sable
Forums Enthusiast
The regular visit for blood work to check for heart worm, poop check, shots, etc.. cost me $83.00 that was with Lady. The last visit was more because I am starting with the heart worm pills that was with Lucky.
Maggie's vet trip and vet charges-- grrr
- Thread starter Sumac3890
- Start date
With all due respect to the vets that help us here; it is in my opinion that the system is broken.
We live in a very low risk heart-worm area; the vet has seen 1 case, and yet the requirements for the blood test every year even when the dog has never missed a dose. Then we put a "office visit" charge. every time. The http://www.heartwormsociety.org/ use to say that it is "Recommended" that a dog be tested yearly, but the vets said it was required. I once found a link that said the Heartworm ***. main sponsors was the heartworm drug industry. This was a few years ago when we wanted to buy another years prescription of heartworm meds.
It feels like the more tests the vets can run, the more office visits you can get charged for and the more shots they can give is what they want.
we have been called 2 months after a visit to tell us he was due for another shot. "for what?" some rare bug they can get if they get into contact with a raccoon that has the bug.
We take good care of our furpeople but it feels like the pharmaceutical reps are pushing more and more stuff to put into there bodies; this scares me. We keep them up to date on the required by law ones and the normal risk ones in our area. we have quit the heartworm
We live in a very low risk heart-worm area; the vet has seen 1 case, and yet the requirements for the blood test every year even when the dog has never missed a dose. Then we put a "office visit" charge. every time. The http://www.heartwormsociety.org/ use to say that it is "Recommended" that a dog be tested yearly, but the vets said it was required. I once found a link that said the Heartworm ***. main sponsors was the heartworm drug industry. This was a few years ago when we wanted to buy another years prescription of heartworm meds.
It feels like the more tests the vets can run, the more office visits you can get charged for and the more shots they can give is what they want.
we have been called 2 months after a visit to tell us he was due for another shot. "for what?" some rare bug they can get if they get into contact with a raccoon that has the bug.
We take good care of our furpeople but it feels like the pharmaceutical reps are pushing more and more stuff to put into there bodies; this scares me. We keep them up to date on the required by law ones and the normal risk ones in our area. we have quit the heartworm
ClantyreSheltie
Forums Sage
I think I separate vets into two categories.
The first are people who went to vet school, graduated, work in a clinic like the joke they put in Petsmart stores. They can give shots, and might be able to do a spay (but sometimes not), and can diagnose simple things, maybe, after they run $800 in tests. My experience with Banfield vets is that they can't diagnose a broken leg with an x-ray, and they can't diagnose renal issues with a full-up bloodwork and obvious symptoms. These kinds of places push everything they can, because their business model is sales, not health.
The next groups are like my vets, and I think the vets on here. They actually know the science, they know the illnesses, they know the treatments, and they are more inclined to listen to clients, rather than push the sales. They keep up to date on the latest stuff, and can/will explain it without treating you like a 5 year old. I know the last time I was at the vet, and said something about the Lyme shot being borderline evil, I got educated. : ) Apparently they have made significant progress since the old Fort Dodge Lyme shots that about killed a friends Sheltie. I am researching the Merial version now, and am almost willing to concede it might not be evil. : )
Anyway, when the dogs have an actual issue, these are the vets you want to see. These are the vets I want doing spays/c-sections, or diagnosing structure issues, or consulting with on an actual problem.
Thank goodness for clinics here,as yearly update shots only cost me 25.00 per dog.
That included rabies and boosters they all needed.
I have 2 vets,I never pay a charge just for being in thier office.I only pay for what I am having them do to the dog.Both vets are great.
Our one vet is a 24/7 vet,very simply a farm vet.He has no overhead whatsoever.Not even a secretary. His phone is on all the time.And as a far vet,he is not equipped with all the fancy shmancy equipment in his office.
So that brings us to why we have another vet,in the case of emergencys I know that things are looked at with the up to date equipment & vet available to us.
Recently a low cost spay neuter clinic opened within a 45 minute drive,so we used them for Mia's spay.And I could not be more impressed with the care she recieved.
On that note,both of the other 2 vets,would not even put Mia on the table for less than (upwards) to 185.00 because of her risks involved as a DM,and going under anesthesia. They would do the spay,but I was not willing to pay that price.
That included rabies and boosters they all needed.
I have 2 vets,I never pay a charge just for being in thier office.I only pay for what I am having them do to the dog.Both vets are great.
Our one vet is a 24/7 vet,very simply a farm vet.He has no overhead whatsoever.Not even a secretary. His phone is on all the time.And as a far vet,he is not equipped with all the fancy shmancy equipment in his office.
So that brings us to why we have another vet,in the case of emergencys I know that things are looked at with the up to date equipment & vet available to us.
Recently a low cost spay neuter clinic opened within a 45 minute drive,so we used them for Mia's spay.And I could not be more impressed with the care she recieved.
On that note,both of the other 2 vets,would not even put Mia on the table for less than (upwards) to 185.00 because of her risks involved as a DM,and going under anesthesia. They would do the spay,but I was not willing to pay that price.
Noneeds4me
Forums Enthusiast
I hope Maggie is feeling better today Susan...and you too after that sticker shock 
Actually, we've never had heartworm re-check tests on our furkids. He just writes the prescription for us when we need it. Also, I have found a generic online that doesn't require an Rx via Joespetmeds.com. It comes from a jurisdiction that doesn't require one. Has the exact same ingredients as Heartguard Plus. Been using that for about 3 years now.
Our vet has said many times that he doesn't make money on meds anymore because people can get them so much cheaper online. It's really effected his business.
I think I'd do like suggested and not vaccinate Maggie anymore...OR pick and choose exactly what you want her to have...i.e., Rabies. I know we always specify we do not want Bortedella. We don't board, etc., and know the dogs our furkids hang around with.
Actually, we've never had heartworm re-check tests on our furkids. He just writes the prescription for us when we need it. Also, I have found a generic online that doesn't require an Rx via Joespetmeds.com. It comes from a jurisdiction that doesn't require one. Has the exact same ingredients as Heartguard Plus. Been using that for about 3 years now. Our vet has said many times that he doesn't make money on meds anymore because people can get them so much cheaper online. It's really effected his business.
I think I'd do like suggested and not vaccinate Maggie anymore...OR pick and choose exactly what you want her to have...i.e., Rabies. I know we always specify we do not want Bortedella. We don't board, etc., and know the dogs our furkids hang around with.
The Quahog
Forums Enthusiast
Well, here's one that will go into the 'Dept of Posts I Should Not Have Made', but here goes anyway.
I happened to glance at the diploma on my exam room wall Thursday and noted that it was the anniversary of the day I graduated... 39 years ago, so I can speak with a certain historical perspective.
Yes, the system, in many ways is broken. As sadly so much is in this 'special interest' dominated age. Its not as broken as the human health system, certainly- not even close. Or the pharmaceutical system. (Or the political or legal systems for that matter.)
I often ask my younger colleagues if it bothers them that veterinary medicine has gotten so 'good' that a single mother working two jobs can no longer have a cat for her children. What happens if it gets a urinary tract obstruction, which would be very possible? It's all well and good to talk about 'you shouldn't have a pet if you can't afford it', but frankly that is far more applicable for an unexpected $250 bill than a $1200 one.
I also ask 'Do you see a problem where a blue collar family, again Dad working two jobs and Mom one to get by, has a beloved Golden Retriever who eats a rubber ball, and they have to put it down because the emergency fee will be $1500 for the surgery?' And they reply, 'Don't you believe in high quality medicine? Pre-op screening, constant rate infusion of IV fluids, high end pain protocols, proper monitoring etc?' And I say, 'Of course, I do, but people don't HAVE that sort of money.' (And though I certainly don't say it, I think, 'Besides,I could slap that dog on a table and whip out that ball without the bells and whistles, with 95% likelihood of the same result, which frankly is a helluva lot better option than euthanasia.' A good definition of 'broken' is that that latter option would put my license in jeopardy for not following 'reasonable standard of care.'
But, really, if we are living in the world of $700 routine dentistries, are most dogs who need some moderate dental care going to get it?
As veterinary medicine sees the demise of the 'country store on the corner' veterinarian and the rise of large corporate practices often owned by national chains - are we catering to the affluent clientele for whom such practices compete , while abandoning less affluent owners? It's a real problem.
And, yes, $630 for an annual exam for two dogs some vaccines and routine blood work and some heartworm/flea prevention would be unaffordable for many. Please understand that I am not criticizing this particular veterinarian, those costs are hardly remarkable in some areas these days,I am just saying that a lot of people could not afford that sort of 'wellness' routine.
HOWEVER, and it's a big however, there is another side of the story. Before we jump to the conclusion of greedy mercenary veterinarians raking it in, I would also argue that most veterinarians, particularly in the smaller one and two man general practices, are significantly undercompensated for their labors. And new graduates, in their first 10 years out of school, are severely undercompensated. But that would fall into Part 2 of this rant, as Part one has gone on far too long.
And it doesn't make the system any less broken in the terms discussed above.
- Dr. Mac
ClantyreSheltie
Forums Sage
I think you are spot on, Dr. Mac.
I see a chiropractor several times a week. I consider it preventative care, and he can do wonders with headaches. After my car accident, between him and my massage therapist (who made me cry trying to straighten my shoulder out), I was mostly OK in a few weeks.
His prices are by the month. Either by individual or family. They are well within most peoples ability to pay. When I started there, he said straight up that he is a one man operation. He doesn't take appointments, he doesn't deal in insurance, and if you ask nice he might write up a receipt. Could he be making $75 a visit? Sure! How many times would I go? Maybe once a month. He is more interested in keeping us healthy and seeing us as many times as we want to come. He makes good money this way, and practices in the way he thinks is most ethical. He will also work for trade, when the needs match up.
I have often wondered if I would be better off to find a vet for non-surgical needs (shots, HW tests, bloodwork, sick calls, etc.) that would come to the house and deal with all the dogs at once. I would gladly pay the house call fees, and without the $4M building, their overhead would have to be smaller.
I see a chiropractor several times a week. I consider it preventative care, and he can do wonders with headaches. After my car accident, between him and my massage therapist (who made me cry trying to straighten my shoulder out), I was mostly OK in a few weeks.
His prices are by the month. Either by individual or family. They are well within most peoples ability to pay. When I started there, he said straight up that he is a one man operation. He doesn't take appointments, he doesn't deal in insurance, and if you ask nice he might write up a receipt. Could he be making $75 a visit? Sure! How many times would I go? Maybe once a month. He is more interested in keeping us healthy and seeing us as many times as we want to come. He makes good money this way, and practices in the way he thinks is most ethical. He will also work for trade, when the needs match up.
I have often wondered if I would be better off to find a vet for non-surgical needs (shots, HW tests, bloodwork, sick calls, etc.) that would come to the house and deal with all the dogs at once. I would gladly pay the house call fees, and without the $4M building, their overhead would have to be smaller.
TY Dr. Mac.
I like to see the other side of the issues. you show us your view and i appreciate it.
I am a auto tech. We get pushed to up-sell every thing possible to the customer; i would rather fix the car reasonably.
A close friend is a dental hygienist; her job after cleaning is to hopefully "up-sale" more work for the dentist.
I see the same parallel when i go into the vet anymore; it started with the heartworm. Our Vet would renew the prescription without a hassle. Our dogs hot the meds every 1st of the month and they ate them; never a lapse. He sold the office and the new vet follow the exam every year rule. All the vets in the area now follow it even tho we are a extremely low risk area.
anyway, our dogs are happy and healthy and we will take care of them properly.
Steve and the everett
I like to see the other side of the issues. you show us your view and i appreciate it.
I am a auto tech. We get pushed to up-sell every thing possible to the customer; i would rather fix the car reasonably.
A close friend is a dental hygienist; her job after cleaning is to hopefully "up-sale" more work for the dentist.
I see the same parallel when i go into the vet anymore; it started with the heartworm. Our Vet would renew the prescription without a hassle. Our dogs hot the meds every 1st of the month and they ate them; never a lapse. He sold the office and the new vet follow the exam every year rule. All the vets in the area now follow it even tho we are a extremely low risk area.
anyway, our dogs are happy and healthy and we will take care of them properly.
Steve and the everett
Vet Bills
I go to Petco for shots with both my dogs.Rabie shots were $5.00 and for heartworm testing and the shots that they get plus flea meds were for 2 dogs $178.00 and the 78.00 was for the flea med.I give my vet the records and I buy my Interceptor from him.For microchips I went to a clinic that offered the microchips and tattoos for 25.00 each.I just signed up for the sanp 4dx for 35.00 each dog from my club.
I go to Petco for shots with both my dogs.Rabie shots were $5.00 and for heartworm testing and the shots that they get plus flea meds were for 2 dogs $178.00 and the 78.00 was for the flea med.I give my vet the records and I buy my Interceptor from him.For microchips I went to a clinic that offered the microchips and tattoos for 25.00 each.I just signed up for the sanp 4dx for 35.00 each dog from my club.