Where to Get a Second Opinion
In last week’s post, I talked about things that should prompt you to get a second opinion. Now it’s time to talk about where to get them.
Another veterinarian in the same practice
Pros: This may be the most convenient and often least expensive option. Sometimes, the second opinion can occur at the time of the first visit. Say your dog has an unusual looking skin problem. Your vet might be willing to invite a colleague into the room to take a look.
Cons: Veterinarians who practice under the same roof sometimes develop the same medical logic and treatment plans — not truly a second opinion.
A general practitioner in a different practice
Pros: You can confer with someone close by. The second vet may have a collegial relationship with the first. Collaboration between the two might generate some good ideas.
Cons: The second general practitioner may have no more, and possibly less, expertise.
A veterinary specialist
Pros: A specialist has completed three to four years of rigorous training following completion of four years of veterinary school. That’s a lot of extra knowledge in one particular subject area (cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, dermatology, and the list goes on and on). They are experts in their field and attend, and possibly even teach continuing education in their area of expertise. They can often arrive at a diagnosis more expediently and are aware of state-of-the-art treatment options. If you’re rolling your eyes right now thinking about cost, remember a consultation with a specialist is nothing more than that. You have committed to nothing more than the office visit.
Cons: Significant travel time may be required.
The Internet
Pros: Easy, readily available, and inexpensive, the world wide web can be an efficient way to confirm the information you are getting from your veterinarian.
Cons: It’s super easy to be led astray. You will encounter a plethora of inaccurate data that is ripe with faulty assumptions and conclusions, as well as anecdotes of miraculous cures, red herrings, and hocus pocus. Veterinarians don’t like to spend their valuable office visit time dissuading clients from ridiculous notions obtained online (more about responsible surfing in an upcoming blog post).
Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for abundant good health,
Dr. Nancy
What I loved about Jasmine's "main" veterinarian we eventually found was that with a complicated case, he'd seek a second opinion himself first; consulting on "vet Google", consulting with veterinarians he knew and admired, consulting with specialists. With him, we didn't have to worry about getting a second opinion.
With the history of our dogs' health issues and complicated ways to get to resolution, I got used to getting second opinions frequently. And while I was at it, I often got more than just one second opinion from various sources. Some directly, some online--consulting with anybody I could reach.
That worked for me to get as many thoughts as possible to then let my instinct take me when I thought we ought to be going.