So, it turns out that the decision to seek a second opinion can be a bit of a thorny one for some folks. Thought I’d give you a few of my thoughts.
1) What are the reasons for the diagnostic procedure or treatment being recommended? Get specific information; “Because it might help,” simply isn’t a good enough answer.
2) What information from a diagnostic procedure that is being recommended might change the treatment plan, and how? There is absolutely no reason to do any test or procedure unless it is going to change what you were going to do anyway.
3) Are there any, other, perhaps cheaper, perhaps equally effective, forms of treatment available? For example, one could ask this question of any number of treatments when compared to rest (see, for example, stem cells).
4) What will be the likely result if you don’t have the procedure or treatment performed on your horse? From my point of view, if the treatment or procedure doesn’t significantly benefit your horse, there’s no point in doing it.
ASIDE: Just to repeat: any procedure that has an effect also has a possible side effect. Some treatments are sold as being free of side effects, but, honestly, if someone tells you that a treatment has no side effects, it’s a good indication that the something is actually ineffective. Otherwise stated, not only does it not have side effects, it also doesn’t have any effects.
6) How is the procedure or treatment expected to improve your horse’s health or quality of life?
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.
But here’s the thing. 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 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, don’t just call up your Aunt Mary to see what she might have done in that situation when she had horses 20 years ago.
Under any circumstances, however, beware of “experts” that are “certified” in unrecognized specialties. The word “certification” gets thrown around a lot these days, but it’s not a guarantee that the person who has been certified is any sort of a real expert.
2. You are in charge
There’s one other thing. Second opinions are not necessarily the right opinions; a second opinion is not necessarily better than a first opinion. There may be disagreement. And if there is, 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. If those concerns aren’t being addressed to your satisfaction, by all means, get a second opinion. Your horse is counting on you!