Community Chat

[Suzeecat]

I think that most vets care more about our pets' good health than their income, yet they do have every right to earn a decent living doing what they spent lots of time money to be trained for.  Just like health care for humans, advances in technology has resulted in more expensive treatments.  It's the individual owner's decision to either get pet insurance or not, and what tests and treatments they wish to pursue.  Our pets are like children, there is no easy way to separate emotions from these decisions.  Years ago I had two sick cats that i could not afford treatment for and to this day I have guilt about having to put them down possibly sooner than necessary simply because I couldn't afford their care.  This is the reason I will never own another pet.  I would be a great mom, would love them dearly, but I cannot afford a sick pet and it's the responsible thing for me to do to make a decision to not take on something that i can't afford.

[noodleann]

I have a primary vet that's 30 minutes away, an emergency/specialist vet service that's an hour away, and a local backup vet and local emergency care, if I choose to use them. I have used oncology services three hours away in the past.

My experiences have been good to stellar. If they're not good, I go elsewhere or request the vet/tech that's worked well with the animal and with me in the past. 

I'm sorry for people who've had negative experiences with their vets/services. I found the emergency/specialist when I learned that the primary vet couldn't help with a difficult situation. I researched other vets online, cleared the new vet service with the primary vet, and got the care my animals required at the time. It was expensive, but the treatment was first-class. The communication between the emergency/specialist and my primary vet was excellent, a key factor in keeping transitions going smoothly.

I also do a lot of research on possible and  confirmed problems, so I'm less likely to be blindsided by a treatment suggestion or judgment on prognosis. I'm sure my cats would be glued to the internet if they could master English and grow thumbs, but until that happens, I'm their point person. No victims here!

[rescuedogmom4]

I feel incredibly LUCKY that veterinary medicine has come as far as it has over the years.  I got many more years with many of my fur-babies because ot the miracles these doctors have worked!  Medicine costs money.  My husband and I have health coverage through work, so I don't have to see most of the bills--so THANKFUL for that!  My fur-kids don't have health insurance, so I have to pay the bills, which is something that I signed up to do when I adopted them.  Also, the doctors who treat my pets don't drive fancy cars--they do it because they clearly love animals.

[furbabylover]

@KingstonsMom  You bring up a good point about the cancer in our animals and the environment. There are numerous studies connecting this cancer rate to the commercial pet food we feed them. If you dare, take a look at the recall reports on American pet food manufacturers. What they find in their products is astounding. I know that many of us don't have the time or means to provide fresh food for our pets, and we have been hammered with the propaganda from these companies that we should NOT feed our pets human food, reinforced by vets who sell their products. Its amazing dogs and cats survived thousands of years without commercial food. There are reputable companies out there, you just have to do your homework to find them. A hopeful study suggests that just giving your pet (safe-for-pets) fresh fruit and veggies along with their regular food cuts down on illness. 

[spent2much]

I'm not going to comment on the original post.  What I do feel obligated to mention is that pets are being damaged, and sometimes die, from over vaccination.  Many vaccines provide immunity for several years, if not LIFE.  There is no need to vaccinate a pet that is already immune.  In fact, it is dangerous.  A simple blood test, called a titer, can be taken to prove immunity.  If you are concerned about this, or maybe you're like me who just realized this a few years ago, please check out protectthepets dot com.  Dr. John Robb has worked tirelessly to prevent over vaccination.  P l e a s e ... for the sake of your pet.

[beach-mom]

@furbabylover - I wish you had experienced a different outcome for your pup.

As the wife of a caring veterinarian, I can tell you most go into the profession because of their love of animals and not for the money they make. DH hurt every time he had to help someone let one of their four-legged children go. He has seen EVERYTHING. And I also have seen a lot. (I should write a book- LOL!)

Things are a lot different these days, as I posted in the other thread (post #16). 

The veterinarians who drive expensive cars probably make that a priority, just as a teacher or anyone in any other profession would. The ones I've known through the years mostly drive trucks or SUV's. 

You can still find private practices that are independent. They will take care of you. And if you're concerned about anything, always put your mind at ease by getting a second opinion!  

[Mom2Dogs]

We thoroughly LOVE our dog, BUT she is a pet and we will care for her within reason...financially if ill but, we are not going to spend thousands of dollars for her care.

[KingstonsMom]

@furbabylover 

I cook the majority of Kingston's (my avatar) food myself with good ingredients for a dog..

I agree about the commercial dry dog foods, I got so tired of foods being recalled, that I did an extensive search of 'commercial' dry foods.

For kibble to add to his meals, I learned about Fromm; https://www.frommfamily.com/

Made in the USA, all ingredients 'sourced' in the USA and they're been in business since 1904 with NO recalls.

If you google their name, there are many excellent reviews, including Consumer Reports and many dog food review sites.

BTW.....they make cat food too!

[Anonymous032819]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

We thoroughly LOVE our dog, BUT she is a pet and we will care for her within reason...financially if ill but, we are not going to spend thousands of dollars for her care.

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And there is nothing wrong with that.

That is exactly how I feel for my cats.

And that doesn't make us "bad" people.

[KingstonsMom]

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@Mom2Dogs wrote:

We thoroughly LOVE our dog, BUT she is a pet and we will care for her within reason...financially if ill but, we are not going to spend thousands of dollars for her care.

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@Mom2Dogs 

Sorry, my dogs,cats and other animals that I've had in my life are not just a 'pet', they're a family member.

I understand that some may have financial reasons to feel the way you do, but that's just not me.

I have spent thousands to save a pet that meant that much to me and have no regrets, especially after they lived a long and healthy life after the medical (yet expensive) intervention.