the vet!!

[cjnix29]

Ugh!! took my son's kitten in today for what I thought was going to be a quick, cheap visit with a vaccine. Walk out $131 later with $70 in medicine. Learned my lesson today...NEVER take their medicine, only take the prescription! I went online when I got home, and realized I could have saved $30 had I gotten it online. So I called my vet's office, first asked if I could bring it back. Which I didn't think I would be able to do, but you gotta ask. Probably no to that. Then I asked if they would price match, as they do on frontline. The tech didn't know, and the vet was out of the office for lunch. I told her at the very least, could I atleast get a credit on my account for the next time I come in. I had to leave my number. We'll see what happens. I was going to get a new pair of running shoes today, but alas....I will medicate my cat instead!

 

[luvmy3jewels]

My vet's office charges $15 to write a perscription (if you want to buy the medicine elsewhere). I think it isn't a very customer friendly policy, but I guess they need to figure out how to get the money out of you somehow.

 

[hipchickie]

my vet office absolutely refuses to write any prescriptions - even for things like heartworm meds. It is such a scam

 

[JoiseyMom]

my vet office absolutely refuses to write any prescriptions - even for things like heartworm meds. It is such a scam

If I was you, I would find a different vet. But that's just me .

 

[hipchickie]

If I was you, I would find a different vet. But that's just me .

Trust me - I have been looking! I can't find another one in a reasonable driving distance that is accepting new patients.

 

[stichy]

My vet charges $15 to write a rx. I've also learned to never ever go to the vet without the emergency credit card.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Trust me - I have been looking! I can't find another one in a reasonable driving distance that is accepting new patients.

Wow..that bites..I have more vets near me then fast food joints!!

 

[Friendly Frog]

Seems like Vet's in my area won't write prescriptions either. One of them became really nasty when I asked him to. Said if it wasn't his medication he couldn't tell me if it would work at all. WHAT? I was going to the local drugstore. Needless to say I don't use him anymore. ( for this and other reasons.)

I understand that the more we do for our pets the more we will incur human health care levels of cost, but come on. My doctor does not require me to buy my meds from him! ( and I would think that my vet pays less for his malpractice insurance than a doctor does?)

 

[doggydoc]

I'm not going to defend the practice of not writing prescriptions, I provide them whenever asked. However, I would like people to consider that Veterinarians often provide services nearly analagous to what you would find at a large human medical group or hospital. They utilize the same equipment and provide these services at a fraction of the cost (a small fraction at that.) How are they able to do this? In the past it was done by subsidizing the cost of equipment and salary of the Veterinarian and trained staff with profit from product sales, be they prescriptions or preventatives. Those days are obviously ending. Now I don't blame people for trying to save money. I don't frequent this board simply trolling for threads like this, I am trying to save money as well anywhere I can. What I would like people to consider is that you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to get prescriptions and preventatives cheap that is fine, but don't start a new thread later on complaining because the price of Veterinary services has gotten so high.

Please check out this article for a further (and better) explanation.

 

[locolala]

One of the reasons the vet I worked for didn't like giving RXs is because there's no guarantee that the product you're getting from online stores is indeed what they say it is. There have been cases where they're selling expired products or products that are stronger/weaker than what you're supposed to be getting. We had clients try ordering from major companies and end up with very sick pets, and it cost them hundreds of dollars to get them healthy.

 

[dakcp2001]

I always leave the vet & the mechanic feeling the same, broke and taken for a ride. lol. But cant take chances with my fur baby!!!! He is going to have to get a job if this keeps up. We just got referred to a vet Opthamologist.

 

[Jey12]

Can I ask what was wrong with your kitten that caused this to happen? So many times owners don't notice things that need attention and by the time they come to the vet the infection is so bad that it requires a pretty strong antibiotic or treatment plan to help the pet recover. I can't tell you how many times people bring in a pet to my vet saying oh he's here for shots, but by the way he hasn't eaten in 4 days and has been vomiting on and off for a week or so. The vet looks at the animal runs a simple blood panel to find out the animal is diabetic or in kidney failure, etc.... Now the person is complaining to our front staff how they came in for a $40 exam and vaccination and are leaving having to shell out over $200 or more dollars and never even got the vaccine. Well yeah, the reason they came in was for a vaccine but they knew something else was going on that's why they were there. Now I'm not saying that's what you did, it's just an example of what happens often in a vet office and how a simple vaccine trip ends up being so much more expensive.

Now I have no opinion on vets that won't write a script or charge for one. I mean I just paid my DD's dr's office $20 to fill out 4 lines on school paperwork and I had no choice in the matter. This isn't something that just happens at your local vet's office. I don't know why they won't write the script or why they decided to charge, I'm sure there was a reason and running off good clients wasn't a part of the decison.

Vet offices use top grade medical equipment that you will find in local hospitals and offices. They pay the same for them as your human doctor did. They aren't charging near what the human side does to use them for your pet. Yes your vet could try and diagnose your pet cheaper and try a cheaper medicine that they know probably won't work. It comes down to many times you get what you pay for. Your vet isn't out to get you or get rich. If you think they are by all means find another one. I don't know about anyone else but at the end of the week I like to get paid from my employer. I'm like everyone else, I have bills to pay and work hard for what I have. I don't see any of my vets living in big homes or driving expensive cars so I'm not sure where they are stashing all of this money they are scamming out of people? Maybe I should start asking for a cut?

 

[dakcp2001]

Can I ask what was wrong with your kitten that caused this to happen? So many times owners don't notice things that need attention and by the time they come to the vet the infection is so bad that it requires a pretty strong antibiotic or treatment plan to help the pet recover. I can't tell you how many times people bring in a pet to my vet saying oh he's here for shots, but by the way he hasn't eaten in 4 days and has been vomiting on and off for a week or so. The vet looks at the animal runs a simple blood panel to find out the animal is diabetic or in kidney failure, etc.... Now the person is complaining to our front staff how they came in for a $40 exam and vaccination and are leaving having to shell out over $200 or more dollars and never even got the vaccine. Well yeah, the reason they came in was for a vaccine but they knew something else was going on that's why they were there. Now I'm not saying that's what you did, it's just an example of what happens often in a vet office and how a simple vaccine trip ends up being so much more expensive.

Now I have no opinion on vets that won't write a script or charge for one. I mean I just paid my DD's dr's office $20 to fill out 4 lines on school paperwork and I had no choice in the matter. This isn't something that just happens at your local vet's office. I don't know why they won't write the script or why they decided to charge, I'm sure there was a reason and running off good clients wasn't a part of the decison.

Vet offices use top grade medical equipment that you will find in local hospitals and offices. They pay the same for them as your human doctor did. They aren't charging near what the human side does to use them for your pet. Yes your vet could try and diagnose your pet cheaper and try a cheaper medicine that they know probably won't work. It comes down to many times you get what you pay for. Your vet isn't out to get you or get rich. If you think they are by all means find another one. I don't know about anyone else but at the end of the week I like to get paid from my employer. I'm like everyone else, I have bills to pay and work hard for what I have. I don't see any of my vets living in big homes or driving expensive cars so I'm not sure where they are stashing all of this money they are scamming out of people? Maybe I should start asking for a cut?

I like my vet, but I think they are using the "dental cleanings" as a money maker. I have owned cats my whole life and in the last 3 years my young cats have needed "dentals" which are 500 bucks a pop (putting them under & cleaning etc). I just went last week and it was again recommended that they both have another dental and it hasnt even been a year since the last one. I have heard from friends that the vet has been having them doing the dentals now as well. Do you think that many dental cleanings is normal? Seems a bit excessive to me. No bad breath or anything? I am really thinking that my vet has discovered a money maker for those of us that do pay our bills. I am moving in a few weeks, so I am taking them somewhere new and we shall see I guess.

 

[lori123]

My puppy had an anaphylactic reaction on Sunday - $645 emergency vet, $85 epi-pen (prescription written) and so far a follow up appointment at $110. Not to mention the allergy testing they are recommending we do! BUT - I was so thankful they were there when we needed them - and so thankful to have my puppy laying next to me right now!

 

[Jey12]

I like my vet, but I think they are using the "dental cleanings" as a money maker. I have owned cats my whole life and in the last 3 years my young cats have needed "dentals" which are 500 bucks a pop (putting them under & cleaning etc). I just went last week and it was again recommended that they both have another dental and it hasnt even been a year since the last one. I have heard from friends that the vet has been having them doing the dentals now as well. Do you think that many dental cleanings is normal? Seems a bit excessive to me. No bad breath or anything? I am really thinking that my vet has discovered a money maker for those of us that do pay our bills. I am moving in a few weeks, so I am taking them somewhere new and we shall see I guess.

I want to say I am not a Dr so I cannot diagnose or second guess any vet. Nor have I physically seen your animals so I couldn't even begin to offer an educated opinion. I won't even attempt it. What I can say is how many times a year do you have your teeth professionally cleaned? I go twice a year and never question it. I will say that in recent years the importance of good dental care for pets has been better researched and new reccomendations by the Veterinary Dental Specialists come out every year as new information becomes available. These decisions are made due to research and testing and are only offered and reccomended after a great deal of debate and considerations have been taken.

Another thing regarding dentals in pets that some people are not aware of is how the bacteria that is in your pet's mouth and on their teeth can affect other organ systems. Even when there is no obvious odor or problem. It has been proven that any degree of dental disease in your pet can cause problems with their heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, etc... This same relationship has been shown in humans as well. Again probably why it's reccomended we have our teeth professionally cleaned twice a year at least. If you can properly brush your cat's teeth every day, I say more power to you. That's a task not even I would take on.

As for the price where I work is lower, but I think that totally depends on where you live, what services are provided during the dental, the equipment the office has purchased to use, etc... Also as humans most of us do not have to be fully sedated and monitored during a dental cleaning. I have yet to see a dog or cat that's going to let me scale the inside of their molar without me having to do a finger count afterwards. So that's always something to take into consideration. I do live in a part of the country that has a much lower cost of living so I expect our prices to be much cheaper compared to other areas. Heck on another thread talking about electric bills people were blown away I only pay $80 a month all year long for my electricity. I'm sure I don't receive a less quality of power than those who pay more, it just comes down to the area you are in. So you might find that once you move you will find a vet who is cheaper, but the quality will still be the same. My reccomendation is always if you don't trust your vet find one you do.

I would like to add, what an awesome pet owner you are! You are always free to say no. There shouldn't be any added pressure past that. The vet makes their reccomendation, you give your answer and you both go on about your day. I often see non compliant owners who come in years later who denied many dental cleanings and now their dog has a rotten mouth and is in kidney failure. I feel bad for the dog only in these situations.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Trust me - I have been looking! I can't find another one in a reasonable driving distance that is accepting new patients.

I love my vet, but she doesn't write scripts, either.

My cat is prone to bladder infections, and they were costing us $100 a pop. I now pick up fish antibiotics and start her on them when she shows signs. It is working fine.

 

[cjnix29]

Can I ask what was wrong with your kitten that caused this to happen? So many times owners don't notice things that need attention and by the time they come to the vet the infection is so bad that it requires a pretty strong antibiotic or treatment plan to help the pet recover. I can't tell you how many times people bring in a pet to my vet saying oh he's here for shots, but by the way he hasn't eaten in 4 days and has been vomiting on and off for a week or so. The vet looks at the animal runs a simple blood panel to find out the animal is diabetic or in kidney failure, etc.... Now the person is complaining to our front staff how they came in for a $40 exam and vaccination and are leaving having to shell out over $200 or more dollars and never even got the vaccine. Well yeah, the reason they came in was for a vaccine but they knew something else was going on that's why they were there. Now I'm not saying that's what you did, it's just an example of what happens often in a vet office and how a simple vaccine trip ends up being so much more expensive.

Now I have no opinion on vets that won't write a script or charge for one. I mean I just paid my DD's dr's office $20 to fill out 4 lines on school paperwork and I had no choice in the matter. This isn't something that just happens at your local vet's office. I don't know why they won't write the script or why they decided to charge, I'm sure there was a reason and running off good clients wasn't a part of the decison.

Vet offices use top grade medical equipment that you will find in local hospitals and offices. They pay the same for them as your human doctor did. They aren't charging near what the human side does to use them for your pet. Yes your vet could try and diagnose your pet cheaper and try a cheaper medicine that they know probably won't work. It comes down to many times you get what you pay for. Your vet isn't out to get you or get rich. If you think they are by all means find another one. I don't know about anyone else but at the end of the week I like to get paid from my employer. I'm like everyone else, I have bills to pay and work hard for what I have. I don't see any of my vets living in big homes or driving expensive cars so I'm not sure where they are stashing all of this money they are scamming out of people? Maybe I should start asking for a cut?

Oh my, this board always amazes me. We have a kitten that came from my parents house. He was a barn cat, and I think my parents have more orange cats than corn! We knew when we brought him home that he had a sinus infection, with lots of sneezing and discharge. Before we brought him home,we had him checked out at my parent's vet. He was given an antibiotic, and his shots. Total bill for that visit: $81.00. His sinus infection hasn't cleared, and he still needed one shot. So we go to the vet. Total bill for this trip: $131.00. $80 of which was medication. I know I am going to pay for the office visit. I know I am going to pay for the medication, but that is a huge markup. So I didn't wait for months not taking care of the health of my pet!

I don't begrudge vets the ability to make a living. I was a lawyer...and NO ONE wants to pay their lawyer! So I get it. I just need to cut costs where I can, and was stunned to see the difference in price.

My vet would not refund/match the price of one of the medications. But he did allow me to actually return one of them (it was a sealed container), and wrote me a prescription for it. Although looking on amazon, I'm not sure I need a script for it.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

My vet is great about writing scripts; she even phoned in a refill for me last week. I have a cat with allergies and heart problems; there is no way that I could afford his meds at the prices they charge in their office (his allergy medicine is $90/month through the vet). I use Drs Foster and Smith and our vet has said they are very reputable. The only problem is that it takes about 2 weeks to get a new prescription filled, so my cat that had a urinary tract infection ended up costing $200 to cure. I also get the dogs Interceptor through Drs F & S - about half the price of the vets.

I've never been told that our cats need a dental cleaning, but my greyhound does. It's common for them so I was not surprised.

 

[doggydoc]

I always leave the vet & the mechanic feeling the same, broke and taken for a ride.

I like my vet, but I think they are using the "dental cleanings" as a money maker.

Oh my, this board always amazes me.

Sigh. This board amazes me as well. Again, as Jey12 stated, if I was raking in cash I wouldn't be on this board looking to save money myself. I think I will just avoid any pet related threads from now on.

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

Just because someone has money doesn't mean they don't want to save money. ftr.

My vet freely says that scripts are a part of her income, and I don't blame her. It is what it is.