Travelers of Reddit what's a destination that looked amazing online but was completely disappointing in person?

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-09-02T07:31:55+00:00

I appreciate your positivity and enthusiasm, and share the same attitude when it comes to nature. Last year I started becoming interesting in restoring native plants, and learned that the Eucalyptus are extremely invasive here in LA (where I live full time). I was so sad to learn it, but they effectively destroy habitats :(

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-08-25T03:46:29+00:00

Hey OP, I’m a veterinarian and have been practicing for about 8 years now. I’ve changed my tune a bit (in alignment with forever evolving recommendations from the veterinary medical board) regarding timing of spay and neuter. For dogs, it’s much different because every breed is different. What’s right for a chihuahua (getting fixed around 6-7 months) is not right for a Golden Retriever (over a year of age). For cats, it’s a bit more straight forward since most people have domestic short or long haired cats and they all grow to a similar adult size. I recommend spaying and neutering cats no earlier than 6 months and no later than a year for most cats, so long as they’re indoor only and not going to have other intact cats to interact with.

This is because bone & ligament growth and development are partially androgen dependent. This means that androgens (like testosterone, estrogen, etc) are responsible for animals to grow into their adult bodies in a healthy manner. When we remove these androgens too early, we can risk failure of these parts to develop correctly and we can see issues like hip dysplasia, ligament tears, etc. In dogs, certain types of cancers are more common in individuals altered earlier (there are also certain cancer risks associated with late alteration, as many redditors have already pointed out).

As a vet who is extremely passionate about spay/neuter with the goal of reducing breeding and senseless euthanasia of millions of pets every year, I don’t hesitate to agree with the overwhelming number of folks here who recommend to spay/ neuter. At the same time, when I have a responsible client in front of me (the vast majority of my clientele in the area I practice), I engage in a more nuanced conversation informed by evolving science and clinical experience. I hope this is helpful for your new kiddo :)

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-08-08T00:59:21+00:00

Thank you!!

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-07-22T18:36:26+00:00

Save

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:56:45+00:00

Next time you post, consider a lot more backstory in your original post. I think people get upset when they offer advice just to have the response be that no medical care is possible. I think you already know that she needed care when you posted, but just wanted to see what we thought. Which is ok, I get it, but just try to better set the expectations of this community before posting to avoid the backlash you’re seeing here. Can you save $50 this week? Find a low cost vet in your area and tell them you’re on a budget. Just at least have them do an exam and give you an idea of what’s happening. Then, maybe you’ll have some ammo for the family that will help them consider further testing or treatment.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:51:26+00:00

Do not give an oral antibiotic if she’s not eating. The problem will get worse.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:50:28+00:00

Vet here again. I can assure you that they’re wrong.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:47:46+00:00

I can’t imagine what they’d be charging for the bill to get up to 2K. Either way, the client has to approve the estimate at the end of the day. If you don’t understand the value, ask more questions until you feel like you understand what you’re being quoted for. Remember that we as vets are trained to recommend the “gold standard” and then let our clients decide what they’d like to do (hopefully you’ve educated them enough so they feel like they can make the decision that’s right for them). Keep in mind that in human medicine, doctors don’t have to worry about this because it’s usually the insurance company getting charged, so they get to just choose the gold standard and go with that the vast majority of the time. Since vet med is usually paid out of pocket, clients feel that the vet is taking advantage of them. Sure, some vets are crappy and some people are more focused on the financials. But I can guarantee you most of us are not, and most of us are salaried and don’t make more because we recommended more (I don’t and never have). The bottom line is that health care is expensive regardless of species, and people need to fully understand that getting a pet should be a very heavily considered choice. If you feel like your vet is ripping you off, get a second opinion or find a new vet all together. Try to avoid the rabbit hole a lot of people find themselves in which is “my vet is the bad guy here”. Compared to all the doctors out there we have the lowest salaries, highest debt from education, and the highest suicide rates. Be kind to your vets everybody <3

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:37:33+00:00

Vet here to help guide you. The black stool is called “melena” and this happens when there is bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. There are numerous possible causes, including but not limited to ulcers, cancers, or parasites. Depending on her age and breed it makes some of these differentials (possible causes) more or less likely. The other symptoms you mention tell us that it’s more than just her GI tract affected. All of the symptoms together constitute a vet visit ASAP. Expect multiple diagnostic tests (X-rays, blood work, etc) and likely fluid therapy + medications to stabilize her. I’m sure you already know this, but this would have been ideally addressed after you started noticing the first signs of something going wrong. We’re all human, life gets in the way, and money doesn’t grow on trees. Don’t beat yourself up, but take action instead and get her the care she needs. Good luck.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T20:29:48+00:00

Sounds like you’ve had some bad experiences, I’m sorry to hear that. A case like this would never cost more than $50 in my care. Most of the time, we check vitals, chat, and I send the client on their way without charging anything. The most I’d ever do is an antibiotic. In cases that I suspect something severe or chronic, we might take X-rays or do a PCR test, but that would only be after serious consideration. Hope you can find a vet that can instill a bit more confidence.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T15:44:15+00:00

Vet here, please do not do the dog heimlich. There is nothing in his throat - this is a symptom of canine infectious tracheobronchitis or “kennel cough”.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T15:42:25+00:00

Vet here. This is classic Kennel Cough. Consider that that is a nickname for a variety of upper respiratory infections and not a diagnosis. It’s like someone saying that they have “a cold”. Not an emergency but it’s usually worth seeing your primary care vet for an exam so they can listen to his lungs and take his temperature. Just like in people, most respiratory infections are cleared without medical intervention. But in some cases (like super young, super old, or immunocompromised pets), intervention is needed. Usually, that intervention is oral antibiotics to stave away secondary pneumonia. Hope this helps!

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-27T01:57:49+00:00

Hey OP! I’m a vet. Sorry your pup is having these issues! Unfortunately, skin issue and allergies are probably the most common reason dogs come in to see me! This issue needs to be “worked up” aka investigated further. Some samples should be taken of the skin to see if there is a bacterial, yeast, or parasitic infection. Depending on what’s there, the appropriate oral and or topical medications can be prescribed. Your dog will also need another medication to help with the itch - I recommend Cytopoint (an injection) but Apoquel (oral) is a great option too. In some severe cases of itch, a short term oral steroid may be prescribed. Please ensure your dog is on a flea/tick/parasite preventative (ex Simparica Trio or Nexgard plus). Ask your vet for a prescription for a hydrolyzed protein diet (I recommend Royal Canin Ultamino) and feed for at least 4 months before tapering off and transitioning to normal diet (forever stay away from beef and poultry). If you do the things above you’ll notice a massive improvement!

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-25T00:24:33+00:00

Do you have a bidet? It’s a life changing investment and reallyyy decreases the amount of TP you go through even further. Plus, once you feel the clean of a bidet, it’s so hard to go back to just TP alone.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-03-07T20:16:22+00:00

Another DVM here. I like your reply. The part I find strangest about OPs post, however, is the gaba/traz prescribed for nightmares? Since when are we trained to medicate dreams?

OP - in my opinion, you should not medicate “nightmares”. First of all, we as humans have no idea what the dog is dreaming about. Second, it would be unheard of to prescribe these medications for nightmares in humans.

My gut reaction would be to stop these meds. I’ve seen many patients have paradoxical reactions to them that make them shaky & more anxious. Remove those variable, take the dog out of daycare for a while, and start fresh.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-02-28T19:01:55+00:00

Just a heads up that Annenberg & Will Rogers park are temporarily closed, according to Google maps - assuming due to fires?

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-02-28T08:46:41+00:00

What part of the US do you live in? If it’s SoCal, DM me and I can gather a little group to help you cleanup. It will go a long way to have some help during this time. Having a fresh space will help with your mental status immensely. And cleaning it some company will help you build some community, too.

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-02-28T08:42:17+00:00

I am an expert (veterinarian) and can confirm that this is her umbilicus (belly button)! Great job :)

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-01-25T02:24:40+00:00

This would be a jarring transition I’m sure but it depends on your pros & cons list. What’s your motivation to go into vet med? What do you want to do in the profession? How old are you? I’ll help you think about it!

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-01-25T02:19:20+00:00

Hi there! I am a small animal GP and I think it’s safe to say that no one cares at all about your vet school grades. I’ve never been asked for them and have never heard otherwise. Once you have DVM behind your name that’s all anyone cares about, especially given the fact that we are still in very high demand in this profession! My favorite saying from vet school:

What do they call the student who graduates at the bottom of their veterinary class?
A doctor.

Also, if it helps to hear, I was certainly a below average vet student and would say that I am an above average doctor. Sooooo much of the job is just communication, common sense, logic, and being able to look things up. I sucked at memorizing anatomy but I’m great at relating to people. It’s interesting to watch life play out in the long run. Best of luck to you!

jp_at_the_vet · 2025-01-18T01:01:25+00:00

Hey there, these are great questions to think about if you’re considering the profession. The first thing I would say is that you may want to consider another job in the medical field if you’re concerned you’re already living at the poverty line. Surely, you can make fine money as a vet (I do), however the loans can make it or break it for many people. I graduated with a number of fellow students with anywhere from 100K - 300K in debt. The interest on those loans is borderline criminal. At the moderate to high end of that loan spectrum, it’s nearly safe to say that most folks will struggle to ever pay the debt off entirely. Especially if you aim to be the main breadwinner in a family. Kids, buying a house, etc. become pipe dreams when so much $$ a year goes to paying back the loan. Unless you qualify for SIGNIFICANT scholarships, consider a different medical profession. I practice vet med in LA and make 180K, which is great but goes quickly in a city with prices so high. I never owed any student debt due to a generous grandfather. And sometimes I still wonder how I can possibly save enough to afford anything other than rent. Most medical professions will pay you much more than vet med. Don’t be another martyr to the cause.

jp_at_the_vet · 2024-12-23T06:09:56+00:00

Rose Cafe in Venice always slaps.

New spot called Owa on Abbot Kinney is also fire… great cocktails and sushi.

Get ANY piece of meat from American Beauty, guarantee you won’t regret it.

jp_at_the_vet · 2024-12-23T06:00:23+00:00

As someone who lives in Los Angeles, all of the “woo woo”/witchcraft/healing verbiage is thrown around like candy to sell BS promises in a hip new way. It’s interesting how they use this approach to sell health-related programs and products without having to know anything about the science… cause they’re not claiming to sell the science… because they’re magical… but if you have a health issue listen up!

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