Looking for vet recommendation for Triangle-Triad area of North Carolina

[Lisa Darmo]

I'm writing to ask for a vet referral for my 4.5 month old Frenchie, Lilly. She is a gorgeous and wonderful fawn pied female, with one of the best puppy personalities I've ever seen. I will need to have her spayed soon, and want to be sure to minimize any anesthesia risk. Although two vets have pronounced her 100% healthy, I'd like a vet knowledgeable about this breed to do a complete health exam so that we can address any health issues before they manifest themselves.

She was purchased in NJ, but I live in NC, so I will need a recommendation for my location. I live between Greensboro and the Raleigh/Durham areas of North Carolina. I'd appreciate hearing about your recommendations and experiences with vets in NC. My local vet is very good, but has hardly ever seen this breed. While I like her very much, especially where anesthesia is concerned, I want a more experienced vet for the spay and a detailed evaluation.

Thanks!

Lisa

[Lisa Darmo]

Update on my search for a vet for Lillie:

I found two references for "Frenchie-friendly" vets on another website (I'm not sure, but I think it was FBRN or French Bulldog Village). I called, and:

1) The first one is a specialty vet hospital that doesn't typically do spays or neuters, and will need a reference from my local vet. I'll consider using them, but I was surprised that a referral was required. This also means that this vet cannot be my "regular" vet.

2) When I called the second practice, I asked if there was someone I could speak with about risks of anesthesia to brachycephalic dog breeds. The person who answered the phone didn't know what I was talking about, even when I explained how short-faced breeds such as French bulldogs can have a high risk of dying during anesthesia and I wanted to talk with someone knowledgeable about the veterinarian's experience with this type of dog breed. I was on hold for a brief time, then was assured that my dog would suffer no greater risk at their practice than any other breed (???). When I asked if I could have the dog evaluated for potential health problems associated with the breed (rather than the "well puppy" exam I got from two other vets) she assured me that of course they could handle this, all dogs got pre-surgery blood work and that would detect any problems. Sheesh! Maybe I talked to the wrong person, but this wasn't very helpful. Not feeling good about option number 2.

If any of you know of any competent French bulldog vets in North Carolina, please let me know. If they are close enough to become my Frenchie's "regular" vet, that would be great. I have a special vet for my bird, another for two mixed breed dogs and a cat, so why not add another vet to the list? At the very least, I want to be sure her risks are minimized when she is spayed and I'm happy to drive quite a ways to do so.

I'd be grateful for any input. The vet referral links are down, for now, at least.

[Karen Bringol]

You might check with the local French Bulldog Club and see if they have a list of knowledgeable vets. Get the names of local breeders and see who they recommend. There may be a French Bulldog Meetup Group in your area, go to http://www.meetup.com/topics/

You can check with the AKC website, go to the French Bulldog page and there should be contacts there. I just emailed a friend of mine in NC who raises and shows Beagles, she knows just about everybody, so maybe she'll have a suggestion. I'll let you know. Good luck!

[Karen Bringol]

OK, my friend said to try Battleground or Lawndale Veterinary Hosp..

Hope this helps!

[Lisa Darmo]

Thanks Karen, I'll try them. Does your friend use them for brachycephalic dogs? I wasn't able to find a local club, but there is a southeast club - I'll also call them. I really appreciate your response.

[Karen Bringol]

She raises/shows 13" Beagles and has raised and shown PRT's, but is very knowledgeable about our breed too. Her handler shows a French Bulldog and they've both been able to give me good advice.

[Lisa Darmo]

Great, thanks so much! :-)