I decided I don't like going to the vet

[Sarah and Willow]

Willow had an anal gland problem this morning (thanks to my searching on DK i knew it was her glands). I called the vet's and they told me to bring her in later in the afternoon. When I was discussing it with the vet, she said she'll go check it out. On her way out the door she threw over her shoulder, "I'll run a fecal smear to make sure nothing is wrong there." and walked out! I was a little irked because I wasn't concerned about her stools. She came back in and Willow's behind stunk to high heaven (I was hoping they might have tried to tidy it up after expressing). She said the fecal smear showed a "little higher bacteria level" than she'd like, and put Willow on Metronidazole. I also asked about sneezing that has been occurring since a run-in with a cattail (not foxtail) on a walk, and she asked a few questions, but never really gave me any definite answer on what to think. I'm going to call back tomorrow about that.

Sooo

$41 for medical exam

$24 for fecal smear (which I didn't want)

$38 for express of anal glands (not even a clean up included!)

$38 for meds she probably doesn't need.

Am I overreacting by wanting to try a different veterinary practice after this? I am all for taking care of my pet, but I feel like they try to run whatever tests they can to rack up my bill! 

Sorry for the vent, but you gotta get it out somewhere right?!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sarah, You are not over-reacting. We were going to a vet office that suddenly began thinking up all kinds of tests to run and acting offended if we refused them. We had a very old dog and were not going to go to any extreme measures with him. It got more and more ridiculous. We finally decided to change vets. The one we see now is not trying to force us into unnecessary testing. He is very good with the dogs. He has done a tumor needle biopsy and smear for free because he was certain the tumor was just a fatty one and nothing to worry about, and it was. I wish you lots of luck finding an ethical vet. 

[Sarah and Willow]

Thank you for your reply. This current practice is one of the larger facilities in town (we're in rural alaska here, I have to travel 60 miles to the second "largest" city in Alaska to visit the vet). I really love the place I take Willow for her doggie daycare/socializing, they are locally owned and I love the vibe they have there. I'm going to ask them tomorrow if they can recommend a vet. If I was really concerned about Willow's health, I would have been happy to have her ran through tests, but I think her issue of anal glands is due to her diet. I would have liked to try to alter her diet and try to firm up her stools before any tests and medication.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I forgot to say that I had a dog with deformed anal glands (he eventually had to have them removed). He went to the vet pretty often and they never ever sent him home with me smelling bad. 

Your instincts are right on.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I don't think you are over reacting.  You and your Vet are supposed to have a conversation where you get informed and YOU decide what you want done to your dog!  I have not researched this, but what would you expect to find in the contents of the anal gland???  

[Sarah and Willow]

I think she just took a sample of the fecal matter, not the anal gland contents... But thank you! I was thrown off on how quickly she added in the extra 70 bucks worth of tests and medication. 

I am currently searching DK for other discussions about loose stools and food. There does seem to be a correlation between loose stools and anal gland issues. Gross discussion material, but after today I have become numb to this groddy-ness ;)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I don't think you're overreacting either.  I would want more of an explanation of "higher bacteria level than she'd like" before giving Metronidazole.

[Pam & Trixie]

I hear the vent...I agree...Vets like to add in extra tests. (sometimes they are necessary...sometimes they are not)

Those prices are cheap compared to Trixies vets...and all the vets around here.

An exam is $58..fecal is $45...

So many times they have wanted to do a fecal when I bring here in...it irks me

I hope her glands are fine after this

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

My vet charges a $30ish flat fee for an anal gland expression + they clean her up a bit.  That is really excessive.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with the others. I'd also say that whatever vet you use, when meds are prescribed, ask for a prescription and get them at the pharmacy, it's almost always much cheaper. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Yeah and if you have a nice vet (like mine) they will tell you if there's a human equivalent generic medication you can give.  Luna had an upset tummy and the vet "prescribed" Pepcid AC (we bought the generic for a fraction of the price!)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Or a nice vet like mine who will express glands for free with a routine visit if needed. AND clean up a butt with a baby wipe! I don't do a lot of the suggested tests and don't get several vaccinations they want me to either. I only get a fecal test if I have issues with their poop, and I feel the heartworm test is a bit unnecessary as they get Heartguard every month. It's like saying , here ,pay $100 for this medication, but we need to check once a year that it really works.
My vet always offers a script for any meds she wants me to give and even tells me the cheapest places to get it filled. I've spent as little as $4.00 on most of the prescribed meds he's had, so I hear your frustration , but sometimes we have to stand up for ourselves and ask "why". Why does he absolutely need this?

[nate]

our vet won't write a prescription, only prescribe & dispense. 4 doxycycline? $45. ( 100 for $4 if you're human )