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Can I trust my vet?

MybabyAction

New Born Pup
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Hey everyone, this is my first post on here and I'm looking for some guidance if you can take the time to help.

I've four boars and one of them who is 15 months old has l to been with us for about
two months after speed dating and matching with my single boar.

He seems so happy and follows me around the house and loves his food! He has put on abit of weight which he needed to because he was very small.

i noticed that he only seemed to put weight on his neck and I suspected it was a dewlap. His poos also became smaller and softer recently so I thought id take him to the vet.

i found out he has a heart murmur and overgrown teeth at the back of his mouth too.
I googled vets that's specialise with guinea pigs and found one called Ashleigh vetenary centre in Manchester so he went there.

They have done all the treatments on him today and I went to collect him this evening.

My question is, how do I know that my vet has my guinea pigs welfare as the most important thing. I read today an article that was written by an ex vet who did an exposé about the vetinary business and he said that vets do things that put the let through painfully treatment that they don't need to make money! It really worried me as I want to know my guinea pig is having treatment be needs and not being pushed for stuff he doesn't need that could cause him distress just to make the vets more money.

I know this is a silly thought for me to have but it has got me worried. I just want whats best for my piggies.

Does anyone have an experience with Ashleigh vetenary centre? I have had a good experience if a little rushed. It's in Lancashire/Manchester.

Thank you for reading!

Jen
 
Sorry I can’t help you, somebody else will soon x
 
The good news here is that Ashleigh Veterinary Centre is on our list of recommended vets. This means that at least one member has recommended them as knowledgeable and experienced with guinea pigs.

No one can ever say what happens behind closed doors but we have to trust that the vast majority of people go into careers like vets or doctors or nurses because they genuinely care and want to help. It's like a lot of things these days. Do not let the minority ruin your view of the majority
 
It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your boars, and it is perfectly natural to have doubts.
Thankfully the vast majority of vets have the welfare and best interests of their animal patients at heart.

You mentioned that your experience was good but slightly rushed, which implies you vet is popular and therefore busy.
This means it is highly unlikely that he is putting your guinea pigs through unnecessary procedures just to make money - chances are he has enough clients to fill his day.

As with any profession there wil always be horror stories, but overall I think most vets will always offer the best care possible for your pets.
 
Hey everyone, this is my first post on here and I'm looking for some guidance if you can take the time to help.

I've four boars and one of them who is 15 months old has l to been with us for about
two months after speed dating and matching with my single boar.

He seems so happy and follows me around the house and loves his food! He has put on abit of weight which he needed to because he was very small.

i noticed that he only seemed to put weight on his neck and I suspected it was a dewlap. His poos also became smaller and softer recently so I thought id take him to the vet.

i found out he has a heart murmur and overgrown teeth at the back of his mouth too.
I googled vets that's specialise with guinea pigs and found one called Ashleigh vetenary centre in Manchester so he went there.

They have done all the treatments on him today and I went to collect him this evening.

My question is, how do I know that my vet has my guinea pigs welfare as the most important thing. I read today an article that was written by an ex vet who did an exposé about the vetinary business and he said that vets do things that put the let through painfully treatment that they don't need to make money! It really worried me as I want to know my guinea pig is having treatment be needs and not being pushed for stuff he doesn't need that could cause him distress just to make the vets more money.

I know this is a silly thought for me to have but it has got me worried. I just want whats best for my piggies.

Does anyone have an experience with Ashleigh vetenary centre? I have had a good experience if a little rushed. It's in Lancashire/Manchester.

Thank you for reading!

Jen
It’s normal to feel like this when you have a sick piggy. You did the right thing taking him to the vet and getting him sorted out. I guess my question to you is why are you thinking these things? Is he worse after going there? Did they charge you extortionate amounts of money? It might be the stress of the day you have had (we have all been there). I agree that people go into caring jobs to do just that, I am a nurse myself and love my job a vet must be such a difficult job and I couldn’t imagine one who didn’t love what they do, you just have to look at a piggy face to love them :luv:
 
I have used Ashleigh vets for about 7 years and have generally had very good care from them. They (vets and nurses) are very knowledgeable about piggies and genuinely seem to care. The only bad experiences I have had were that, despite Aiden (the most experienced exotic vet at the practice) having performed a great many boar neuters (many hundreds) , e.g for all Salford and Manchester RSPCA boars, I have had two boys die post neuter, but this could have just been hard luck on my part - s**t happens, unfortunately.

I don't feel they overcharge; they are cheaper than my local general vets, and I certainly haven't had any experience where they have suggested using procedures that may not have been needed. In fact, they have been conservative in their treatment plans taking it a step at a time. I have been very impressed in emergencies, both during normal hours and out of hours; I have delivered piggies at death's door that have received immediate life saving treatment, despite not having an appointment.

I also recommend their boarding facility which is more expensive than most, but really great if you have any special needs piggies (old or on medication etc).

I hope this sets your mind at rest. As far as I'm aware, Ashleigh is the best vets for piggies in the Manchester area.
 
I have used Ashleigh vets for about 7 years and have generally had very good care from them. They (vets and nurses) are very knowledgeable about piggies and genuinely seem to care. The only bad experiences I have had were that, despite Aiden (the most experienced exotic vet at the practice) having performed a great many boar neuters (many hundreds) , e.g for all Salford and Manchester RSPCA boars, I have had two boys die post neuter, but this could have just been hard luck on my part - s**t happens, unfortunately.

I don't feel they overcharge; they are cheaper than my local general vets, and I certainly haven't had any experience where they have suggested using procedures that may not have been needed. In fact, they have been conservative in their treatment plans taking it a step at a time. I have been very impressed in emergencies, both during normal hours and out of hours; I have delivered piggies at death's door that have received immediate life saving treatment, despite not having an appointment.

I also recommend their boarding facility which is more expensive than most, but really great if you have any special needs piggies (old or on medication etc).

I hope this sets your mind at rest. As far as I'm aware, Ashleigh is the best vets for piggies in the Manchester area.
Thank you for your reply! Just speaking to someone who had had experience with taken puts me at rest. I guess I just don't want to be ignorant and be responsible by vetting anyone who touches my piggies. I'm super protective 🤣
Thank you!
 
It’s normal to feel like this when you have a sick piggy. You did the right thing taking him to the vet and getting him sorted out. I guess my question to you is why are you thinking these things? Is he worse after going there? Did they charge you extortionate amounts of money? It might be the stress of the day you have had (we have all been there). I agree that people go into caring jobs to do just that, I am a nurse myself and love my job a vet must be such a difficult job and I couldn’t imagine one who didn’t love what they do, you just have to look at a piggy face to love them :luv:
I only brought him back home yesterday so I guess I'm just worrying as I just want my piggy to be safe and looked after properly and I want to know he is getting the best care. Thanks for your reply!

I'm giving my boy plenty of attention and cuddles now he is home 🤗

J
 
It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job with your boars, and it is perfectly natural to have doubts.
Thankfully the vast majority of vets have the welfare and best interests of their animal patients at heart.

You mentioned that your experience was good but slightly rushed, which implies you vet is popular and therefore busy.
This means it is highly unlikely that he is putting your guinea pigs through unnecessary procedures just to make money - chances are he has enough clients to fill his day.

As with any profession there wil always be horror stories, but overall I think most vets will always offer the best care possible for your pets.
You're totally right, though rushed they were professional and helpful too. I just want to know that my piggy has the best care possible!

J x
 
What lucky piggies you have to be with such a caring owner.
Hope your boy dies well on his meds and you feel more relaxed about the vet now
 
I only brought him back home yesterday so I guess I'm just worrying as I just want my piggy to be safe and looked after properly and I want to know he is getting the best care. Thanks for your reply!

I'm giving my boy plenty of attention and cuddles now he is home 🤗

J
How is he now?
 
I've had guinea pigs since I was a child and used to want to be a vet and would definitely advise going to a vets that specialises in guinea pigs if at all possible. I take mine to Ellie Whitehead, Specialist Guinea Pig Vet | Matlock, UK | The Guinea Pig Vet which is well over an hours drive for me but I would highly recommend her. When I was younger I used to help out at the local vets and when they saw the next consultation was a guinea pig (or any small pet), most vets would skip over them onto the next cat or dog they were more comfortable seeing. Obviously not all vets are the same and I did have a good experience at a local vets when I needed to take a pig in an emergency, but I would still choose to go to Ellie whenever possible.
 
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