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Vets want
sick pets to get better as well
• As a vet practising in the north London area I was
sorry to read about Mr Kyle’s bad experiences of veterinary
practice (Beware the vets who don’t care, Letters March
23).
In common with most vets, I am trying to do a good job at
reasonable fees, and I am upset that he feels that there is
no easy-to-use complaints procedure. Cases such as Mr Kyle’s
experience with his border collie do the profession no good
at all.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (www.rcvs.org.uk) are
our governing body, but they have limited powers as they are
restricted by the Veterinary Surgeons Act, which is a very old
piece of legislation, and limits their powers. This needs an
act of parliament to be reviewed. However, until that happens,
there are a few additional things that may help people looking
for a vet.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has recently introduced
a system of accredited practices, these are regularly inspected
to a most rigorous standard, and liable to spot checks. This
is not yet compulsory, but is a start towards better regulation.
Accredited practices have a recognisable square logo. In addition
all vets in practice must comply with health and safety legislation,
and strict drug/pharmacy legislation and controls.
Mr Kyle is quite correct, vets do have to offer prescriptions,
they also have to discuss fees as they go along, and give itemised
bills. Remember that you are the person who knows your pet best,
and if you are not happy please ask your vet for a second opinion.
No reasonable vet would ever discourage someone from getting
a second opinion for a pet, and most would encourage this if
you have any concerns. We want your pet to get better too.
We are lucky to have the Royal Veterinary College nearby (the
‘teaching hospital’ equivalent for vets at London
University) and with several specialist referral vets in the
London area, it should not be difficult to get to see a specialist
for your pet.
I would strongly recommend pet insurance, but if you have a
sick pet and insufficient funds there are a large number of
charity clinics in London (Blue Cross,
RSPCA, PDSA). We are all used to the NHS, and the legitimate
costs of medicines and procedures can be very high for certain
diseases your pet may get.
And lastly, if you just don’t get on with your vet please
change practices, different practices suit different people
and pets, you should feel happy and confident that your chosen
vet is doing his or her best for your pet.
Mary Nicoll MRCVS
The Dragon Veterinary Clinic
Hornsey Road
Archway, N19
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