Partners or Vendors? - by Dr. Bart Barber

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

whoapony — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:00:23 GMT

Thank you for writing a very important article. I was fortunate to begin my journey into horses with a wonderful veterinarian who truly cared about my horse and his well-being. I didn't appreciate how important that was until I moved to another state and ended up with a "vendor." Yes, the clinic was beautiful - filled with all the latest technology. But she was a) not a very skilled vet and b) certainly not a compassionate one. My horse's health suffered, even though he only required routine care. I have since moved back to the state with my original vet. I have seen several wonderful veterinarians who truly are concerned with the health of their patients. I have also seen the damage done by other vendors. There is no question which one I will choose, whatever the price.

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

Wanda — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 15:52:19 GMT

I have defended vets on these blog sites all spring and will continue to do so. I've seen it first hand for many years, the caring and sharing done by a track vet. The people who blame commission vets for not spotting lame horses to blaming vets for giving to many meds, these people have NO idea of how it works. It's easy to slam a group of people, harder to do the research and have a informed comment. Let there be no mistake Dr. Barber, there ARE many people out there who understand your position and thank you for it.

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

rideandcook — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:49:02 GMT

I've had the same veterinarian for going on 17 years, and he has become a friend. When my boss began experiencing difficulties during the last year I cut back as many expenses as possible, but basic care is a priority. I explained the situation to Mark and he very graciously offered to give spring vaccinations "on the house"; I can never thank him enough for his generosity and compassion. Thanks for a great article.

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

needler in Virginia — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:19:42 GMT

Many thanks for your viewpoint; it's good to know the other side of the fence is just as caring as most horse owners are! While I know that some MAY choose price over quality, I really DO NOT understand it. Our equine vets worked on our 25 year old Morgan during a bout with colic for hours one night, sent the bill, and I'm paying it off because there is NO WAY I would choose anything other than the best for my lawn ornaments! Would you choose less for a child? It's the same thing, actually, as we have chosen to have these guys in our pastures, they are our responsibility and we can't just abdicate our roles as caretakers. Money will become a bigger and bigger issue as things get worse, but we still owe basic care to our charges. I, for one, appreciate our vet understanding our financial situation , but I also work to understand HIS. This is a partnership which needs to be discussed with our vets, and they, in turn, should engage in discussion with owners. Surely, we can work together, for the benefit of the horses? Otherwise, why do we have them?????

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

DR. BO — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:18:41 GMT

Bart- Thanks for the well written article. I am a racetrack practicioner who like you values the relationships I have developed not only with my equine friends but the owners and trainer I work for as well. Reading some of the blogs and articles describing the "greedy" veterinarian who is only in it for the money, breaks my heart. Ladies and gentleman, any person who often works 7 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day has got to be in it more than for the money. We in the veterinary community, especially the racetrack practitioner, are taking much of the blame for the problems that surround our game. For most of us this isn't only an occupation but a life that we live and breath 24/7. We want this game to be healthy and vibrant just like everyone else. We know times are tough for everyone. My advice to owners who have problems with high vet bills is to talk with both your trainer and vet. I do not know of a single vet who wouldn't honor a request to keep the bills down. Thanks again BART

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

jmewill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:17:58 GMT

I have great respect for the equine vet. You work long hours, drive all over in the course of a day, even those who practice at the track drive miles in a day and for what? The health of our horses! Unlike the dog & cat vet who will screw you every chance he gets, the equine vets do what they can for the horses and I have worked with a lot of vet's here(in So Cal) and there are without a doubt some of the best guys to be around. Being a very small stable with a limited budget, I find that cash gets you discounts and they are willing to work with you and the first diagnosis is not always the most expensive one and if there are cheaper alternatives to try first they will give you the option. By the way, I see the "other" blog wants to take your meds of you truck and have them dispensed in a racetrack pharmacy, run I assume by the tracks themselves? Get REAL!!! Horse doctors are one of a kind and deserve more respect than they are often given. Kudos to you and your collegues Dr. Barber!!!!

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

Abbie Knowles — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:39:53 GMT

A wonderfully well balanced article frome someone whose love for horses and people shines through!

I found what is written thought provoking and moving. The comments also. Vets are incredibly important to any animals welfare and most people are vets because they love animals so much and wish to help them not for the money involved. They deserve the money they get for working long and anti social hours and having to make many sacrifices as regards their families.

It is marvelous to read your article, to know how much you want to help those involved in horse racing by keeping your bills payable, plus how devoted to the horses and your job you are.

I found this a fascinating and well written article which in many ways is heart warming too. Hope the situation improves soon for everyones sake!

God Bless

Bet wishes

Abbie

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

PA.racing — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:33:54 GMT

I am so grateful for the vet i use at philly park. I recently started training my own horses and he understands that i sometimes have a stupid question! He also is kind enough to tell me if i am requesting something he feels is "taking my money" He is first on my bills to pay!

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

ky vet — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:19:13 GMT

Right on!! Couldn't agree with you more. I am a veterinarian in the same market and see my revenues down over 30% already this year with employees wanting raises to stay etc. I take every hard case home with me. Research all I can and always try to keep the bottom line of my clients in check. I agonize over cases and my husband and children hate me as well those days. I have felt for a long time relationships mean more to me than money. I have fallen into a depression with some horse people that believe the vet is ok and I can pay them last. I have great "friends" and clients I have had for years that have stiffed me over the last year and it has made me irritated at all humanity. I really try to do my clients right, help them all hours of the night, sacrifice my weekends and my childrens time, for them and then people let me down. I love working with horses, but clients have to realize that we are people that this economy is affecting too and please let us know if you are having trouble so we can address it. I have learned some things over many years in this business, there will always be someone cheaper, fancier, probably more intelligent, experienced, but a trusted and tried relationship to me is key to any successful operation.

re: Partners or Vendors? By Dr. Bart Barber

KC — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:34:52 GMT

Thanks for the great article. I have a great respect for you and your fellow colleagues that have such passion for our equine friends. Our thorougbred mare (Off the track, now a hunter) collicked last summer and the wonderful care of our vet (Wilhite & Frees / Peculiar, Mo.) saved her from this horrible illness. She ended up in their hospital for three days and saved her with their knowledge and skill! They were also very kind and caring with with my family and our unending questions and concerns. I knew she was getting the best care around. The last day she was there when I turned into the driveway and saw her out grazing on a lead rope was one of my best moments. They called each day for a week to check up on her and answered each one of my questions with simple instructions about her post-illness rehab. I thank you and all the equine vets for your passion, skill and caring for our equine family. I would love to be treated with such dignity when I am a patient.