I found this chilling. Why One Veterinarian Quit, Disgusted With a Profession He Once Revered - Paw Nation (http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/04/why-one-veterinarian-quit-disgusted-with-a-profession-he-once-r/?icid=main|htmlws-main-n|dl5|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawnation.com%2F2009% 2F12%2F04%2Fwhy-one-veterinarian-quit-disgusted-with-a-profession-he-once-r%2F)

"But I've been to seminars where veterinary oncologists have said, 'You should do everything you can to save these animals. Euthanasia should be the last resort. There is always something we can do.' And that's the mentality I'm trying to address. 'There's always something we can do to save it,' is another way of saying, 'There's a lot more money we can make out of it.'"

The whole article is very true but this part stood out to me...
I have had dogs where the vet has wanted to do countless tests that would easily be in the thousands of dollars.
I felt awful saying that I would have to go home and think about the tests but I am glad I did, mind you my dogs problem was not painful or life threatening just very very annoying for both the dog and me (she had incontinence)

Now I went home and googled the heck out of the problem, I eventually came across a particular drug that was supposed to help. (I later discovered it was a hereditary problem passed on by her mother)

So I went back in to the vets and told him about it, he prescribed the drug after much discussion and within a week her problem was completely fixed...

I just saved myself about $2,000.

It's sad. Of course we want to give our dogs, all of our pets, every chance at a healthy life.

A responsible pet owner takes their pet to the vet when it's sick. But how much of what they're doing is actually necessary? Is that medication they're prescribing really going to help? Why is it $200 for 10 pills? Why does blood work cost $300? Why can't they figure out why my dog has white flakes on his fur, even after over $2000 of tests?

Then, if you decide to shop around for a cheaper vet, you're considered a bad pet owner, because you don't want to spend thousands of dollars.

It's a goldmine of a business.

My test for vets. If my dog is sick and I bring him in, told that treatment will be in the thousands but that his chances are very good but they want the money upfront. Good bye.

If a vet isn't willing to work out a payment plan then they're not in it for the love of animals, but for the love of money.

My test for vets. If my dog is sick and I bring him in, told that treatment will be in the thousands but that his chances are very good but they want the money upfront. Good bye.

If a vet isn't willing to work out a payment plan then they're not in it for the love of animals, but for the love of money.

When my parents Dane got bitten by a snake years ago they had to use the emergency vet in town, he came out to their property and demanded he be paid the $1600 for the antivenine right then and there.
They tried to explain that they didn't keep that sort of money laying around the house but they did have it in the bank and would pay him the next day.
They vet would not have it... dad had to drive to a teller machine while their dog lay there dying to get the vet his money.

Luckily he survived as he was bitten on his head which paralysed him within a few minutes, slowing his blood flow.

I just wanted to add that I have pet insurance,it costs 10 euro a month,and it covers loads...

It was so easy to set up,even if I never have to use it,its good to know it's there,should my dog need an operation or drug therapy.

Vets are like hairdressers,once you find one you can trust you don't change.

The ratio for responsible pet owners and irresponsible pet owners is massive... get a pet,and hope for the best,hope the animal never needs medical attention and hope they survive a disease,when they get sick they easiest option is getting them put down.

Vets are running a business,true I believe it's a vocation,but a business none the less.

If owners are not willing to explore other options to save an animal,it leaves the vet little choice.

Red, I do agree, but, the costs for vet care are sometimes too large.

For instance. I have a neighbor, she has 2 dogs and 2 cats. She would do anything for her fur babies. She'd sell her house in order to get them the care they need.

A few years back one of her cats got very sick. He was already 15 years old. The vet told her that he could perform surgery, but the cost for that and meds afterwards would be over $7000.00. I kid you not. Also, the vet told her that the cat only had a 10% chance of survival, even with the surgery and meds.

She did it because she couldn't stand the though of losing her pet.

Luckily the cat survived and lived for another 3 years. The meds cost her around $500 a month and her pet insurance didn't cover it. There were two more surgeries after that as well.

At the end, the medical bills alone cost her more then $20,000.

Who can afford that?

That is a disgusting story Shazamataz! Aweful, I can't believe that any person in the profession of saving animals could be that cruel!

I watched a documetry about vet clinic and the cost of animal meds, and how the vets decide how much to charge for the meds. It could be a pill that costs $1.00 but they charge $20. Also how a lot of animal meds were nothing but over the counter human meds, although I would NOT recommend testing this theroy. And that a lot of the time if you tell your pharmacist what the dog has been prescribed they can offer a much cheaper solution. Even with this being said I still take my dogs to the vet and pay the outrageous prices. Just not willing to risk their lives...

Alty - That's amazing, I mean I love my dogs to death but I just don't have that amount of money.
My girls medication costs me about $25 a month, I can't imagine paying $500, that's half what I get paid monthly!

Aurora - unfortunately their regular vet was out of town so he was the only option, it really was disgusting.
Vets can prescribe things like allergy meds for dogs that are 10x the price of their over the counter equals It pays to research into things as there are quite often cheaper alternatives, although you do have to be careful, they have to be exact.
On the other hand though, my mum usually has a supply of dog antibiotics around her house that are exactly the same as a human form... she takes those herself for bladder infections because they are cheaper :D

I have found a vet that's absolutely wonderful.

In fact, Jasper and Chewy are going in today for their shots. While they're there they'll also be getting their nails clipped, their ears plucked and cleaned, a physical and lots of love and treats. I get charged for the vaccines only.

My old vet charged for everything, $20 for nail clipping, $10 for plucking the ears, another $10 for cleaning, $50 for a physical and heaven forbid they should get a treat, because at $15 a biscuit I can't afford it.

It depends on the vet. Some are only in it for the money.

I used to babysit for the vet we used for our pets when I was younger. She lived down the street from us. She owned standard poodles and they were all champs. She had pictures all over her office of her prize winning poodles.

The sad thing, not one of her pets lived at their home. They were all kenneled and cared for by someone else. I once asked her why, after all, she's a vet, she's supposed to love animals, has animals, but doesn't allow them to live with her?

She said that she couldn't stand having animals in her home, that her poodles weren't pets, they were an extra source of income because of the awards they received and the money she'd get for stud services because of those awards.

They didn't even have names, just numbers. :(

I stopped babysitting for her after that. We also stopped taking our pets to her.

We found a wonderful vet that my Aunt used. When our poodle Silver had back problems we took him to that vet. He was a good 1 hour drive away but so worth it. Sadly he died around 10 years ago. :(

I also have pet care insurance on both my dogs, always have - it's pretty comprehensive, too. But a lot of people in this economy just can't afford it.

As far as dogs and Pharmacists - my husband was a Pharmacist and he filled "dog" prescriptions all the time. If a Vet is not willing to write a prescription, will only "sell" the drug out of his office - move to another Vet.

That sounds like a caring vet Alty, I'm glad you found a good, trustworthy one, they are hard to come by these days.

When I got my boy neutered he came back with all his nails clipped and ears plucked. Usually my vet does charge for doing that but his wife just bought a poodle so he fell in love with them, therefore any poodles that come in get extra special care :D

Oh that and the fact my mom has been going to him for 20 years, but I'll just pretend he loves my dogs that much :D

I also have pet care insurance on both my dogs, always have - it's pretty comprehensive, too. But a lot of people in this economy just can't afford it.

As far as dogs and Pharmacists - my husband was a Pharmacist and he filled "dog" prescriptions all the time. If a Vet is not willing to write a prescription, will only "sell" the drug out of his office - move to another Vet.

The vet office we go to now has a holistic vet working there. When Indy was diagnosed with epilepsy we were going to our old vet. The gave meds that were not only really expensive, but turned my poor dog into a lump. He had no will to do anything. Sure, the seizures stopped, but so did his life.

When we mentioned this to the holistic vet he recommended green beans in Indy's diet. Indy has been seizure free since 2002. :)

This was about 10 years ago... but after Max was neutered, they prescribed his normal pain meds, costed about $40 for a small vial that he needed to take 2x a day for 2 days. Well funny story, my dad was in the grocery store and happened to be in the pharacy section looking for tylenol, started to chat it up with the poharmacist, sure enugh they started talking about how he just paid $40 for pain meds for the dog, blah bah blah, the Pharmasict looked at the bottel, and told him it was nothing but an anti inflamitory like children's MOTRIN! Cost for a bottel? $4.75 lasts about a month.
lol

That sounds like a caring vet Alty, I'm glad you found a good, trustworthy one, they are hard to come by these days.

When I got my boy neutered he came back with all his nails clipped and ears plucked. Usually my vet does charge for doing that but his wife just bought a poodle so he fell in love with them, therefore any poodles that come in get extra special care :D

Oh that and the fact my mom has been going to him for 20 years, but I'll just pretend he loves my dogs that much :D

It really does pay to shop around.

Our old vet left me feeling so cold. Whenever we took the dogs in she'd act like she was doing us this huge favor for allowing them to be in her office.

I remember Indy peeing on the floor once. He was nervous. It was the first appointment after being neutered. She screamed at us, told me to clean it up, that this is a business, not a potty.

The new vet, well, they have a little store in their office. They sell collars, beds, leashes, food, litter. You name it. Every dog that comes there has to pee on one of the displays. Indy did. The receptionist laughed, said "well, there goes another collar off the rack". I apologized profusely. Her response "Don't worry about it. It happens. After all, we get a lot of dogs here. It's only natural that they want to mark their territory". They didn't even charge us for the collar the Indy soaked.

Now, whenever Indy goes in, the joke about it. Oh, it's puddles. Welcome back puddles. Then they come around the desk to give him hugs and kisses.

You can tell that everyone in that office loves animals. In fact, the vet there that specializes in rabbits, she's the one that taught me most of what I know about bunny health. The last time I was in with Cotton she spent 1 hour with me talking about rabbit care, socializing, you name it. I told her I was interested to know more. She gave me her phone number, told me to call any time. I do. She always takes the time to talk. She's been raising rabbits all her life, has a brood at home that makes mine look like nothing. ;)

it was nothing but an anti inflamitory like childrens MOTRIN! cost for a bottel? $4.75 lasts about a month.
lol

Sad but true.

When my Lab, Sam, injured his neck many years ago (and he was a young dog) I took him for accupuncture. The Vet is holistic and had special training. Sam always limped into the office and bounced out but the effects didn't last long. He LOVED the attention and there we sat on the floor, his head in my lap, all these needles coming out of him. On the way home we always stopped for ice cream - his personal favorite. To this day (and he's gone 4 years) I'm not sure if the accupunture helped him... or the promise of ice cream.

My vet is pretty good. All the girls remember the dogs names, and give treats, belly rubs, higs and kisses. But I think they do this so it's easier to swallow the insaine cost! Lol
Altenweg, I remember being yelled at by a vet when one of my dogs pee'd on the floor. (an old vet) He did it in front of everyone. I was so embaressed. He even lectured me on doggy manners and housebreaking rules. He was also a firm believer of a smak on the noes for bad behaviour. Needless to say we don't use him anymore.
Could you imagine the over whelming smells in a place like that? I think it's only natural for them tohave an accident as well.

Its good to hear about pet owners who go the extra distance for their pets,and the vets who are willing to go the extra mile,or refer the animal to someone outside their knowledge..

Our own vet has a mulitude of abandoned pets herself including two rescue donkeys...

She runs a reduced cost neutering service for those receiving a social welfare payment,its really quite reasonable,and costing her way more... but still people around here don't avail of the service because they would have to take the time to go to the vet...

The last time I was talking to her only one person had taken up the offer.

It really seems to me that the majority of people don't give a crap about their pets... and with christmas coming,kids are getting pups for christmas,and then they are abandoned by the new year...

Some people are so thick they give me a pain in my ar*e.

When my Lab, Sam, injured his neck many years ago (and he was a young dog) I took him for accupuncture. The Vet is holistic and had special training. Sam always limped into the office and bounced out but the effects didn't last long. He LOVED the attention and there we sat on the floor, his head in my lap, all these needles coming out of him. On the way home we always stopped for ice cream - his personal favorite. To this day (and he's gone 4 years) I'm not sure if the accupunture helped him ... or the promise of ice cream.

I swear on accupuncture for dogs. In fact, Cesar uses it on nervous feral dogs in his clinic. That's always the first option, then if that doesn't work they try meds.

I watched one of his shows the other day. It was about a dog that was scared of everything, even her own shadow. They did accupuncture at his clinic. You should have seen the dog. Normally skittish, shivering, not allowing humans near her, she had her head on his lap, a look of complete contentment on her face. It was amazing.

The whole article is very true but this part stood out to me...
I have had dogs where the vet has wanted to do countless tests that would easily be in the thousands of dollars.
.

Yes, me too, when I found out Taf had a torn ligament. I went home and googled the heck out of 'torn ligament'. Mind you I have a good vet and have been using Dr. Shand for years, but in giving you the low down and the bad news first, it all sounds quite negative because she doesn't want you to get your hopes up.

Taf is fine now, put a few pounds back on, she was positive biafran a few months ago and never looked skinnier in her entire life. She was really ill before she tore that ligament. I had noticed her losing weight, but know also that dogs go off their food once in a while. My point is, Dr. said I wouldn't have her when the cold weather came with ice and snow because she just wouldn't be able to manage with the bad leg. We worked with her, built her up and although the leg isn't l00%, it is good enough to walks around the block at least and her quality of life is back. That is really all I wanted.

Never take a vet's down to the line advice to heart until you know for sure you can't do anything better for your pet yourself.

Tick

That's why I love where I work. We are below the fee guide and the least expensive clinic around, because the owners are not in it for the money at all.

We do payment plans for people who cannot afford treatments, but not everyone. If it is someone who we have never seen before we are very wary and precautions as we have been bitten in the butt before.

And we're good with drugs. I spent 2 hours the other day trying to find a pharmacy that was the cheapest so a man who fell on hard times could afford seizure medication for their dog, as our supplier was more expensive than most.

This was about 10 years ago... but after Max was neutered, they prescribed his normal pain meds, costed about $40 for a small vial that he needed to take 2x a day for 2 days. Well funny story, my dad was in the grocery store and happended to be in the pharacy section looking for tylenol, started to chat it up with the poharmacist, sure enugh they started talking baout how he just paid $40 for pain meds for the dog, blah bah blah, the Pharmasict looked at the bottel, and told him it was nothing but an anti inflamitory like childrens MOTRIN! cost for a bottel? $4.75 lasts about a month.
lol

Though I'm sure he meant well, that is a HUUUUGE pet peeve of mine - human doctors, nurses and pharmacologists who think they know just as much as a vet because they have medical knowledge of humans.
Motrin is basically advil, and if given in the incorrect dosage or over an extended period can be very dangerous. We had one cat die (its very toxic to them) and a dog form horrible gastric ulcers because they put their dogs on it, as per what a pharmacist said..