Experience with a R-O Vet?

[betsy]

RIP-OFF Veterinarian.

Last year, one of our cats suddenly developed this itchy skin syndrome...she went nuts scratching and licking to the point of having bald spots from too much licking. I tried those anti-itch oatmeal shampoos (which only relieved her for a couple of days), and anti-itch lotion. I checked out the web and apparently some cats develop this syndrome, and no one could explain exactly why. It could be from allergies or cancer or psychological. Anyway I took her to a clinic we normally go to. The vet on-duty was saying it could be from fleas...which I said, nope she definitely has no fleas. She checked her out anyway and concluded, yes, she has no fleas. Then she admitted that she doesn't really know what exactly it is and gave me some pills. The bill came out to almost $100.00 for the pills and her "counsel."

The next day, the clinic called asking how was my cat doing? I told the secretary that she seemed okay. The secretary says she'll pass that message to the vet. I was actually touched that they'd called to ask about her well-being (BUT NOW, I suspect the call was not exactly part of their service, but more probably the vet prescribed something she was not sure of. There were no more follow-up calls after that.). A couple of weeks later, I had to take her back because of the same problem. This time, she was given a shot by another vet from the same place, with a warning that the itchiness could recurr and the cat might need this shot for life. She said to just bring her in for the shots.

The shot was reasonably priced so we don't mind if she'll need it regularly. I checked the web again for info on the shots...and it says usually cats will need it again after about 6 to 10 weeks.

Three months later, the itchiness came again but at least it came longer than the usual time frame (which is a consolation). They gave the shot and it was the same price.

Sometime during this period, our dog got sick...and to make a long story short, we ended up paying $400.00 MORE than what they quoted us! And the dog died anyway of cancer.

The next itchy period came about 6 months after (looks like the period between is getting longer, which is good). So we took her for the shot. A different vet looked at her...told us the same thing we already knew....then proceeded to charge us $35.00 more for "talking to us." Hubby said "no, we're only paying for the shot! Gouging is one thing...but this is ridiculous!"

They have files of all our pets! What are those files for if not to read to know the history of their patients!

I don't trust those gougers with my pets anymore....they are greedy to milk you...I don't put it above them to do something to my pets just so to make sure they keep coming back! So we're looking for another clinic.

Do you have any awful stories? Some of these new vets are in it for a quick-rich scheme. I don't mind paying vets' fees....but I do mind being taken for a ride. They're getting too brazen about it too!

Edited August 26, 2007 by betsy

[scribblet]

I sent hubby to the vets this time (with the dog LOL ) as I never get out of there with less than $250.00, they always want to do umpteen tests. He just said no, had the shots and checkup and got away with $80.00 and declined the yearly dental cleaning (for the dog). Sometimes I wonder about vets too/

[betsy]

I sent hubby to the vets this time (with the dog LOL ) as I never get out of there with less than $250.00, they always want to do umpteen tests. He just said no, had the shots and checkup and got away with $80.00 and declined the yearly dental cleaning (for the dog). Sometimes I wonder about vets too/

Gosh...the vets must be attending some workshops on UP-SELLING arm-twisting techniques.

Btw, I notice that this clinic does not give receipts regularly. It's a good thing they gave one when my cat got her first itchy shot...and the bill was broken down and everything was stated there. I'll just use that recipt when I find another vet. My neighbor goes to the same RO vet and hesitant to move because he had to pay $70. to get his hands on his dog's file.

They can keep my pets' files! So far everyone's healthy except for this itchy problem.

Anyway, for those seeking other info on pets, I find this site helpful.

http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dogindex.html

Edited August 26, 2007 by betsy

[betsy]

I am looking for sites that offer practical home remedies. If you know of any, please give the link.

Several years ago, the secretary of a vet gave me this helpful home remedy to save on vet bills. One of our cats is a real tomboy, and nasty and often gets into fights. Needless to say, she usually ends up with infected cuts...you don't notice until they swell up and start having pus.

The secretary told me to wash the wound with proxide with equal parts water twice a day ...and keep the wound open so the pus will drain out. Do this until it's drained out and only then do you clean it well and let the wound close up on its own.

Bless her heart, she saved us a bundle!

[geoffrey]

Are vets governed by a professional body?

[betsy]

Are vets governed by a professional body?

I thought they are (just like doctors), but now I'm not sure.

Years ago in the news, there was a lawsuit against a vet. The plaintiff had given up her cat to the vet to be euthanized. The plaintiff was parked at the back of the building. On her way to her car, she happened to see the vet through the window. The vet was holding her sick cat by its hindlegs and he slammed the cat's head I think against the wall or a table. I guess it was a quick death and no need for the vet to shell out the medicine for euthanasia. Needless to say, the plaintiff was traumatised.

[margrace]

One Christmas I was spending time with my daughter and son in law. He is a vet. He was so angry, the clinic was full of pet dogs brought in to be euthanized because their owners couldn't be bothered with them. There is always two sides to a story.

[M.Dancer]

We had a probelm with out cat 2 weeks ago. She was bleeding about the gums and hadn't been eating. My wife takes the beast in and $500 later we learn that she has a tooth problem (we knew she has tartar and gum problems. The vet had assigned a series of blood work tests.

The bill broke down to $350 for tests, 100 for the visist and $50 for the antibiotics to treat the gums. The tests all turned out negative. I had to call her and say that under no circumstances wwere they to undergo fishing trips with the cat, they we weren't made out of money and the next time she does that she can consider keeping the cat herself.