Standards of Veterinary Care in TRNC

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 13:23

I heard about a dog that was close to death after being cooped up in a tiny cage for days on end after a local vet made a possible mis-diagnosis of the original problem.



Has anyone heard of complaints being made against any particular vet or qualifications needed to practise? We intend getting a dog and would hate for something like this to happen due to poor standards of care - particulary as cruelty to animals is not a crime in the TRNC.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 13:56

i think everyone should think very hard before getting a pet in the trnc.

its not like having a pet in the uk, there are many more hazzards here.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:00

firestarter



is there any where you can report such incidents in the trnc? or is there really only this place called KAR?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:09

to be honest juliet i don't think anyone cares.

kar is the biggest resue here another is bark in the famagusta area.

both are overcrowded and at breaking point.

i have tc neighbours and some love their dogs but others are by uk standards very cruel.

they don't see it that way and i often have to tell them to take their dog to a vet because it needs treatment.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:11

sounds like lack of education..

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:18

one of my tc neighbours is always beating her kids, it distresses me but it seems to be the norm here, people just take no notice.

i will say all of my tc friends would never dream of hitting their kids or dogs, but no action is ever taken with those that do.

they just turn a blind eye.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:24

is there no thing as sociel services in the trnc?

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:29

who knows?

definatley no rspca.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:31

Hi Macha,

The three Vets that have treated my cats - Pertev, Sibel, and Firdez - all had their Cerificates (Turkish) stuck on their walls, along with a KKTC document, which I presume is their Licence to pracice. I say presume, because my Turkish is extremely ropey!

Don't worry about aquiring a pet - just stay in one place long enough and one will adopt you...

I think that Vets must almost be clairvoyant sometimes, although I suspect that there is an element of hit-and-miss involved, in the UK as well, not just TRNC.

They generally have ultrasound machines here, and the ones that don't simply use the services of another vet who does have one. I don't remember any UK vet with ultrasound.

Some responsibility for detecting mis-diagnosis has to rest on the shoulders of the owner - get to know your pet's characteristics, habits and personality - that way you can usually detect any deviation from normal, and judge whether the animal is getting better or not.

Sorry about the Lecture!

Ke

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:38

Juliet,

Social services?

Ha Ha Ha.

However, your earlier comment was bang on - it is a lack of education on these matters, and if expats really do care about it, they should involve themselves in a campaign of education to change the prevailing attitudes.

In the long run, that will do more good than taking in strays (I confess, I'm guilty of this - I'm up to 5 now) or moaning about it, or just shrugging and repeating that time-worn phrase "This is Cyprus".

Keith.

juliet


Joined: 11/01/2009
Posts: 612

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 14:41

quite right msg 10!!!

ozankoys


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 905

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 16:10

We can personally speak of the standard of care from Firdez, Pertev and Sibel all of whom we have always found very caring & knowledgeable. They have well equipped surgeries & can access further treatment/drugs from Turkey/South if required.

The costs are very reasonable as compared to UK, where we found that many tests/X-rays etc at great expense would always be recommended running into triple figures in spite of the fact that the treatment would be identical i.e. anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics!

With regard to KAR they do a marvellous job in very difficult circumstances unfortunately they cannot work miracles & resolve all the issues faced here -they deserve more support & less criticism. 20 years ago it was terrible to go down to the Harbour because of all the very sick, starving scabby cats down there but now because of the KAR neutering programme the cats are on the whole in very good condition.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 16:25

I can honestly say that the vets here are very good. When I found the last little puppy with his stomach hanging out I rushed him To Pertev. he was operated on at once but sadly contacted Parvou virus, overcame that and I took him home. After 10 days he caught distemper. Pertev didnt rate his chances but on my insistence put him on a drip. His care was second to none and he has survived. He is now the bain of my life. Not really he has become a beautiful greedy little man. I have the greatest respect for Pertev whom may I also add was having animals dumped on him all the time whist blackjack was in there. Not one did he turn away in fact I think he found homes for all of them. I had no choice but to keep the little guy and Im so glad I did. Firdez is also excellant.I dont know Sibel so I cant comment. For a country who dislikes and mistreats animals so much we do have great vets.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 17:41

I would like to make one observation regarding the vets in the TRNC. it appears that none of them are qualified to do dentistry on dogs. Unless one of you out there knows differently.

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 17:52

keith msg 9 and 10,



Sound advice - cheers for that. I am extremely soft when it comes to animals but with strays I adopt the zero tolerance approach. The dogs soon get the message if you let them know who's boss and the cats will eventually go if you keep chasing them away. Then some soft neighbour takes one in and destroys all the hard work.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:00

macha

i find it amazing that dogs do indicate what they want/need even though they can't talk.

it all about reading the signs.

Macha


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 650

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:05

fs,



Maybe I haven't met enough, but the Cyprus stray dogs seem to be reasonably compliant if you try and tune into them. There's a Cyprus poodle that's extremely cute and probably belongs to someone but just wanders free all over the roads where I am. That's the annoying part - the lack of organised dog walking that builds up companionship and mutual trust and respect.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:11

its the same old story,

puppy is cute and cuddley, when it grows up, chews things, craps in the house people just kick it out.

training doesn't come into it.

i can truthfully say i have only ever seen one tc pick up behind their dog.

it was my vet and it wasn't even his dog.

when i visited malta dog crap everywhere, it must be a med thing.

watched some of the expats and they are no different.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:20

Hi fs and macha. Whilst I agree with you they are cute as puppies but if you take them in then you become a parent and train them. I have put up with the crap etc but a rolled up newspaper has done the trick. He goes to the door to let me know when he needs his buisness. I only wish he would leave my cushions alone. When you consider that this little thing should have been dead three times his intelligence is superb. I have taught him many things but his own mind is wonderful. If I forget to fill the water bowl he brings it to me. I believe and Im sure Rose will agree you can teach them almost anything. Macha the one who finds you will be the right one xxxxxx

CJtill


Joined: 02/05/2008
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:28

I do a little bit of voluntary work for KAR two days a month, just driving the van from the KAR centre to Firdez in Girne, and back. There are on average six dogs being transported, generally for spaying/neuturing or for treatment for various injuries and illnesses. Once I have taken the animals in for treatment (and back to the van afterwards) most of my time is spend in the waiting room, waiting. Over the period of about 4 hours it is a hive of activity with pet owners in and out of the door with their loved ones suffering from many and various ailments (as you would expext of course). Now I am no expert and I am only talking about one vet, but at all times the care and concern for the animals is brilliant, and genuine concern is shown in every situation I have seen. If this type of commitment is replicated at other surgeries then animal owner should have no worries here in the TRNC.....Michael

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:29

well done to pertev for doing the best when it was needed ,lilli.

some vets woud have given up, but you insisted and now you know it was the right thing to do.

i totally agree if the end is near then you would not make an animal suffer any longer than needed.

but if there is hope, you do anything you can.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:39

cj

do you have pets of your own or just work for kar?

CJtill


Joined: 02/05/2008
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 18:57

Two dogs who have complete control of the humans in the house.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 19:04

i fs i had faith and the power or prayer cj now i have three controling me. I love animals and I go out of my way day in day out to find strays to feed to give a litte qualty and love. When I win the lottery there will be a haven for these poor creatures. Oh I wish but oneday i hope education will prevail xxxxxxxxx

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 20:07

I fully concur with CJ's comments at message 20. I also do voluntary work at KAR (CJ, I do the vets run on the first 2 Tuesdays each month, assume it is you who do the last 2 Tuesdays in the month ?). Firdez in Girne and Sibel in Ozankoy provide excellent veterinary care and nothing is ever too much trouble. On a separate note, KAR are always looking for volunteers to assist with a wide range of activities ranging from raising money to building kennels and catteries. If you have a spare few hours why not give it a try ?

Regards

Paul

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 22:08

hang on a minute how can a vet keep a dog cooped in a cage a tiny cage misdiagnosis and be allowed to get away this cruelty



Poor doggie is the dog ok and what can be done about this I despair really !



Regards

jenfarrall


Joined: 21/09/2008
Posts: 297

Message Posted:
05/03/2009 22:20

Firdez has to be the most efficient knowledgeable and perhaps most importantly compassionate Vets we have ever used,here and in UK,and we have seen quite a few!! Our blind diabetic Westie adores her,and the genuine love and concern Firdez shows her is heartwarming to say the least.Her advice and treatment is always excellent,I would trust her with all our lives,not only Mollys.



Jen

Amber


Joined: 26/09/2008
Posts: 561

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 13:54

I agree I think Firdez is brilliant. How she remembers all the dogs names she treats I do not know.



Lilli - I totally agree with your message 24 and likewise do help the strays and would do the same as you should a lottery win come. Till then I pray things will become better for the animals here.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 13:58

hi amber we will keep our fingers crossed. I only wish I could do more. My heart gets broken on a daily basis. One day xxxxxx

Amber


Joined: 26/09/2008
Posts: 561

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:04

Lilli,



I agree with you. Every day I witness some form of animal neglect and this is making my time in NC very hard. I am just not used to this and will never be used to seeing animals that have no love or home or any form of kindness shown to them.



Bless them xx

sienna


Joined: 09/01/2009
Posts: 1627

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:09

here here so sad the cruelty that goes you do not expect it when your animal is at the vets though

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:26

Firdez does it for me, she is totally committed to the welfare of animals and is not in it for the money (we find it impossible to pay our bills sometimes) and when she is not working six plus days at her practice she is also taking animal patients back to her house so that she can keep an eye on the ones that have serious illnesses.

In the UK you cannot walk into a vets and come out without paying a minimum of £50.

AJ

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:42

Quarmby -- Took my cat to Firdez who diagnosed a mouth infection. She had three teeth extracted under anaethetic and I went and collected her later.

No problem.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:46

hi sienna

i totally agree with you.



aj

sorry you are wrong, my uk vet never asked for money, we paid as and when.

i also think you cannot compare them to trnc vets, i'm sure the uk ones are more qualified they train for years.

i have friends who are vets in the uk,they were not my local vet though.

they have much more high tec equiptment, they have facility to operate and kennel .

whilst we are here we have no choice but to use the vets here, but my personal choice would be to pay and get a decent vet who is qualified to a decent standard.

its not about cost, its about the correct treatment of your pet.

i will add i am totally happy with my vet, but then i never follow the crowd,lol.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 14:56

Whistler

simple extractions on cats ok but more difficult teeth problems all the vets I know cannot perform complicated work and they all admit it as they acknowledge they are not trained in animal dentistry, which becomes a major concern if an animal requires such procedures.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/03/2009 15:01

quarmby

it makes me wonder what else they are not trained for?

do the trnc vets not train in istanbul?

how many years experience do you need?

i know my vet has at least 10 practicing, but i'm not sure how long they train?

Storm



Joined: 03/03/2009
Posts: 240

Message Posted:
09/03/2009 14:20

Pertev is a star! He looks after Morgan, Dylan and Thomas my 3 pekingese and he is a genuine kind and caring animal lover - I would highly recommend him and Steph his Veterinary Assistant any day.

rowan


Joined: 04/09/2008
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
20/03/2009 09:12

firestarter



could you pm me please re your dog

vikingqueen



Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
20/03/2009 15:21

It is very hard to live in the TRNC and not worry about your animals.....

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
20/03/2009 23:13

hi rowan

i just sent you an email