I am curious about when you think it’s appropriate to get a second opinion regarding a diagnosis for your horse. I’d love to believe everything my vet says, but, while I am pretty knowledgeable about horses, I am sometimes unsure when to believe or not. – JB 10/20/11
Oh, boy, that can be a thorny question.
There are no real rules to tell you when you should get a second opinion about what may be going on with yours horse. Still, if you’re unsure about something, and especially if you’re being advised to do something that is either 1) expensive, or 2) lacks good evidence of effectiveness, you should discuss the following questions with your veterinarian:
1) What are the reasons for the diagnostic procedure or treatment being recommended?
2) What information from a diagnostic procedure that is being recommended might change the treatment plan, and how?
3) What, if any, other, perhaps cheaper, alternative forms of treatment are available?
4) What will be the likely result if you don’t have the procedure or treatment performed on your horse?
5) What are the risks?
6) How is the procedure or treatment expected to improve your horse’s health or quality of life?
7) Are there likely to be any after effects or side effects from the treatment or procedure?
If, after discussing these questions with your veterinarian, you feel confident that a diagnostic procedure or treatment is in the best interest of your horse’s health, you probably don’t need a second opinion. If, however, you have doubts about whether the procedure or treatment will give you useful information, or if the benefits don’t seem to be worth the costs, you may want to seek a second opinion.
Second opinions are simply a way to insure that your horse is getting the best care. Second opinions are a part of good veterinary practice; a competent veterinarian shouldn’t take it as an insult if you decide to get further advice about your horse’s care. Everyone working with you should only want one thing: the best for your horse.
If you do want a second opinion, there are two important things to remember:
1. Seek Qualified Advice
The best second opinion is from someone else who has expertise and experience in dealing with the same type of problem that your horse has. A second opinion is not worth much unless it is given by someone with knowledge of and expertise that specifically pertains to your horse’s problem. As such, if you have concerns about a possible problem that’s seen on your horse’s X-ray, seek an opinion from someone who looks at a lot of X-rays, such as a veterinary radiologist. Or, if you’re concerned about advice being given about your lame horse, ask a second opinion from someone who has lots of experience treating lame horses.
One good way to judge the qualifications of someone is to find out if he or she is certified in any of the specialties of the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. Many such experts work for university veterinary teaching hospitals, or in referral facilities. By choosing a consultant who is board certified in an appropriate specialty, you know that he or she has completed years of residency training and practice in his specialty and has demonstrated his competence by successfully completing a rigorous examination. That said, many practitioners in the field have more experience in dealing with conditions such as lameness than do university-based practitioners. Under any circumstances, however, beware of “experts” that are “certified” in unrecognized specialties.
2. You are in charge
I find that a lot of people seem to feel like their hostages in the veterinary-client-patient relationship. Remember, you’re paying the bill – you should expect your questions to be answered, and for those answers to make sense. However, keep in mind a second opinion is not necessarily better than a first opinion and there may be disagreement. As such, the final decision will be yours.
The best diagnostic and treatment decisions should be made with all the facts. Don’t hesitate to discuss concerns with your veterinarian, and if those concerns aren’t being addressed to your satisfaction, by all means, get a second opinion. Your horse is counting on you!
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