PDSA and ongoing illness

cshimmons

I'm hoping somebody out there can offer me some advice. I have just recently qualified for various benefits which allow me access to PDSA treatment with the local vet. Unfortunately, my dog has had a skin problem for the past month or so and after some very expensive treatment from another vet (antibiotics and anti hystemines) the problem is still there. Does anybody know if I'd be eligible for treatment for this given its technically an ongoing problem and one which appeared a month ago? An unfortunate change of circumstance means that I can no longer afford private treatment and insurance doesn't cover any problems which are ongoing. I have only just applied for PDSA registration so am concerned I'd be turned away.

Thanks

paddypaws101

I see no reason why the PDSA will not treat an ongoing condition. They may even be able t get the existing notes from your previous vet so that they can properly continue the care.
A new insurance policy would indeed exclude this condition but if you have existing insurance it should be treated as an ongoing claim with no further excess to pay.

teddysmum

A problem is that, being a charity , the PDSA has limited funds so cannot always supply the best treatment possible. A friend had to buy her dog's drugs herself, until a change of policy meant the PDSA would provide them.

Undervalued

Presumably, with ever more advanced and costly veterinary treatments becoming possible, any charity like the PDSA must have the difficult dilemma of whether to provide more basic care for ten animals (say) or what is medically possible for just one?

If you have the financial resources and choose to use them you can buy the very latest treatment for your pet. Sometimes it will be possible to save what, even a few years ago, would have been a hopeless case.

As I understand it, even fairly comprehensive pet insurance has finite limits on what it will pay. Should a charity even go this far? Quite an ethical problem for them and indeed all but the wealthiest pet owners to wrestle with I would have thought.

teddysmum

Yes, some insurers do have a limit on what can be spent on a specific condition. They , also, will not insure a pre-existing condition (common sense or everyone would only buy insurance when the animal was ill) and sometimes even one not directly connected with a condition. (eg someone's hound had it's leg cut by another dogs flexi-lead cable and the former's insurers refused to cover any future leg problem, whether caused by accident or through an ailment.)

PersianCatLady

Does anybody know if I'd be eligible for treatment for this given its technically an ongoing problem and one which appeared a month ago?
I am going to assume that by PDSA treatment you are talking about going to the PDSA pet hospital (PDSA PH) as opposed to PDSA pet insurance.


The usual rule that people think of about pre-existing conditions does not (IMO) seem to apply to the PDSA PH.


When you say that you are now eligible for the PDSA is that because you now claim one of these benefits?
Housing Benefit (means-tested help with your rent)
Council Tax Support / Reduction Scheme (means-tested help with your Council Tax liability)
Universal Credit with a housing element


If yes then all you need to do is call the PDSA on Monday (as long as it is not urgent) and they will make an appointment for your pet to see the vet.


If you have only just applied for registration please make sure to take your proof of eligibility with you when you go to the PDSA. The person on the phone will tell you exactly what you need to bring.


Personally I have found the PDSA to be amazing when I have needed their help in the past and the idea that they offer a substandard service because they are a charity is absolute nonsense.


One thing that they do, which I wish someone had told me about before my fiorst visit is that after your pet has been treated they give you a receipt with the cost of treatment on it. Now I panicked because I thought that I had to pay all of it and it was a lot of money. However the receipt tells you exactly how much your pet's treatment cost the PDSA and the idea is that if you can afford it you can give a contribution to them.


For example, my cat needed some teeth removing and the cost to them was £150 (private vet had quoted around £350) so I gave them £75 as it was all that I could afford at the time.


TBH the lady on reception seemed to be quite surprised at the amount I gave but there were a lot of people in the waiting room who gave nothing towards their pet's treatment.


So my advice would be to give what you can but not to worry if you can't give anything at all.


So all you need to do is call their helpline on 0800 731 2502 (Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00) and they will direct you to your nearest PDSA PH.

PersianCatLady

The PDSA has limited funds so cannot always supply the best treatment possible
Whilst there are people for whom this is their experience of the PDSA, there are also many people who would completely disagree with this statement.


Any charity like the PDSA must have the difficult dilemma of whether to provide more basic care for ten animals (say) or what is medically possible for just one?
Don't forget though that the PDSA doesn't have to actually make a profit like a private vets practice does.


Some insurers do have a limit on what can be spent on a specific condition
That is true but the PDSA PH doesn't work like that.

rita-rabbit

good luck with this. Have you looked into changing the dog's diet to see if this helps skin? Such as feeding raw: chicken wings, thighs etc - it's needs to be a complete diet however not just bits of raw meat. Dried & prepared commercial pet food contains alot of rubbish. Just a thought.