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?!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What is the reason the vet gives for refusing to write a prescription? 

That $4 may be your insurance co-pay, lol. The actual price (i.e. if you don't have insurance) is higher than that, I think, but still a lot less than the vet charges.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It may be illegal for your vet to refuse to write a prescription. Check your state laws.

This is from the AVMA website:

Q: Do I have to give my client a written prescription?

A: As a veterinarian, when you determine that a medication is needed for a patient, you can discuss with your client the benefits of having the drug dispensed directly from your clinic. If your client still wants the prescription filled elsewhere, you should comply with their wish and provide a written prescription. For more information about this, see Section III of the AVMA's Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics.

Make sure you are aware of your state's rules and regulations regarding prescriptions. Some states require veterinarians to write prescriptions for clients to have filled elsewhere if requested by the client, while some are less strict about prescriptions; in addition, specific guidance on ways the prescription can legally be filed (via a written prescription, telephone or fax) might be offered by your state.

[nate]

In our state they're legally obligated, but are allowed to charge a fee ( and some charge $40)  to write it .  It's a lose lose situation

Doxycyclin is a well known generic antibiotic.  It's a $4 generic at target without a prescription.

The vets' costs tend to even out over a year -- but having to pay the vet-price for meds on-top of a visit is overwhelming.   They're still the best for HeartGuard ( you get the rebate + insurance only through a vet ).  But for deworming our doodle... 20 packets of panacur followed by a drontal-plus 2 weeks later costs around $110.  and his tri-otic ear stuff costs $35 a tube.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow, I would find another vet. If a vet is not adhering to his or her own professional code of ethics, I'm not sure I'd be able to trust him with my dog's health. 

[Sarah and Willow]

Thank you all for commenting and commiserating with me. You all have given me the push I need to ask around about other vet practices. Ideally, I would like to try a smaller vet practice with a little more of a "family" feel to it. 

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

You have every right to be upset. This happened to me at 2 different Vet's. long story short they both charged me for tests, meds & appointments my dog never needed. This is why I have a new Vet and he is amazing. I leave there feeling like he
helped me, made my life better and cared about my dog and not my money!