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Letters to the Editor
 
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


Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.
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