Re: SENIOR DOG VET BILLS!!!!

shortbreadlover · ‎06-25-2018

the reson for high vet bills is the cost of vet school plus the the fact that the big drug co and the medical profession is moving into that area. all they care about is the money. just like theuy ruined medical care for people , they are now doing the same thing to vet med. it is all about greed.

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

@shortbreadlover wrote:
the reson for high vet bills is the cost of vet school plus the the fact that the big drug co and the medical profession is moving into that area. all they care about is the money. just like theuy ruined medical care for people , they are now doing the same thing to vet med. it is all about greed.

I don't agree that Vets are greedy. They have to pay rent for the building they are in, and they have to pay overhead and employees. A Vet's office doesn't run like a medical office does. They don't file insurance on everyone. Taking care of pets requires skills just like taking care of human patients. They have bills to pay, and if the insurance companies aren't paying them the clients have to.

In my town the less expensive Vet's offices don't have the same kind of equipment that the higher priced Vet's do.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

Nugbucker · ‎08-07-2018

I don't agree that Vets are greedy. They have to pay rent for the building they are in, and they have to pay overhead and employees. A Vet's office doesn't run like a medical office does. They don't file insurance on everyone. Taking care of pets requires skills just like taking care of human patients. They have bills to pay, and if the insurance companies aren't paying them the clients have to.

In my town the less expensive Vet's offices don't have the same kind of equipment that the higher priced Vet's do.

@Nicknack I agree with you. I have six cats and two dogs, and with the exception of one cat, all of my animals are over the age of six. My dogs are both around 12 years old. All were strays/rescues so we’re mostly guessing on ages. My husband and I found a fantastic, compassionate vet clinic when we moved to our area. They’re wonderful- they’ve always accommodated us last minute when needed and they never overcharge. We lost an 18 yr old cat last year and they were great. Euthanasia/meds/etc. was really reasonable. It helps to check around when it comes to cost. Someone else commenting mentioned the Bay Area. I lived there for many years, found and took in many animals. If this commenter is near Livermore, CA, there’s a wonderful vet off 580 near the Altamont. Dr. Brenda Mills. She’s great and her fees are really reasonable. I’m sure I got a ‘group rate’ but she worked with me when I found a litter of kittens and the mom cat.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@shortbreadlover wrote:
the reson for high vet bills is the cost of vet school plus the the fact that the big drug co and the medical profession is moving into that area. all they care about is the money. just like theuy ruined medical care for people , they are now doing the same thing to vet med. it is all about greed.

@shortbreadlover A very short sighted viewpoint... sure there is fraud and abuse in every field... but, what would we do without these courageous people who choose to be doctors or nurses or scientists.... people who save so many lives....

Yes they require big salaries... and they deserve it for all the schooling and work that they do. They are people I want to pay!

As I said there is always greed and abuse... but all in all, I am so thankful for those wonderful people who are there when we need help. Do not pool everyone in one big bunch as greedy.... look for all the good and you will be amazed. Be thankful... be grateful... it really is huge to put that out there.

Kat60 · ‎06-08-2018

Sadly some of you are correct. Vets do pad the bill at times. I have a Peke who ate a rib bone and with after hours care and two vets I paid over a 1,000.00. That was with a small discount because I worked for a vet. I know about padding that was done by the vets. Also there is a debate about how many vaccines are necessary.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shanus wrote:
Sadie, who’s 14, went for her regular senior checkup. She goes every 6 months for full checkup and in between for blood work since she takes meds for Cushing. Last week her visit cost $350! Of course, we want her to have excellent care, but then add the meds and separate lab tests...whew!!!!

Sure glad we have pet insurance!!
@Shanus And it does not have to be senior dogs either . You know my golden who is just 4 had a pacemaker put in him two weeks ago... cost JUST FOR THE SURGERY.... $6000. The other tests after surgery and prior plus all the medications add another couple thousand dollars...

Pet insurance paid 90% of everything as I had a 10% deductible. What a relief! I never thought anything like this life saving surgery would happen to my younger dog!

@SeaMaiden Yes, we take out or add a dog to the policy when they are just babies.

Vivian · ‎03-11-2010

Last week I found a growth on my dog’s side. The veterinary surgeon ran tests and did a needle biopsy of the growth. Thankfully, it was just a cyst. Then, a couple of days later, the dog had an upset stomach.I won’t get too graphic but stuff was coming out of all ends. More tests were run and we were given several meds. The dog is not all better but her appetite is returning. However, our bank account has suffered a radical cashectomy. Between the cancer scare and the digestive problem, we are out $800. I could have rejected the tests but I love my beagle and wanted to do the best for her. We have gone to this practice, with all our dogs, for over 40 years. They’re good, and caring, and expensive.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

Most people today can't afford pets because the level of care expected is to the level of human care. Many people can't even afford human care. So they dump the pet and it goes into the system, which is costing a lot at the no-kill facilities.

Pets aren't neutered, people dump them because the can't afford vet bills and the numbers of feral animals swell and swell. It is contributing to a growing cycle and more pets in miserable conditions, and more pets living with serious medical conditions. Is the quality of life for pets improving? I am not sure what the answer to that is.

Almost everyone you talk to is talking about the huge vet bills for their pets. Fewer and fewer people will be considering owning a pet.

ccassaday · ‎10-21-2010

When we got Chloe spayed 3,years ago it was almost $400. They include spay, microchip, and pre op blood work. Then before that of course there was 3 vet visits for puppy shots. She has been to the vet a few times for things not related to her yearly checkup. She hads had two bee stings, conjunctivitis in both eyes, she scraped her paw real bad. Each of those I believe were at least $100 vet visits. It’s expensive to have a pet. That’s why my mom says she wont get a second.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

Just one thing - you might want to check out different veterinary hospitals. There are many practices being bought out by large chains, just as "people" hospitals are. The ones affiliated with the larger chains are going to charge more. The staff has nothing to do with the pricing; ALL of the costs are set by the large company.

You might have more luck with a privately-owned veterinary hospital. (Can you tell I'm not a fan of VCA! )

When DH graduated, he went back home to his rural area to work for a short time. Many times people would pay later when they could, and the owner of the practice was OK with this. They helped people with the bills when they could.

Owning a pet is expensive, but you have to decide. Our pets are family. Sometimes we spend as much on them (specialists, testing, meds, etc.) as we do on our children, but the joy and love they give us makes it so worthwhile!