He got stuck 6 times before she was able to draw blood (had to shave his furry neck) and he was very jumpy. He used to be so good for the old vet. I'm afraid that every future visit from this gal will be a fight now. Like you, switching vets is not an option. She is the only vet who is accepting new clients in our area. Martie in MD I truly believe that the shots are not the issue. The handling is so rough and scares my horse so much, that pretty soon, no one will be able to get near him with a needle. I have used this Vet for 18 years, and have not had these problems in the past. Switching Vets is not really an option because of where I live. I really want to retain this Vet, and mend any problems. Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
Re: Proper Vet Manners (a little long, but I need your help)
This message is from: jgayle jga...@techline.com Whew, it is the Vet and she is hard headed, and feels strength and pain only, control. Can you give the shots or is that against the law, while she is there? Jean Gayle who has given many shots!!! Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
RE: Proper Vet Manners
This message is from: Willows Edge Farm i...@willowsedgefarm.com From: Big Horn Forge Daniel Nauman trap...@alexssa.net Subject: Proper Vet Manners (a little long, but I need your help) I need your help ! Toni, You need a NEW vet. Sorry, this is the most frustrating vet story I've heard in a while. I understand the assistants are there for helping the vet, but most vets don't use them at all. Better yet, learn how to give your own shots - have a helpful friend or 4-Her come and help show you and do them yourself - it is E-A-S-Y! You'll $ave money and your horse trusts you already. YOU are the one paying the bills - YOU decide what happens to you and your horses. If you had a rude, rough nurse, would you tolerate it? Nah ...well, neither is your horse. A fun side story to vets and shots... Last year I had the vet out to float some teeth and while he was here I had him give the West Nile vaccines (I didn't buy those...long story), and the first horse I went to put a rope around her neck as I knew the response since I do our vaccines. No, no, no. Put that halter on! was his response. Fine, I put the halter on, he gives the shot, the horse doesn't do ANYTHING. He was shocked - do you know how weird that is to have a vet speechless? Second horse, I put the halter on and same response. Now my vet is thinking there must be something different about these guys. Third horse, I got to put the rope around the neck, again, same response. So the 4th horse in the paddock (did I mention, they were all standing in the same paddock together loose?), he walks up and pokes her in the neck. OK, she flinched and stepped back, but she had no idea it was coming either. He left saying that this was his new favorite farm. He has a new appreciation for our wonderful Fjordies. Corinne Logan Willows Edge Farm Bothell, WA (425) 402-6781 www.willowsedgefarm.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4080 (20090515) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
