I think I've just bought shares in my vets practice!

rising_from_the_ashes

This is yet another problem with the insurance companies - we insure our "babies" all their lives, some people have the odd claim but many do not, and once they get older & to when they're likely to need treatment they just wave bye-bye!

Paradigm

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

This is yet another problem with the insurance companies - we insure our "babies" all their lives, some people have the odd claim but many do not, and once they get older & to when they're likely to need treatment they just wave bye-bye!

We never made a claim, not one! His (very few) visits were for injuries from fighting & only ever amounted to a course of antibiotics which came in at less than his excess, so we paid cash!

meritaten

Paradigm wrote: »

Took HER (OH will be referred to as HER for the rest of today at least) cat to the vet tonight as SHE was at work, yeah Ok....I've been stitched up more like!!

Consultation fee + blood test + an injection (never seem to get away without one) + some poxy tablets + 3 tins of "special" food = £160 :eek: & the icing on the cake??? She didn't have a clue what was wrong! "We''l know more when the results are back"

The receptionist was telling me how to feed the "special" food... "you can warm it in the microwave" she said! I asked if I could put it on toast which got me a blank stare & a "why?" in reply.

"Well it at these prices it must the finest Foie Gras & I'm having it, the cat can whistle" I said, in a jovial (not) way!

I wouldn't mind so much but I don't even like cats!

Er - can I just ask what the injection and poxy pills were and what for? as the vet didnt actually know what was wrong?
I could just imagine the conversation in my GPs Surgery under those conditions
Merits Imaginary Conversation with GP.
GP - Right Meritaten, I dont know whats wrong yet - have to wait til the blood test comes back, but I just want to give you a little injection.
MERITATEN - why? whats in that syringe??????? Keep away from me............I'll bluddy sue you, if you stick that in me without me knowing whats in it, what its for, the side effects and WHY the eff you want to medicate me not knowing whats wrong with me!!!

GP - calm down Meritaten - Ok I wont inject you - Just take these nice little pills instead please.
MERITATEN - You can stick those where the sun dont shine too! same reasons as before - WHY, WHATS IN IT AND WHY DO I NEED IT WHEN YOU DONT KNOW WHATS WRONG?

Swift exit of Meritaten from GPs surgery!!!

Thanks for the laugh from your post hun, but seriously I dont understand why Vets have this urge to stick needles in animals at every opportunity and like the GPs in the Golden Days of Yore - you always come out clutching a bottle of pills?

snowman2_2

£160 might be reasonable depending on what the blood sample is testing for. It also wasn't just 10 mins of the vet's time you paid for, you paid for the nurse, the receptionist & the building as well. You also paid for the test at the lab, their receptionist, technician, pathologist and some very expensive machinery. However much you pay at a vet's, it is still good value compared to the NHS!!!

As to why vets also stick needles into animals - a few reasons. Firstly, we know the animal has got some of the drug because on average, only 1/3 of pets get the full and proper course. Secondly, sometimes we only need a short course of something that can be achieved with a single injection rather than several tablets. Simpler for the owner means more likely to get done. Thirdly, there is a client expectation of something being done - if I don't do anything other than give my time and expectation, loads of people complain when they are charged a consultation fee. Now, I don't give an injection for no reason but there is a lot of expectation for injection then tablets and I suppose we just get in the habit. I am quite straightforward and if there is no benefit for an injection over tablets, I will tell the owner - but see first two points. Finally, an injection gets the drug to higher levels quicker and for some treatments this is important. Compliance and ensuring the treatment is given is the big one - more and more tablets are becoming flavoured and easier to give & vets are giving more thought to making life easier for pet and owner.

Paradigm

This wasn't ever meant to anything other than a light hearted rant at the fees Vets charge & despite snowman2s comments I feel £160 for a 10 min visit to be "high" to say the least, no matter what is done!

Tomorrow I should have the blood test results & have a more informed diagnosis....I'll keep you posted.

hethmar

If it makes you feel any better - £500 for blood tests for allergies and the results - "dont know what he is allergic to" - Fortunately, with non vet stuff we sorted out the allergy itching/scratching ourselves - the vet wanted to keep our dog on steroids "for the rest of his life".

Paradigm

Well the results are in & it's not looking good!

Overactive thyroid, his kidney results are, quote, "all over the place" & his liver function isn't what it should be! Plus I was told at the original consultation that he has a heart murmer.

Appointment made for this evening.

Paradigm

gunsandbanjos wrote: »

Is it hills or science plan crap?

Finest beluga bloody caviar I think!

Sorry my mistake, Hills science plan crap.

starnight_2

Paradigm - Hope cat starts feeling better soon.

£160 may seem steep, I thought my £290 and then £350 was bad but after seeing some of these figures I may start really saving o.O

(yes cat AND dog are insured, but cat has a pre-existing condition which isn't covered )

Emmylou_2

We've just had (and forwarded to the insurance company) the invoice for Nev's treatment last week.

£465.

I know he had a couple of x-rays and a scan and some oxygen but EEEEEEEEEEEK!