Interesting way to start a post, isn't it?
So I'm taking a herd production medicine class and one of the things we've been discussing recently is why producers (beef, dairy, feedlot, hobby, large scale, etc) are using veterinarians less than in the past. And of course- the class has also been discussing how veterinarians have to approach the changing market in order to still work as veterinarians. I thought that CT would be a great place to pose my questions, since there's a lot of folks on here who either don't use a vet, or use one after consulting CT. :lol:
I try to manage most health issues myself, but when something is beyond my abilities I will call a vet, we will discuss whats going on, and if necesary, they will do a farm call.
Tell me... why do you come here with your veterinary questions? no available veterinarian? incompetent veterinarian? cost? quicker? better answers? variety of responses? second opinion? better explanations with the answers?
I don't come here for veterinary questions, although I will read threads that discuss others issues in an attempt to learn more. Most of the time if I have a vet type question I call dun. If he is either to crabby to talk to me or otherwise engaged I will call a LA vet. I use two different ones, the first is hard to get ahold of as she is an embroytic vet with our local University extension and she has that herd to manage as well as she travels a lot. She has done quite a bit of AI and preg testing for me. The other is a group of four vets that will do farm calls as needed.
What would your veterinarian have to do for you to feel it's worth your while to call him/her with your questions?
All of the vets that I have used for the cattle have been very forthcoming with ideas and information that's why I will call them for a consult.
There's some discussion in the veterinary world about charging regular clients a flat fee per head (eg $1/cow/month) and they get A, B, and C veterinary services provided for their herd (eg providing vaccinations, preg checks, consultation). Think of it as a Herd Health Program you'd sign up for and you can talk to your veterinarian as needed. Some veterinarians have implemented this, and both they and their clients like it. From CT's perspective... does this type of arrangement interest you? why or why not?
I like this idea a lot, like others have previously stated, it goes to good herd health.
The other concept that's been talked about extensively in the veterinary world is consultation charges. For instance, feedlots, swine operations, large dairies, usually have a consultant on staff. Not much need for a veterinarian to do procedures as most people are perfectly capable of dehorning, castrating, etc. Instead, veterinarians are giving advice on decreasing incidence of DOAs, mastitis, acidosis, etc or are called in to solve "wrecks." Lawyers, accountants, etc charge consultation fees; veterinarians are starting to follow the other professions and not give away free advice, esp when advice/information makes up the majority of the work they're doing.
How do CT members feel about paying for consultation? how would you decide whether something warrants consultation, and how much you'd be willing to pay for it? how would you decide who you're willing to consult with?
As stated above, I have had consultations on the phone with my vets, they have never charged! Would I pay it? Yes, I think it would be fair as they take a lot of time and call back with additional information as needed.
There was a study done recently where they concluded veterinarians wanted to give their clients more advice on improving the health/management of their herd, and ranchers wanted to talk to their veterinarians more about how to improve the health of their herd... but neither was happening. Do you folks agree that you'd like to talk to your vet more, or are you happy with the way things are right now?
I liked the idea of classes some of you discussed in the previous threads. The local University extension does some of that and they are well attended.
I've heard quite a bit from the veterinary side. What I'm interested in right now is the rancher/farmer side of the equation. I want to hear your thoughts. Opinions, constructive criticism, vents, advice, etc all welcomed.
Thanks.