Thanks Andrew, appreciate your reply. I didn’t have an issue with getting a blood test, it was more the attitude of the vet that had me wondering why. I do understand completely what you are saying as I have a similar attitude in my work (which is in no way related to animals but where you take people on face value and attempt to help as much as you can) and it has blown up in my face too. I suppose it was probably the lack of professionalism that took me by surprise. Thanks again for letting me vent.

Hi Sue. The approach you experienced is quite common, and for a very good reason. My personal strategy has been to make blood testing optional, and talk through the risks and benefits, but it has certainly blown up in my face when later it turned out that the animal had liver or kidney problems. People are very good at forgetting that they consented to forgoing the blood tests. It’s a form of defensiveness in the vets to mandate blood testing, but perhaps you could offer to sign a waiver so that they supply them without it. I don’t think there is any rule that says blood testing is necessary and I’m confident you will find other vets who will supply the drugs without in the same way I previously did.

Hi Kourosh. I’m no pathologist but I that the normal values depend to some extent on the testing method used. Therefore, I would use the reference ranges supplied for the test methodology rather than general ones.

Hi Alison. I’m sorry to hear that – there’s not much you can do if that’s the case. Obviously there’s been a breach of trust and you will be seeking services elsewhere. It would seem unnecessary to do, but you could always photograph a form after you’ve signed it in the future.

Hi Lorraine. Your thinking is the same as mine in that there is no value in a test if its result could not change anything. In this case however, a test showing problems would allow you to use another seizure medication. Of course, these are more expensive so you may say “I wouldn’t use anything but phenobarbitone regardless“ and in that case it’s possible the test result would be meaningless. Not all vets will agree with this approach.
As for vet pricing, you can see a long article with my views here.

Thank you for the reply. I still feel that if Bear had a blood test and the results show he has liver damage the vet has said and I quote “ because of his age there is really not much we can do for him” what is the point . He is happy relatively healthy for his age and I take him to the vet a least twice a year for checkups so for the vet to say no blood test no prescription is extortion. And by the way I pay $68 for the tablet plus $70 for the consult. Am I being ripped off. One again thanks for you reply.

Hi Lorraine. Phenobarbitone levels are only a guideline, and if the drug is tolerated then it’s not unheard-of to be outside the recommended range. That is the big question: is the drug tolerated? I would consider the blood test to be more useful on this basis as liver damage occurs with phenobarbitone use even after a long trouble-free period. However, in my clinic I am quite happy to discuss the pros and cons of blood tests and let an owner decide. Therefore, you are likely to find other vets who feel the same way about informed consent. Regarding pricing, I am guessing that the $68 covers more than just a prescription – probably a visit for you as well- but if it doesn’t, once again it’s a free-market and you may find another vet doesn’t charge the same. And of course, there are the online pharmacies- I know that plenty of vets don’t like working with them, but plenty of others do.