Veterinarians

“Let me start off by saying that I am not at all opposed to highly educated or highly talented people charging a lot of money for their time. That is part of the reason that after buying a new pup the other day and taking it and my other dog to the vet I didn’t think twice about swiping the debit card when the receptionist said “$351.00”. I paid, took my receipt, and went happily on my merry way. I felt like the vet slacked when it came to looking the dogs over, but there were shots, heart worm tests, stool samples (which I collected at home per the receptionist), it seemed like a lot of stuff and I wasn’t surprised it cost a chunk of money. Then I looked at the receipt. In addition to the substantial charges for shots (seems like the cost of these surely includes the vet’s time because there isn’t that much medicine in there)$100.00 of that $351.00 bill was wrapped up in a $50 “examination fee” for each of the animals. Which would be just fine, except neither of the dogs received anything that I would say qualified as an examination. The vet spent enough time with them to give them their shots, about 3 minutes each if that. Then an assistant (high school age) weighed the dogs, and off I went to pay my bill like an idiot. For my money, I got some heart guard, heart worm tests, and a puppy size vile of frontline plus marked up 150% over what I can find it for anywhere else in the world.

I should have known I was getting a bum deal when after the vet “examined” my German Shepherd, I asked her what she thought of the bald spots on the back of his ears. From previous shepherds and an uncle who is a premier shepherd guide dog trainer I knew it was a little demodectic mange and was just a product of the dog’s immune system not fully maturing yet, but it is always nice to hear it is nothing to worry about from the doc. My vet’s response, which is what I was expecting after watching her “examine” the dog, was “what bald spots?” and then without even looking down at my dog “probably pollen allergies”. At the time, probably because I was looking forward to playing with the new puppy and I was already comfortable with my uncle’s diagnosis, it didn’t even bother me that much. Now it seems every time I think about it I get more pi$$ed off. You want to charge me for your time, I’m fine with that – but give me your time. For a $50 exam fee, it seems to me each dog should get 20 mins of prodding and poking and she should be asking me some questions and generally making sure the dogs are healthy. Otherwise, I might as well order from petmeds.com and skip the vet altogether unless something is broken.

Should I switch vets, or is this the general pattern in the profession? Anyone have a vet that takes the time to make sure everything is in good working order before they whack you with the bill?
last edited: 8/03/09 11:32:38 AM”

“Switch vets. I had a similar issue. Switched vets and the vet not only did a better job with the exam, but charged LESS!

Run, don't walk.

edit: Charged MUCH less.
last edited: 8/03/09 11:29:34 AM”

“Docs are docs and vets are vets. Some good, some bad. Yup, go somewhere else.”

“Switch vets.

We got lucky. We found the awesomest vet in the world. I don't even mind the 25 min. drive north to see him. His physical examinations are very thorough, talked me through every procedure and blood test they did (I didn't mention how often I worked with my previous vet)and knows how to handle animals properly. I'm still kicking myself over forgetting to ask if they treat koi, though. Given the large, well maintained aquarium in the office, filled with healthy fish, someone there does.”

“Any concerns you have you should of spoke of at the time, and made sure that your concern was addressed as you expected. Make the people spend the time that you are paying for.”

“Look meathead (that sounds too funny), unless these dogs are your children, you absolutely don't need a vet whatsoever. Not for shots, exams, nothing. You are going to blow a lot of dough for quite little in return. Know your local emergency vet for serious sicknesses/damages. Otherwise go alone w/ your shots and care. Feed stores carry 7in1 and 8in1 shots that are easy to give your dogs, or, they will inject them for you, for very, very little money compared to a vet. These are all the exact same shots your vet charges greatly for. The only thing you cannot get over the counter is a rabies shot. Here in western NC counties (actually I think now in all counties in NC), twice a year there are rabies clinics at highschools and such for six bux a pop. If you are capable, talk to a few hunters about how they care for their dawgs, you'll discover dogs and cats are easily manageable on your own.

Notwithstanding however, peace of mind if you need that does have value.

Edit: Uhh, unless of course CowPatty is your vet! If you've got her then there ain't nuthin' better!
last edited: 8/03/09 6:09:05 PM”

“Ditto what the apeman said! I have 4 dogs,2 cats and a flopearred rabbit and I take care of them all myself except rabies shots!”

“Ape no rabies clinics here that I know of. The only things I ever go to the vet for are
1. rabies vaccines
2. Lyme vaccines
2. heartworm tests every year or two to make sure the heart guard is doing its job
3. any new animals I bring in for a run down to make sure they are healthy

Everything else I have taken care of at home, but once a year or so I like to hear everything is all clear from somebody who spent 8 years of college learning about it - and they're due for rabies by then anyway. Still, even if I'm only going once a year, it'd be nice to see someone give a #$@&.

And to a degree I follow you gator, but on the other hand - I'm paying for the time...and that's about all I want to have to do to get it. I worked to earn the money I'm paying them, I shouldn't have to work to get them to work for that money. Bottom line, I'll change it up and see how it goes. Probably hit or miss like anything else, but there's gotta be a good one around her somehwere.”

“Ask the neighborhood dogs, they know where to go:)”

“Heartworm meds, it's overrated. Heartworms need a loving home too yaknow.

Over the last boocoo's of years we've been in 4 states, had vet experiences in all. Altho I'm a mere 36, I can tell you unequivocally that you do not NEED vets, w/ the exception of some emergency cares.”

“I've had the vet check ears, temperature, teeth, eyes so forth, part of getting shots. I don't have a doggie anymore, so I save money on dog food and heartworm meds. Heartworm pills were about $10 a month for that one stupid pill I think over six years ago, hate to think what they may be now.”