I guess I need a new vet...

[chiefmickeymouse]

I had a postcard from the vet (been there once, we're new in town) that said my dog needed bordatello vaccine. Thinking we might need to board her sometime, I made an appointment. I get there and the vet assistant comes in with a "care plan" that includes $200 worth of crap I have never heard of.
I was expecting a shot for about $20. She says the dog needs another shot lepido - something and that they don't give that without an exam - another $50. My dog had an exam 8 months ago and has no health problems. I told her I wanted the shots she needed, nothing else. We get the shots, and I said I need heartworm pills. She says they don't make her old kind of pills anymore and the new ones are over $100 for six.

I balk at this and then she tells me there is another type that are $30 for six. But they aren't "as good". I felt like I was getting a bait and switch at a used car lot the whole time. Then I get the song and dance about the $400 dental cleaning, again. How do people with multiple dogs afford all this stuff? What do we really need?

 

[a1tinkfans]

bordatella us when you board your dog, its a good one to get and usually required.
need rabies....I dont do flea stuff....Im trying to recall other ones ....will follow with you
Do you have a PETCO store near you? They have certified vets come in like once a month and the shot packages are MUCH more manageable...call and ask....
Its actually how I found my vet ...she travels and she gave my dog shots two years then we started talking and now I use her full time for any/all issues...
what a savings.....

the shot packages depend on your dogs age.....our old vet ...same situation that you mentioned, $$$$ every time we went there...and it all involved allergy stuff/....
look around your area and get another vet, while no vet is cheap, they are certainly competitive as are the stores....
best of luck to you and your pet...

 

[pixiewings71]

Bordatella vaccination is only needed if you plan to board your dog within the next 6 months. We rarely board our pup but when we do we just make an appt and get her a vaccination done, that's it, you don't need to do that one every 6 months unless you board a lot. How long has it been since your dog last had vaccinations done? Our dog is allergic to Lepto so we don't get her that one but we do get her boosters every 3 years (I think) for rabies and whatever else she needs, just no Lepto in it. As for flea and heartworm meds, yes, your dog needs a yearly exam to have a prescription for that and dentals are needed when your dog gets older. We give our dog Revolution for fleas and heartworm, I pay about $25 per dose, we have to dose monthly. We did give Trifexis for a while and that worked fine for us but it is more expensive.
I would say follow your gut, if you think you're being railroaded don't buy anything extra and look for a new vet.

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Our groomer required the kennel cough shot (bordatella) in order to be groomed.

 

[mikehn]

Everyones gotta make a living, whether you're a vet, a dentist, an auto mechanic, or a used car salesman. Not sure it will help for you to see a new vet, because they all have to make a living. And no vet is going to make a living just giving $20 shots. Our vet loves it when my wife takes the dogs in, because they make their quota for the day. I just throw my arms in the air because I have bigger battles to fight.

 

[AuroraRora]

My old vet was like that too and after a bait-and-switch incident I told her we would not be back. My cat had a URI and despite me saying several times that he gets aggressive when I try to medicate him, she refused to give me pills that could go in his food, insisting he needed to have $125 worth of medicine syringed into his mouth, and an eye gel. Ok fine, I figured he needed that. I got home and he'd throw up the medicine each time, and it smelled so bad that it would make me nauseous just smelling it from all the way across the room - it must have tasted AWFUL. Eventually I called her in tears about being unable to keep him from throwing it back up, and she suggested I come in and pick up the pill version (which could be hidden in his food) for the cost of $12 for the bottle. I got angry and asked why she hadn't given me those to begin with, she said the syringed stuff was better. I asked if that meant the pills weren't as good, and she backtracked and said no, they were just as good... as so on. I went to pick up the $12 pills and told her I needed a copy of his medical records too as we would not be back.

 

[pumpkinmomma]

Are you in the Tulsa area?

I live near Owasso and use a vet there for my dog. If you want, pm me with the name of your vet and I can tell you if it's the old vet that we switched from. We moved vets because we felt like the old place was overcharging and trying to push expensive plans on us. I like the new vet much better.

BTW- there are a couple of options for vaccines here that are cheaper than average. I can pm them to you if you'd like.

ETA- if you were on Interceptor before, it's no longer on the market. We had to switch heartworm meds. We switched to Sentinel and it was $45 for a 6 month supply (just picked it up today)

 

[Anri]

I'd try to find a new vet. I had that experience with my previous vet. She charged me over $100 just to see my dog for all of ten minutes after she got stung by a bee and it got infected. Really I went to three different vets until I found one that worked for both my dog and my budget. I have a Rottweiler so a lot of vets won't see her. But the vet I have now is perfect for her. It's reasonably priced, they don't pressure me in to anything unnecessary, and my dog LOVES them to pieces. They spoil her rotten with hugs and treats so it is no wonder she loves going there.

 

[Order66]

Your dog was probably on Interceptor last year. The clinic isn't lying. Interceptor is not available at this time, and hasn't been for over a year. The company that manufactures it was shut down by the FDA until they corrected "quality control" problems (ie wrong pills in wrong packages on their human pharmaceutical side). The clinic was probably offering you Trifexis instead. Like Interceptor it prevents heartworm with the drug milbemycin, which also controls the parasites round, hook and whip worms. Unlike Interceptor, Trifexis contains spinosad, a drug that kills fleas for 30 days. And yep, it's far more expensive. THe "not as good" medication they offered was probably Heartgard (or one of the generics) that protects against heartworm with the drug ivermectin and round and hook worms with pyrantel. It's far from "lesser" at heartworm control. It's effectiveness is just fine. It simply doesn't offer control of fleas or whip worms if that is important to you.

Bordetella is part of a kennel cough complex that is generally required when your dog is in close contact with other dogs. Kennel, groomer, dog park, etc... Generally non-lifethreating to a healthy adult dog, but your dog gets somewhat sick and the loud cough is annoying to everyone, you and your dog. Young pups and old dogs can have worse symptoms, even pneumonia from "kennel cough".

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by wildlife urine. Dogs that like to swim, hunt, walk in the woods or generally drink water from unknown sources (ie, most dogs) should be protected from it. Even city dogs can contract it due to rats and/or mice spreading it with urine in backyards. If your dog has no exposure to wildlife and isn't prone to drinking from lakes, streams or puddles, his/her risk is low. Lepto IS contagious to humans.

Dental cleaning are not cheap. They require general anesthesia. It can improve or extend your dog's life. Teeth are highly genetic and some breeds build tartar like it's their job. However, I agree that some docs tend to recommend them a little sooner than I'd perform on my own dog. Look at your dogs teeth. Are they building tartar? A lot? If so, have it done. If not, wait a bit longer. No one can force you to have it done, but there will be a time it may be necessary. Tooth abscess, broken teeth, etc..... Better younger and healthier than old, higher risk and with many extractions.

ETA: How do I afford the care for my multiple dogs? I work at a veterinary hospital. LOL It was the best career choice for me to afford my dog habit.

regards

 

[clm10308]

Just FYI
The vet that I use takes the Care Credit card for payment so I can get the same 6 months no interest as for people medical bills. Thankfully, I have not needed to use it yet for vet care.

 

[bearloch]

My dog before he passed LOVED my brushing his teeth! we would sit on ground and he let me I did it like 2 a month if you have a younger dog start now with a pet toothbrush and water and he will let you and save yourself some cash!

 

[nat1234]

My 3 yr old border collie has had kennel cough twice. I don't board either of my dogs nor am I big on dog parks. So that is one shot I won't miss for them. With the rabies shots, the other vaccines, heart worm and flea & tick treatment, it is expensive I agree, but what can I say, they're family.

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

Are you in the Tulsa area?

I live near Owasso and use a vet there for my dog. If you want, pm me with the name of your vet and I can tell you if it's the old vet that we switched from. We moved vets because we felt like the old place was overcharging and trying to push expensive plans on us. I like the new vet much better.

BTW- there are a couple of options for vaccines here that are cheaper than average. I can pm them to you if you'd like.

ETA- if you were on Interceptor before, it's no longer on the market. We had to switch heartworm meds. We switched to Sentinel and it was $45 for a 6 month supply (just picked it up today)

Yes, I'm in Owasso. I'll PM the vets name. Thanks!

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

bordatella us when you board your dog, its a good one to get and usually required.
need rabies....I dont do flea stuff....Im trying to recall other ones ....will follow with you
Do you have a PETCO store near you? They have certified vets come in like once a month and the shot packages are MUCH more manageable...call and ask....
Its actually how I found my vet ...she travels and she gave my dog shots two years then we started talking and now I use her full time for any/all issues...
what a savings.....

the shot packages depend on your dogs age.....our old vet ...same situation that you mentioned, $$$$ every time we went there...and it all involved allergy stuff/....
look around your area and get another vet, while no vet is cheap, they are certainly competitive as are the stores....
best of luck to you and your pet...

Thats a good idea, I'll check Petco. Thanks!

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

Your dog was probably on Interceptor last year. The clinic isn't lying. Interceptor is not available at this time, and hasn't been for over a year. The company that manufactures it was shut down by the FDA until they corrected "quality control" problems (ie wrong pills in wrong packages on their human pharmaceutical side). The clinic was probably offering you Trifexis instead. Like Interceptor it prevents heartworm with the drug milbemycin, which also controls the parasites round, hook and whip worms. Unlike Interceptor, Trifexis contains spinosad, a drug that kills fleas for 30 days. And yep, it's far more expensive. THe "not as good" medication they offered was probably Heartgard (or one of the generics) that protects against heartworm with the drug ivermectin and round and hook worms with pyrantel. It's far from "lesser" at heartworm control. It's effectiveness is just fine. It simply doesn't offer control of fleas or whip worms if that is important to you.

Bordetella is part of a kennel cough complex that is generally required when your dog is in close contact with other dogs. Kennel, groomer, dog park, etc... Generally non-lifethreating to a healthy adult dog, but your dog gets somewhat sick and the loud cough is annoying to everyone, you and your dog. Young pups and old dogs can have worse symptoms, even pneumonia from "kennel cough".

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by wildlife urine. Dogs that like to swim, hunt, walk in the woods or generally drink water from unknown sources (ie, most dogs) should be protected from it. Even city dogs can contract it due to rats and/or mice spreading it with urine in backyards. If your dog has no exposure to wildlife and isn't prone to drinking from lakes, streams or puddles, his/her risk is low. Lepto IS contagious to humans.

Dental cleaning are not cheap. They require general anesthesia. It can improve or extend your dog's life. Teeth are highly genetic and some breeds build tartar like it's their job. However, I agree that some docs tend to recommend them a little sooner than I'd perform on my own dog. Look at your dogs teeth. Are they building tartar? A lot? If so, have it done. If not, wait a bit longer. No one can force you to have it done, but there will be a time it may be necessary. Tooth abscess, broken teeth, etc..... Better younger and healthier than old, higher risk and with many extractions.

ETA: How do I afford the care for my multiple dogs? I work at a veterinary hospital. LOL It was the best career choice for me to afford my dog habit.

regards

Thanks for your reply. I knew they weren't lying about Interceptor, it made me angry that they didn't offer any other choice but the expensive one until I told them we would have to do without. They weren't even going to tell me about it. I thought it was dishonest, and I had that feeling throughout the appointment. I understand they have to make a living, but if it's all about money then I can't trust them. They will always recommend the most expensive thing, whether it is the right thing or not. Thanks for your explanation of the shots, it was helpful. Have a great night!

 

[pumpkinmomma]

I sent a pm, but I forgot to add that Southern Agriculture also does vaccine clinics. I can't remember the cost or the schedule but I think they have a website that has it listed. They would be much closer for you than Petco.

 

[robinb]

Everyones gotta make a living, whether you're a vet, a dentist, an auto mechanic, or a used car salesman. Not sure it will help for you to see a new vet, because they all have to make a living. And no vet is going to make a living just giving $20 shots. Our vet loves it when my wife takes the dogs in, because they make their quota for the day. I just throw my arms in the air because I have bigger battles to fight.

There is a difference between making a living and having me pay for your vet school loans and the new wing to your office at the same time.

I was peeved at my vet last year when she told me that the organization that represents the heartworm industry came up with new guidelines that dogs now need to be tested every year even if they have been on the recommended preventative year 'round. We live in WI where there is a *hard* (think 20-degrees below zero) freeze in the winter. Dogs used to be tested only every other year if they received heartworm medication every month since they were protected. Apparently, the industry was losing money in testing and my vet's assistant came right out and asked me if I cared about my dog since I didn't want to pay for an unneeded test. I gritted my teeth and paid for the test. This year I took my dog to a vet at a local pet store to get her test and I was told that as long as she is on her pills monthly (even when the mosquitos are frozen dead) she won't have to have a test next year. Not only was the test significantly cheaper, but I also saved on next year's test too!

ETA, the same pet store vet charged me less than half of what my regular vet wanted for a feline teeth cleaning.

 

[chiefmickeymouse]

I'm getting madder now, I think I need to go to bed! They told me she was overdue for rabies and DTPP. I said no, they were three year vaccines. The vet told me the records from her old vet show they are one year. I dug them out of the filing cabinet, and they are three year. I should have brought the hard copy with me, but my old vet had faxed them in. I didn't know I would need my hard copy. Live and learn and get a new vet!

 

[platamama]

If you think you might board your dog, the kennel should also require being up to date on routine vaccines too - Lepto is often part of a combo vaccine that also includes distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. Most places require an exam prior to that vaccine to evaluate a dog's health on the day the shot is given, as it would be contraindicated in a sick animal. How your dog looked 8 months ago is irrelevant in that regard.

Dental health is important, and the mouth with dental disease is an easy portal for bacteria to enter the bloodstream (from bleeding gums) and infect other organs. The vet's office is offering the option of preventative healthcare for your pet vs. just urgent care from the sounds of it. Of course it's up to you to do what you want - their job is to be the pet's health advocate and bring things to your attention that you maybe weren't aware of. Depending on the amount of tartar and dental disease, diligent daily brushing could help. If it's really bad though, a dental cleaning is the only way to go. Humans, in comparison, are expected to brush their teeth twice daily, floss daily, and still have a professional cleaning every six months.

A PP had a reasonable explanation for the heartworm medication.

If what you're willing to spend on your dog doesn't jibe with this vet's office then you can vote with your dollar and move on to another place. Fwiw $400 for full anesthesia and dental cleaning sounds like an estimate for a very basic procedure. I paid more than that more than 7 years ago for my dog.

 

[hsmamato2]

OP, don't give up! there are some good vets left out there! I tired a long time ago of the 'bait and switch' feel to appts.....tired of being made to feel like a bad person b/c I wasn't ready to pay a million dollars for a bunch of stuff I didn't want..... I see this as a terrible newer trend....making a TON of money off unsuspecting people.... I must have called 5-7 different places and visited more than 3-4,before I found my current practice,it's old fashioned,simple,basic,and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg for pet care. And they do a great job! As you can guess they're also extremely popular,so I have to plan appts in advance quite a bit.....
-This came from having an OLD dog,who needed a tooth extraction,and refusing to pay 1500-3000 for various 'necessary' treatments
Now I get my animals their needed boosters and tests (minimal) and if there's a problem,we bring them in. Otherwise,no problems. If we have a true emergency,we pay a small fortune for that service elsewhere,but that's not necessary too often.