[pythonis]

and here i thought vets did it because they love animals and wanted to help them, not because they wanted to make a bunch of money. its sad when a person has to diagnose their pet by using a search engine to look up symptoms instead of finding quality vets in town because all of them basically say "well, geez, i dont know. Lets try this and if it doesnt work come back in a week. That'll be $129.50"

[catsmom21]

Originally Posted by pythonis

and here i thought vets did it because they love animals and wanted to help them, not because they wanted to make a bunch of money. its sad when a person has to diagnose their pet by using a search engine to look up symptoms instead of finding quality vets in town because all of them basically say "well, geez, i dont know. Lets try this and if it doesnt work come back in a week. That'll be $129.50"

Why should a vet not make a living? Do you work for free? It's a ridiculous attitude.

[pythonis]

because youre putting money first, not the animals.

[HOF4256]

Here's the thing -

There are wonderful, dedicated veterinarians (such as the angel blessing our family for decades), and there are McVets. Biiiiiig difference.

The Banfield chain, for example, is OWNED by Mars | World

Now look at the ingredients in the pet foods also OWNED by Mars | World

Keep in mind that our companion carnivores are not equipped by nature with flat molars, or jaws which can rotate sideways like humans' and COWS' jaws are able to. ONLY up & down. Yet kibble continues to be pushed?

I won't get into our own firsthand experiences here but if you come across a veterinarian with conflicts of interests present such as: Selling species-inappropriate 'foods'; Declawing which is ILLEGAL in every country but the US for soooo many vital reasons; Over-vaccinations; Prescribing AntiBiotics before the infection is even diagnosed.... RUN, don't walk -- no matter how far. It's the McVets and the main Association, in the pockets of the PFI, giving the entire profession the black eye when there ARE wonderful veterinarians out there. Just have to look for them.

[aspentree]

I agree with the article for the most part.

If/when I get another pet, cost will definitely come into consideration. If I can't afford what I considerable reasonable expenses...then I have no business getting another pet.

For those who think the vets should charge less, I sometimes think there is a bit of magical thinking. The vet isn't pocketing that money all for himself....he is paying suppliers, employees utilities etc. It is also really important to realize that if you are asking for a discount/not paying...somewhere the vet has to make up the cost elsewhere.

[MissNM]

Originally Posted by pythonis

and here i thought vets did it because they love animals and wanted to help them, not because they wanted to make a bunch of money. its sad when a person has to diagnose their pet by using a search engine to look up symptoms instead of finding quality vets in town because all of them basically say "well, geez, i dont know. Lets try this and if it doesnt work come back in a week. That'll be $129.50"

A confirmed diagnosis is easy to treat. But if you don't know what is going on, it is going to take some sluething. Ever watch House? That's why they call medicine "practice."

I've had enough issues with the human doctors I've dealt with, and they only deal with one species. Imagine understanding cats, dogs, pot bellied pigs, sugar gliders, ferrets, horses, chickens, etc. That's a pretty broad knowledge base.

If you don't like the services provided by a vet, get another one. Get referals.

And learn as much about your own pet as possible. Learn everything you can do to support your pet's health and well-being. That is the best way to save money.

[WildnFree]

Originally Posted by MissNM

A confirmed diagnosis is easy to treat. But if you don't know what is going on, it is going to take some sluething. Ever watch House? That's why they call medicine "practice."

I've had enough issues with the human doctors I've dealt with, and they only deal with one species. Imagine understanding cats, dogs, pot bellied pigs, sugar gliders, ferrets, horses, chickens, etc. That's a pretty broad knowledge base.

If you don't like the services provided by a vet, get another one. Get referals.

And learn as much about your own pet as possible. Learn everything you can do to support your pet's health and well-being. That is the best way to save money.

I agree, for example most vets in my area don't have a clue about giant breeds and like to lump them all together like a generic breed. Thing is most vets won't admit this, and its fine, but I would respect them more if they were at least open or respectful about it.

[Oleg Bach]

Like dentist they prey on what we cherish most..Teeth are the pearls of the soul- The make for good health and a good social presentation...which can cause a person to be poor or prosperous...Pets- are dear to us- They are an emotional fixture of comfort in our lives- Vets take advantage of people through this emotion...It is the miss use of the human heart for profit. When I hear about a person who uses the last of their savings and hands over 10 thousand dollars to a Vet to do a heart operation on a cat...That vet needs as they say- to be put to sleep- I can't stand the fact that I have a handsome older dog with a growth on his mid front leg..That could be removed in 5 minutes - with an expenditure of perhaps 30 dollars of medical supplies...and a bill that follows for 1500 dollars when the vet could do it for 200 dollars and make a tidy profit...

[=^..^=]

Originally Posted by Oleg Bach

Like dentist they prey on what we cherish most..Teeth are the pearls of the soul- The make for good health and a good social presentation...which can cause a person to be poor or prosperous...Pets- are dear to us- They are an emotional fixture of comfort in our lives- Vets take advantage of people through this emotion...It is the miss use of the human heart for profit. When I hear about a person who uses the last of their savings and hands over 10 thousand dollars to a Vet to do a heart operation on a cat...That vet needs as they say- to be put to sleep- I can't stand the fact that I have a handsome older dog with a growth on his mid front leg..That could be removed in 5 minutes - with an expenditure of perhaps 30 dollars of medical supplies...and a bill that follows for 1500 dollars when the vet could do it for 200 dollars and make a tidy profit...

There's a lot more involved than simply putting the dog under anesthesia, itself a time cosuming thing to do with several people involved. What about their salaries? Then the vets has to pay the tech to monitor the dog while "under" so he/she is not distracted. The surgery itself can take time. You just don't slash and cut with the scalpel and off comes the growth or tumor. Who paid the tech to make up and sterilize the surgery-pack? Who pays for the disposable gowns and gloves? You have no idea of the costs vets face and that includes insurance, utility bills, taxes, salaries.... on and on and on.

But yes, some of them are gougers but so are people in all fields, all trades, all careers. If you feel one vet overcharges, go to another.

[aspentree]

Originally Posted by Oleg Bach

Like dentist they prey on what we cherish most..Teeth are the pearls of the soul- The make for good health and a good social presentation...which can cause a person to be poor or prosperous...Pets- are dear to us- They are an emotional fixture of comfort in our lives- Vets take advantage of people through this emotion...It is the miss use of the human heart for profit. When I hear about a person who uses the last of their savings and hands over 10 thousand dollars to a Vet to do a heart operation on a cat...That vet needs as they say- to be put to sleep- I can't stand the fact that I have a handsome older dog with a growth on his mid front leg..That could be removed in 5 minutes - with an expenditure of perhaps 30 dollars of medical supplies...and a bill that follows for 1500 dollars when the vet could do it for 200 dollars and make a tidy profit...

How are you calculating what the cost to the vet is?

Should the vet do it for a cheaper price for you, and pass the price on to another pet owner who pays full price for every service...that is essentially what you are asking.