Here are some of my thoughts on why a Veterinarian is so important for our Pet and animals welfare.
Just like their human counterpart, a Veterinarian can diagnose various problems that our Pets face, they are an invaluable source of information and a large part of the bigger picture on our Pets health.
Just like their animal counterpart, a people Doctor we could say can help to diagnose from minor to much more serious problems. One of the main keys is that a human can, most times, explain to the Physician where the pain is...or so many other variables whereas our pets and animals can not.
Once your pet is diagnosed by your Vet, then a treatment can begin to help cure our furry friends.
So as my thought pattern emerges I am totally full of respect for the capabilities of my Vet.
Now where my differences in philosophy begin are when after my Vet charges me for my pets visit $40.00 and higher, he also prescribes and charges me for any medication(s) that my pet may need.
From years of experience I found that over 90% of the time a persons Vet will not simply give you a prescription where you could comparison shop and help keep your costs in check. Some Vets will even charge a fee if they do write a prescription and hand it over to you.
They call this part of their business, I call it unethical. Lets say your Vet became ill himself and went to see his own family physician, would it be ethical if his/her family physician made them purchase medication exclusively from their office?
as part of their business?
So as my beliefs begin to unfold, I find it very upsetting that I do not have a choice where I can purchase my Pets prescription medication.
If my pet were on a long term treatment plan and needed blood tests taken every month then that is still the job of my Vet to take care of that procedure, again office visits and lab work is involved.
But the medication itself should be able to be purchased by comparison shopping such as a human could buy a $4.00 generic medication at Walmarts if they so choose.
Experience has also shown (many people giving feedback) are fearful of "bucking" their Vet for fear that they will no longer want to see your Pet. Not all Vets, but there are many cases where this has and still happens.
I still receive emails and phone calls from Vets who are very irate at me for "taking away part of their business?"
Let me reiterate again how important it is to seek a qualified Vet for a sick pet, I do not advocate "self diagnosing" But I do believe that every pet and animal owner should have the right to price compare and shop for their medications if they need them.
4 comments:
I totally agree,
I just blasted Banfield for doing the same practice, charging for a prescription... what a laugh!
It’s all about the money!! My Vet, after keeping my dog for two days --- wanted to put my dog down after the (bad dog food poisoning)!!! I told him no! and I brought and gave my dog IV solution that the vet sent home with me 2&3 times every day for over a week.. I put Terramycin in his ulcerated eyes. And, after a week he started eating. He does not see well but he has a good life!!!! Some times I need a vet's help but when I know better -- something is wrong with the vet?? I have been told by both Vets in my town that I am very good with animals, I have saved not only my dogs but my friends animal’s when the Vet's were out of town. I love my animals and will do all I can to make their lives better. Being able to buy Amoxi-drops without a script is/ would be a great relief! I don’t get it!! I can buy for all other animals but dogs and cats.. Makes you wonder what has happen to our Free Country???
My wonderful vet often calls in our pets' meds to Sam's (same deal as WalMart but a much shorter wait). In addition, for example, he is supportive (though probably not officially) when I find alternate sources outside the country. I recently bought injectable Clavamox (Augmentin) from New Zealand for an obese kitty cat with chronic UTI and hematuria. She refuses to be pilled--it is amazing just how much energy and aggression can come out of an otherwise peaceful animal if you are trying to force meds on her. Anyway, in the past I have had vets who said they would match internet prices but wanted to charge me for tax and shipping (which they would not pay, mind you!), but this guy usually beats the internet price. I have left vets when I did not get the service I wanted, and I shared with them why. I figure if they know, they can choose to change. And I make certain my friends know who the good vets are.... I empathize, capelli, with you and your doggie. I picked up a cat that had been hit by a vehicle and because she was in pain, went to a vet close by instead of my guy who is 40 miles or so away. The nearby vet argued to put the animal down, for reasons I now know (now that I am calmer) were crap. She had a broken forearm and broken jaw, but no internal injuries and no spinal injuries. I believe the vet took one look at me (I had been cleaning because we just moved), and decided I would not pay my bill. Little did she know that I happily spent $500 or more monthly, whatever my animals need. I would have gone as far as 5 grand for that cat. I mourn her every time I drive by where I found her, and I make sure everyone in the area knows that if you want your animal cared for, Cold Springs Vet in Van Alstyne Texas is not the place to go!
Good words.
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