Now It All Makes Sense

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

As I've discussed on here previously one of the reasons it took me so long to get another dog when we lost our little Poodle was the experience that we had encountered with Vet Hospitals running up the bills for no reason.  While I can appreciate that all business owners need to make money and are entitled to do so, I just personally feel that Doctors fall into a slightly different category.  That running up a bill, taking advantage of people who are already in a bad situation is just unscrupulous!  I want a Vet who #1 is a Vet because they love animals.  A Vet whose best interest is in the pet and not necessarily their pocketbook first and foremost.  Just like I don't want unnecessary tests or surgerys on myself, I don't want them on my pet either.  I would do anything that I had to to make sure my dogs had every opportunity for a wonderful life, but that doesn't include being taken advantage of.  So, here is my point.  I was doing a little research this afternoon on sebaceous cysts.  Here is a quote that I came across on one Vet's site:

"In vet school I was advised to remove sebaceous cysts because I could make money with the procedure and dog owners are generally happy to have the things gone.  However, as I discussed in parts 1 and 2 of this series, I don't recommend removal of any benign cyst 'just because.' Removal is only necessary if the cyst recurs and is prone to infection and/or if your dog's quality of life is impaired by the presence of a cyst."

They are taught in Vet school to do all of these unnecessary things ... my blood boils over!  However, that being said, this is the type Vet that I want taking care of my girls!  Maybe I'm naive, but I never dreamed they were teaching that you should do unnecessary procedures just to make money.  That to me is taking advantage of people in the worst way! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm sure this happens out there, but I have to think that a person with a well established relationship with their vet does not have this happen.

I have to have faith that the world is  not all bad... Or I would just go insane. So, I live by the " Glass is half-full" philosophy.  I have to or I'd be depressed.  For me, most people are good until proven otherwise. I know.. I'm a liberal optimist. 

I've been a worried pet owner at the vet numerous times only to be told: "let it go. It is a dog. It is normal. Watch and wait. No worries. Glad you checked this out but at this time, we really don't need to be aggressive"

Maybe I am lucky or I live in a cloud. So far, I'm happy there.  And I certainly do not believe ALL vets or most vets  are like this

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think that I'm probably a little more sensitive to this because we have had to move so many times.  From England to Las Vegas to Ohio to CT to FL and now back to Ohio we have had to get a new Vet many times.  The things I've seen and dealt with have just really soured me to the whole process.  Now that I'm back in Ohio with a wonderful Country Vet, I'm very happy!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

The hardest things in the world to find is a hairdresser that remembers what they did on your last visit and a vet that meets our expectations for our babies.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Where's the LIKE button on this!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, and when you find them treat them like gold!  I am lucky that I have found both....but it has certainly been lots of "trial and error".

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

If you think vets are bad try dentists LOL Unfortunately throughout all professions there are those who are unscrupulous and who prey on fear and use their power to make lots of dosh. I think it's fair when looking for a vet that you ask the hard questions in the nicest possible way.  The fact that insurance is available is a double edged sword as if they know you have insurance and the 'procedure' is covered then they are onto a winner.  On the other hand I wouldn't be without insurance as the thoughts of a massive bill that I couldn't afford would be dreadful to contemplate. 

Oh and there are lots of dreadful lawyers.  We had a situation in Canada when our daughter was in a coma where a social worker slipped us a card with a lawyers name on it and low and behold he turned up in the hospital to offer his 'condolences' and of course his services.

'Caveat Emptor' Let the buyer beware is the best policy always.  There are many terrific professionals we just have to search hard to find them.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I almost expanded my original post to compare to Dentist.  My old bosses husband is a dentist.  He hates the big commercial practices that are just money money money hungry.  He has opened his own practice in a few cities (as he followed her around the country for her career) for this very reason.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have been disappointed in my vet this past year for several reasons, but I do have to say that he doesn't recommend unnecessary tests and procedures. He does charge an exorbitant amount of money for certain things compared to other vets in the area, though, which I didn't realize until Jack's IBD diagnosis and my subsequent experiences with various different vets and specialists. (I mean $9 for "hazardous waste disposal" for one needle, when the vet down the street charges $2 ????)

But many times when I've asked if we should run some test or another, he has said it isn't necessary. And when Jack needed a small growth removed, I was the one who wanted him "put under" because I thought it would be less traumatic for him, and my vet talked me out of it, saying it was safer and less expensive for him to be awake.

I think my vet makes up for it by charging really high prices for meds & foods. And "hazardous waste disposal", lol.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I can honestly say I have never seen a hazardous waste disposal line item on any bill I've ever had!   I might have to say "Just give it to me and I'll put it in with my Sisters MS shot needles". 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's a county thing. I do have a sharps disposal container that I always bring with me, lol.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I have never seen 'hazardous waste disposal' on any Vet bill here, I thought this might be a US thing ; )  Is this not one of the costs of doing business.  I'm surprised they don't add electricity. LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

I always get a hazardous waste disposal charge for every shot the doodles get.