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SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS

 
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/02/2009 07:14 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
i am so sorry for you, i really am. its such a hard time i know. theres nothing i can say to ease the pain. if i could say something that made it better it would somehow negate your babys life and his suffering. as i mentioned my daughter and i made a headstone for our dog, she was only 11 too. it seemed far too early to lose her for us. but making something personal to her and to us somehow helped, it celebrated her life with us. i still say nite-nite to her every night. have you thought about commemorating his life in some way?


thanks Winne, I am working on a nice portrait of him to frame and my daughter and I plan on having a ceremony to spread his ashes in his favorite places when she is home on college break soon. I like your headstone idea but I don't own any property hence the portrait. You are kind.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 831648


thats fantastic!! its amazingly cathartic. i now understand what the purpose of funerals are, even though i have lost family and friends before, it never really became real til i lost my dog, if that doesnt sound too awful?? i feel that we honored her life and it did give us closure, even though we miss her terribly. you will be fine, honestly you will.

early days i know, but have you thought of another dog?
happy now?
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/02/2009 11:03 AM
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bump
happy now?
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 11:21 AM
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Enaid NLI

Thanks.
I've always felt this - but second guessed myself. Always left the vets office feeling fleeced. Now I will be more proactive in avoiding all the extra tests they "recommend" and say just give him a broad spectrum antibiotic. ( for ear infection).
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/02/2009 11:30 AM
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Enaid NLI

Thanks.
I've always felt this - but second guessed myself. Always left the vets office feeling fleeced. Now I will be more proactive in avoiding all the extra tests they "recommend" and say just give him a broad spectrum antibiotic. ( for ear infection).
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 515273


thanx Enaid,

yeh i suspected it too... blood tests for an ear infection? ridiculous!

we paid £70 earlier this year for a full blood test on our bird who was egg bound (2 big ops allegedly to remove the egg and lord knows how many 'extras') in the end we spent £300+ as we were so worried about her.
happy now?
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 12:32 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
It is truly obscene, this prolong-life-by-any-means tendency we have presently.

And it's selfish.

We have lost comprehension of the normal death process and its value and place in life. Turned it over to modern medicine and allowed them to villify it.
 Quoting: My Take 673609
Since this is a thread about veterinarians, I assume it's animal medicine you're referring to, but humans have always been treated in the way that you regard as "obscene." Doctors care for their patients rather than killing them, and I don't consider this to be obscene at all. It is very good, though I'm not sure if it's necessary to apply this prolife philosophy to animals. If animals do not have the human capacity to be afraid of death, simple euthanasia probably is the right course of action in their case.

Humans should always be cared for, though. What happened to Terri Schiavo was truly revolting, especially in light of the recent discovery that 40% of comatose patients were misdiagnosed.
Enaid

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12/02/2009 01:09 PM
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Enaid NLI

Thanks.
I've always felt this - but second guessed myself. Always left the vets office feeling fleeced. Now I will be more proactive in avoiding all the extra tests they "recommend" and say just give him a broad spectrum antibiotic. ( for ear infection).


thanx Enaid,

yeh i suspected it too... blood tests for an ear infection? ridiculous!

we paid £70 earlier this year for a full blood test on our bird who was egg bound (2 big ops allegedly to remove the egg and lord knows how many 'extras') in the end we spent £300+ as we were so worried about her.
 Quoting: ~•:*Winnie*:•~



I know you love them soooo much and just want the best for them.

Recently I heard an interview with a psychic who also listened (images) to animals who passed over.

He said they view death and its suffering as part of the natural process. Where as, people like myself, have a tendancy to anthropomorphize my animal friends.

I personally am not afraid of death - but would do everything I can to prevent loved ones from suffering.

I should really just stop listening to others and listen more closely to my intuitive voice.
Personal responsibility - try it sometime. Quit blaming others for your bad choices. Consequences happen.

:enaid11:
cat stew
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12/02/2009 01:27 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Caught 3 cats in my trap past two nights. two salt n peppers and a charcoal gray. baited with thanksgiving leftovers. black n white bastard had the nerve to growl at me so i hosed him down just like a cartoon he just stood there facing me as i hosed his face lmao!

What goes around comes around. You'll get yours!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 815916

not in this lifetime, sweetie.
rachel
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12/02/2009 01:37 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
I already made the decision to treat my cat naturaly. earmites ...gone natuarly. makeing folder of what herbs to use for what scenario. detoxes for my cat like myself. comfrey heals broken ones. gods natural remedies are there for a reason
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 01:48 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
It is truly obscene, this prolong-life-by-any-means tendency we have presently.

And it's selfish.

We have lost comprehension of the normal death process and its value and place in life. Turned it over to modern medicine and allowed them to villify it.
Since this is a thread about veterinarians, I assume it's animal medicine you're referring to, but humans have always been treated in the way that you regard as "obscene." Doctors care for their patients rather than killing them, and I don't consider this to be obscene at all. It is very good, though I'm not sure if it's necessary to apply this prolife philosophy to animals. If animals do not have the human capacity to be afraid of death, simple euthanasia probably is the right course of action in their case.

Humans should always be cared for, though. What happened to Terri Schiavo was truly revolting, especially in light of the recent discovery that 40% of comatose patients were misdiagnosed.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 2963

I can't respond to this without deraiing the thread. Worth a thread of its own.

Can't help but wonder though how many animals and humans you've loved and whose deaths you have personally witnessed.

That has a way of giving you a perspective.
pa resident
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12/02/2009 01:50 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
don't forget the over-vaccination protocols they place on our animals thus eventually destroying the animal's immune system leaving them wide open for cancer.
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 01:52 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Caught 3 cats in my trap past two nights. two salt n peppers and a charcoal gray. baited with thanksgiving leftovers. black n white bastard had the nerve to growl at me so i hosed him down just like a cartoon he just stood there facing me as i hosed his face lmao!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 831669


Why?????


Jerk off!!!
cat lovin FREAKS
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12/02/2009 05:39 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Caught 3 cats in my trap past two nights. two salt n peppers and a charcoal gray. baited with thanksgiving leftovers. black n white bastard had the nerve to growl at me so i hosed him down just like a cartoon he just stood there facing me as i hosed his face lmao!


Why?????


Jerk off!!!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 773137


How many abortions have you had???? and NO i wont jerk my hose on your face no matter how many times you ask! so Stop asking!

















fyi you'll be happy to know i released the pussies unharmed...

























cept for psychological damage...




























i/m after bigger prey.
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 05:46 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Pet costs are way too high -- vets only want the cash (and I'm not certain a bunch of them don't have a cut of the pet insurance business, too). We bought a bad bag of Pedigree a couple of weeks ago and first the young dog got sick (throwing up and the runs). He was a day ahead of the old dog starting the food, but the next day they were both sick. I took the young dog to the vet who ran a bunch of tests ($300+) and everything came back OK so it had to be the food. It cleared up within a day of stopping the food. $300! I was shocked!
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 05:53 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
This is an awesome article, Winnie, thanks for sharing it hugs

I know the vet wants to clean my cat's teeth, but they have to put him under and yes his teeth don't look great, but he has no issues with them and he's old - I keep saying no and they look at me like I'm horrible. I think it's more horrible to subject an old cat to that when he's had or is having no problems.

Another vet insisted that I not let my cat outside, but he kept getting bladder infections, so they wanted to put him on an anti-depressant - after a couple days of seeing my tough boy turn into something I didn't recognize - I threw away the pills and opened the door - no more bladder infections.

We have to be proactive with our pets, just like we have to be proactive with our own health.


thanks Turtles flowas

awww bless him. i cant believe they put a cat on anti-depressants - wait, oh yeh i can.

yes we do have to be proactive with them for sure, and we need to know better when they are telling us something is wrong. are your cats teeth stopping him from eating? is he in pain? if the answer is no, then maybe leave it til its a problem. at 12 - though hes not really old - he is getting on and we all know the risks of anesthetics. then again, is it better to do it now in a preventative way rather than in a couple of years time when its worse and hes older? oh lord, this is how they get us isnt it? hahaha i'm having an argument with myself here!!
 Quoting: ~•:*Winnie*:•~



hi Winnie hf

My cat will be 15 on his birthday, he old, but still sprightly - I learned that when we had a couple mice in the house last year, he was on century and got them out of here, lol.

I think animals should be animals without so much invasion - I had a vet call me last month surfing for more business.

When I decided my cat should be able to go outside and pursue his cat business I resigned myself to acceptance that if he died out there, at least he's had all these happy years being a fine cat.

The only medical problems he's had is when I listened to the vet and started keeping him inside, even though he wanted to outside. After that, he's been fine.

Great article, BTW, thanks!!

:tiglet:
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 05:56 PM
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This is an awesome article, Winnie, thanks for sharing it hugs

I know the vet wants to clean my cat's teeth, but they have to put him under and yes his teeth don't look great, but he has no issues with them and he's old - I keep saying no and they look at me like I'm horrible. I think it's more horrible to subject an old cat to that when he's had or is having no problems.

Another vet insisted that I not let my cat outside, but he kept getting bladder infections, so they wanted to put him on an anti-depressant - after a couple days of seeing my tough boy turn into something I didn't recognize - I threw away the pills and opened the door - no more bladder infections.

We have to be proactive with our pets, just like we have to be proactive with our own health.


That's fine, but have you actually looked at your cat's teeth? If they get bad enough, it'll start sneezing as the abscess swells and closes the nasal passages. Pets do get Gingivitis and it effects them worse than Humans, as the plaque makes the gums recede, the tooth loosens and will fall out. Then you'll be feeding your dog meat flavored applesauce at 2 bucks a can.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 721505



You know animals lived a long time without vets putting them under and cleaning their teeth at a couple hundred bucks a pop. He's an old cat, his teeth shouldn't look like a kittens, look in the mouth of any elderly person, do their mouths look like twenty year olds? No.
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/02/2009 06:16 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
This is an awesome article, Winnie, thanks for sharing it hugs

I know the vet wants to clean my cat's teeth, but they have to put him under and yes his teeth don't look great, but he has no issues with them and he's old - I keep saying no and they look at me like I'm horrible. I think it's more horrible to subject an old cat to that when he's had or is having no problems.

Another vet insisted that I not let my cat outside, but he kept getting bladder infections, so they wanted to put him on an anti-depressant - after a couple days of seeing my tough boy turn into something I didn't recognize - I threw away the pills and opened the door - no more bladder infections.

We have to be proactive with our pets, just like we have to be proactive with our own health.


thanks Turtles flowas

awww bless him. i cant believe they put a cat on anti-depressants - wait, oh yeh i can.

yes we do have to be proactive with them for sure, and we need to know better when they are telling us something is wrong. are your cats teeth stopping him from eating? is he in pain? if the answer is no, then maybe leave it til its a problem. at 12 - though hes not really old - he is getting on and we all know the risks of anesthetics. then again, is it better to do it now in a preventative way rather than in a couple of years time when its worse and hes older? oh lord, this is how they get us isnt it? hahaha i'm having an argument with myself here!!



hi Winnie hf

My cat will be 15 on his birthday, he old, but still sprightly - I learned that when we had a couple mice in the house last year, he was on century and got them out of here, lol.

I think animals should be animals without so much invasion - I had a vet call me last month surfing for more business.

When I decided my cat should be able to go outside and pursue his cat business I resigned myself to acceptance that if he died out there, at least he's had all these happy years being a fine cat.

The only medical problems he's had is when I listened to the vet and started keeping him inside, even though he wanted to outside. After that, he's been fine.

Great article, BTW, thanks!!

:tiglet:
 Quoting: Turtles Know


ahh hes so handsome! and he doesnt look his age at all. hes obviously very well cared for. i know someone who had her cat til he was 20.

he wont die out there, hes far too streetwise, its the young cats that you have to worry about!

youre right, we shouldnt intervene so much, especially if its unnecessary.

thanks hun hf
happy now?
Enaid

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12/02/2009 07:06 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Bless all the animals.


For a bump...
Personal responsibility - try it sometime. Quit blaming others for your bad choices. Consequences happen.

:enaid11:
Anonymous Coward
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12/02/2009 07:10 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
For those of you who have not had the experience of euthanizing a very sick, old pet, please believe me that it is a kind and peaceful death. And for a little extra money you can find a vet who will do it in the animal's home, where he/she is happy and not afraid. I experienced a nasty vet trying to guilt me into treating my beloved 13-year old shepherd's cancer. Puhleeze. I called another vet and after a few last days together and a big rare steak for her, had her put to sleep painlessly.
Anonymous Coward
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12/03/2009 01:13 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Pet costs are way too high -- vets only want the cash (and I'm not certain a bunch of them don't have a cut of the pet insurance business, too). We bought a bad bag of Pedigree a couple of weeks ago and first the young dog got sick (throwing up and the runs). He was a day ahead of the old dog starting the food, but the next day they were both sick. I took the young dog to the vet who ran a bunch of tests ($300+) and everything came back OK so it had to be the food. It cleared up within a day of stopping the food. $300! I was shocked!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 773494


Do you take your kid to the doctor every time he/she throws up? You went to the vet and asked for an exam to find out what was wrong and you're bitching about the bill! If you take your car to a mechanic because it's not running well and you find out you got a bad tank of gas, does that mean the mechanic is out of line charging you for a diagnosis?


What the hell do you do for a living?


Bunch of cry-baby whiners on this thread!
Anonymous Coward
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12/03/2009 01:17 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Doctors do the same to humans why would the medical field be any different for animals.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 803520

bravo we have a smart one
Anonymous Coward
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12/03/2009 01:29 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
For those of you who have not had the experience of euthanizing a very sick, old pet, please believe me that it is a kind and peaceful death. And for a little extra money you can find a vet who will do it in the animal's home, where he/she is happy and not afraid. I experienced a nasty vet trying to guilt me into treating my beloved 13-year old shepherd's cancer. Puhleeze. I called another vet and after a few last days together and a big rare steak for her, had her put to sleep painlessly.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 827966


Yeah, give your old buddy pancreatitis right before you put her down. That's my biggest gripe as a veterinarian. I'll suggest it's time to put a dog down - it doesn't even know it's a dog anymore, there's no quality of life on the part of the pet, or the owner. Anyway, in two weeks, or a month, undoubtedly on a Saturday night, or Sunday during church, they'll bring the dog in to be put to sleep.

The abridged version of this is - "Hurry up and kill it before it dies, Doc!"

These are the ones that sometimes don't go particularly well. When the animal is in renal failure, the euthanasia solution isn't transported so effectively, so the dog dies seizuring, yelping, sometimes biting. They also pee and poop, but that's really the least of my worries, as that is essentially the life I chose.

So, instead of getting a low cost euthanasia as suggested, they pull me away from my family on a weekend - because that's when the realize the pet is done - and are offended when they get charged an emergency fee.

There are 2 terms I haven't seen on here and all you whiney asses need to learn them.

1. Compassion Fatigue. Veterinarians burn out from this most often. It gets difficult being compassionate about your pet dying, when you're bitching about the bill.

2. Asshole Fee. I do believe several of the posters on this thread are griping about receiving an asshole fee. This is a fee designed to fire the client. If you're too difficult to work with, you'll get charged for it. There's a secret to avoid it - DON'T BE AN ASSHOLE!

rant
Anonymous Coward
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12/03/2009 01:37 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
{snip|



You know animals lived a long time without vets putting them under and cleaning their teeth at a couple hundred bucks a pop. He's an old cat, his teeth shouldn't look like a kittens, look in the mouth of any elderly person, do their mouths look like twenty year olds? No.
 Quoting: Turtles Know


I would suggest greenies to keep the tarter down. They got a bad wrap a couple of years ago - chocking dogs, but there's nothing more effective. People brush their teeth every day, (unless they're in Arkansas - I'm kidding). Unfortunately, cat food is more convenient than feeding your cat the way it would have fead itself in nature. A cat in the wild has a life expectancy of 5 to 7 years. Domesticated, they can have a reasonable quality of life as long as 20 (One of mine lasted 28). If your vet is charging $200 for a teeth cleaning, you must live in Manhattan. My prices are about a third of that.
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/03/2009 01:53 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Doctors do the same to humans why would the medical field be any different for animals.

bravo we have a smart one
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 799924


i guess being from the UK we dont see that side so much (no groans please?).
happy now?
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/03/2009 01:55 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Bless all the animals.


For a bump...
 Quoting: Enaid


thanks Enaid. i sure do love my animals too, i have my ginger moggy Dennis on my knee as we speak, dribbling!

madmadj
this is one of my dogs Madj.

kittyflowe
happy now?
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/03/2009 02:02 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
For those of you who have not had the experience of euthanizing a very sick, old pet, please believe me that it is a kind and peaceful death. And for a little extra money you can find a vet who will do it in the animal's home, where he/she is happy and not afraid. I experienced a nasty vet trying to guilt me into treating my beloved 13-year old shepherd's cancer. Puhleeze. I called another vet and after a few last days together and a big rare steak for her, had her put to sleep painlessly.


Yeah, give your old buddy pancreatitis right before you put her down. That's my biggest gripe as a veterinarian. I'll suggest it's time to put a dog down - it doesn't even know it's a dog anymore, there's no quality of life on the part of the pet, or the owner. Anyway, in two weeks, or a month, undoubtedly on a Saturday night, or Sunday during church, they'll bring the dog in to be put to sleep.

The abridged version of this is - "Hurry up and kill it before it dies, Doc!"

These are the ones that sometimes don't go particularly well. When the animal is in renal failure, the euthanasia solution isn't transported so effectively, so the dog dies seizuring, yelping, sometimes biting. They also pee and poop, but that's really the least of my worries, as that is essentially the life I chose.

So, instead of getting a low cost euthanasia as suggested, they pull me away from my family on a weekend - because that's when the realize the pet is done - and are offended when they get charged an emergency fee.

There are 2 terms I haven't seen on here and all you whiney asses need to learn them.

1. Compassion Fatigue. Veterinarians burn out from this most often. It gets difficult being compassionate about your pet dying, when you're bitching about the bill.

2. Asshole Fee. I do believe several of the posters on this thread are griping about receiving an asshole fee. This is a fee designed to fire the client. If you're too difficult to work with, you'll get charged for it. There's a secret to avoid it - DON'T BE AN ASSHOLE!

rant
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 721505


while i do understand that you must encounter some asshole owners, there are some decent animal loving owners out there who just want whats best for the animal. and not for it to die in pain and distressed. its easy to make the wrong decision when you are scared for your animals life, but i totally get why you are so pissed - at basically us.

Last Edited by ~•:*Winnie*:•~ on 12/05/2009 04:49 AM
happy now?
~•:*Winnie*:•~  (OP)

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12/03/2009 02:07 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
Do you take your kid to the doctor every time he/she throws up? You went to the vet and asked for an exam to find out what was wrong and you're bitching about the bill! If you take your car to a mechanic because it's not running well and you find out you got a bad tank of gas, does that mean the mechanic is out of line charging you for a diagnosis?


What the hell do you do for a living?


Bunch of cry-baby whiners on this thread!
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 721505


i know a fucking LOT of people that do. some seem to have lost the ability to use common sense, and to use their instincts on these matters. what we object to is being made out to be a bad pet owner and basically guilted into forking out loads of cash for unnecessary treatments when its gonna lead to the same awful conclusion, and the animal is going to suffer as a result. being ripped off and angry is not being a cry-baby!
happy now?
Anonymous Coward
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12/03/2009 03:25 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
I am at least the third vet on this thread. I have been a cow vet, out by Subarctic Beef, I have been a small animal vet in a very posh city practice, and I have been a holistic vet, working on my own for the last 12 years. I am currently on sabbatical/retirement/search for new career. Burn out is so very common, for all the reasons stated on these posts.
I educate my clients as I believe there is no one treatment for any condition, treatment for a disease is based on the individual as well as the symptoms/diagnosis. I also believe that a vaccination schedule is wrong, and each animal's lifestyle, health, and age should be a concern. Economics are taken into consideration. I have taken a stand against my state laws on vaccination and expect to have my license yanked for not vaccinating geriatric, terminally ill, or chronically ill patients for rabies automatically. I was on call 24 hours a day, I didn't stay at the clinic. For the first 10 years I lived upstairs and did stay, more recently I would bring the critically ill patients to my home where I had a room set up for them. I answered the phone personally 24 hours a day. I took chickens, yardwork, baked goods, sewing and babysitting for payment. I have no complaints there. Yes, I worked pretty much 24/7 for 20 years, but I made enough to buy a small farm, a car, and put food on our table. Not a lot extra, no exotic designer stuff, but I don't need those things anyway.
I was always amazed, like the previous doctor, at how the people who demand the most time and procedures complain the most loudly about the prices. After years in a primitive situation, I am good at palpating..I can find fractures and tumors and abnormal cat kidneys and early pregnancies in dog bellies with ease, yet sometimes people really want an xray to verify my diagnosis..even when it doesn't change the treatment and then bitch about the cost. Or someone comes in with a terminally ill dog and wants to talk to me for 2 hours, then is astounded and wants their money back when I charge them...because I didn't give it a "shot".
And I reused sutures and medications that people returned. I used them to treat patients whose owners could not afford to pay the bill.

Here is my story. One week, my husband was out of town and left me with the 4 children and the practice. I was very worn out by the end of the week, as when there was an emergency, I had to wake all 4, oldest was 10, and get them in the car and take them along, and I was busy anyway all day during the week with regular appts. Thursday morning, I get a call at 7 am from a lady whose cat is in labor and having problems. Ironically, exactly a year earlier, I had done a pro bono C section/spay on this cat's mother for the same owner. She wanted me to do it for free again. I had no help at the clinic, I was past exhausted - not really safe to do surgery, and of course, she had no money. I agreed to meet her and examine the cat, which had already had one kitten. Upon examination, the cat still had a firm mass in the abdomen, but I was pretty sure it was just the uterus, no more kittens, but the lady didn't believe me and wanted a FREE xray. I told her that I was very certain it was finished queening and sent her home. That night, she called me again, begging for a free C section..now it is 10 pm, my kids are in bed, I am even more exhausted than I was in the am, and she is bullying me by saying I obviously don't care about animals. I refer her to an emergency clinic. She calls back, says she can't afford the emergency clinic, again tries to get me to do a free C section, after verbally abusing me a half hour earlier. I tell her no, sorry I cannot do another free one for her. She cries into the phone that I have no idea what it is like raising 4 children (yes, mine are all asleep), that she can barely make her cable payment (I don't have a TV), and that she has been on the internet all day trying to find help (wow! high speed internet and a cell phone!), yet she cannot come up with any money for an xray or a c section.
to make it short, she bullied some other vet into doing a c section early the next morning...and guess what! the cat had already finished queening and there were no kittens!!! at least it got spayed as well.
too many people like this out there. I quit.
mandle/honiker

User ID: 774263
United States
12/03/2009 06:34 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
I am at least the third vet on this thread. I have been a cow vet, out by Subarctic Beef, I have been a small animal vet in a very posh city practice, and I have been a holistic vet, working on my own for the last 12 years. I am currently on sabbatical/retirement/search for new career. Burn out is so very common, for all the reasons stated on these posts.
I educate my clients as I believe there is no one treatment for any condition, treatment for a disease is based on the individual as well as the symptoms/diagnosis. I also believe that a vaccination schedule is wrong, and each animal's lifestyle, health, and age should be a concern. Economics are taken into consideration. I have taken a stand against my state laws on vaccination and expect to have my license yanked for not vaccinating geriatric, terminally ill, or chronically ill patients for rabies automatically. I was on call 24 hours a day, I didn't stay at the clinic. For the first 10 years I lived upstairs and did stay, more recently I would bring the critically ill patients to my home where I had a room set up for them. I answered the phone personally 24 hours a day. I took chickens, yardwork, baked goods, sewing and babysitting for payment. I have no complaints there. Yes, I worked pretty much 24/7 for 20 years, but I made enough to buy a small farm, a car, and put food on our table. Not a lot extra, no exotic designer stuff, but I don't need those things anyway.
I was always amazed, like the previous doctor, at how the people who demand the most time and procedures complain the most loudly about the prices. After years in a primitive situation, I am good at palpating..I can find fractures and tumors and abnormal cat kidneys and early pregnancies in dog bellies with ease, yet sometimes people really want an xray to verify my diagnosis..even when it doesn't change the treatment and then bitch about the cost. Or someone comes in with a terminally ill dog and wants to talk to me for 2 hours, then is astounded and wants their money back when I charge them...because I didn't give it a "shot".
And I reused sutures and medications that people returned. I used them to treat patients whose owners could not afford to pay the bill.

Here is my story. One week, my husband was out of town and left me with the 4 children and the practice. I was very worn out by the end of the week, as when there was an emergency, I had to wake all 4, oldest was 10, and get them in the car and take them along, and I was busy anyway all day during the week with regular appts. Thursday morning, I get a call at 7 am from a lady whose cat is in labor and having problems. Ironically, exactly a year earlier, I had done a pro bono C section/spay on this cat's mother for the same owner. She wanted me to do it for free again. I had no help at the clinic, I was past exhausted - not really safe to do surgery, and of course, she had no money. I agreed to meet her and examine the cat, which had already had one kitten. Upon examination, the cat still had a firm mass in the abdomen, but I was pretty sure it was just the uterus, no more kittens, but the lady didn't believe me and wanted a FREE xray. I told her that I was very certain it was finished queening and sent her home. That night, she called me again, begging for a free C section..now it is 10 pm, my kids are in bed, I am even more exhausted than I was in the am, and she is bullying me by saying I obviously don't care about animals. I refer her to an emergency clinic. She calls back, says she can't afford the emergency clinic, again tries to get me to do a free C section, after verbally abusing me a half hour earlier. I tell her no, sorry I cannot do another free one for her. She cries into the phone that I have no idea what it is like raising 4 children (yes, mine are all asleep), that she can barely make her cable payment (I don't have a TV), and that she has been on the internet all day trying to find help (wow! high speed internet and a cell phone!), yet she cannot come up with any money for an xray or a c section.
to make it short, she bullied some other vet into doing a c section early the next morning...and guess what! the cat had already finished queening and there were no kittens!!! at least it got spayed as well.
too many people like this out there. I quit.
 Quoting: Anonymous Coward 781169


I admire you for writing this post, and for making the decision to quit. You have had to put up with a lot of B.S. That's no way to live!
I worked at a veterinary clinic for a few years, and have many stories like this. Most people are reasonable, but one jerk can ruin your whole day. I remember this one lady was at the payment window, yelling and screaming over her bill. People were popping their heads out of doors just to see what the fuss was. The receptionist stood her ground, and told the lady there was nothing she could do about the bill. Then all of a sudden the lady laughed, looked around at everyone and said, "Oh well, I tried!!" She wasn't even pissed off!!! She was just trying to get a discount. The experience of working there got me out of client-based business altogether. I really can't stand "customers" and everytime I see a customer being an asshole, I know for a fact that person has never had to be on the other side of the counter.
I hope you find something you like, that's rewarding and brings you joy and plenty of money... you deserve it!!
Nine's

User ID: 791743
United States
12/04/2009 04:05 PM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
In support of veterinarians, some are awesome beyond belief. My vet is one of them. I've used him for 20 yrs, and there's no way I could repay all he's done for me, for us. Money just doesn't cover some debts.

My vet has come out late in the evening to help a cat who had an unknown problem, but was very serious. He was still working on that cat at 2 a.m. He spent the night with the cat and had to be working at 8 a.m.

When the tests results came back that there was nothing wrong with the cat, who was dying before our eyes, my vet noticed an inconsistency in the lab report, called right back, and within minutes, he had a diagnosis. The cat is now 17 yrs. old.

Two weeks ago, my dog had a biopsy. He has lymphosarcoma. It's the t cell type, which means it's not treatable. He's not going to live, and has a very short time remaining.

When my vet told me, his voice cracked as he said, "I'm afraid it's not good news." It's still too fresh and painful to tell the whole story.

Today, after the staples from his surgery were removed, my vet sat on the floor, and petted and cuddled my dog. Anyone who is familiar with pain, can see it in another. Even when they're saying what a nice dog, how well behaved, and they know how much they mean to you. My vet felt my pain. My dog was the only one not in pain.

When the time comes that he's suffering, which is predicted to be soon, my vet will come to my home if I need him to. He will be soft spoken and kind, and will fight the emotions he's feeling. He will hurt. I will hurt. My dog will no longer hurt.

I asked him how I'll know when it's time. He said he thinks I'll know. My vet has vacation plans for the holidays but asked me to keep him informed because he'll reschedule his plans if needed.

I can call my vet anytime, day or night, and I know he'll be there. I don't abuse the privilege, and he knows it. In all the years, the cat has been the only after hours emergency.

When I go in, my questions are written down so I don't waste his time. If I have someone not acting right, I let him know during office hours.

I get immediate appointments, never have a wait, and get a fair bill, which is gladly paid at the time. When the office makes a mistake, like not billing for an x ray, I tell them.

A little consideration toward a person, often returns it ten fold. Most vets are in the business because they love animals. They become attached to your pet over the years, and it has to be the hardest job on earth, to put that final needle in the vein.

For all the loyal, hard working, pain ridden vets who speak for those unable to speak for themselves, thank you.
Anonymous Coward
User ID: 721505
United States
12/05/2009 01:49 AM
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Re: SHOCKING EXPOSE OF VETERINARY PRACTICES ~ TO FLEECE THEIR TRUSTING OWNERS
In support of veterinarians, some are awesome beyond belief. My vet is one of them. I've used him for 20 yrs, and there's no way I could repay all he's done for me, for us. Money just doesn't cover some debts.

My vet has come out late in the evening to help a cat who had an unknown problem, but was very serious. He was still working on that cat at 2 a.m. He spent the night with the cat and had to be working at 8 a.m.

When the tests results came back that there was nothing wrong with the cat, who was dying before our eyes, my vet noticed an inconsistency in the lab report, called right back, and within minutes, he had a diagnosis. The cat is now 17 yrs. old.

Two weeks ago, my dog had a biopsy. He has lymphosarcoma. It's the t cell type, which means it's not treatable. He's not going to live, and has a very short time remaining.

When my vet told me, his voice cracked as he said, "I'm afraid it's not good news." It's still too fresh and painful to tell the whole story.

Today, after the staples from his surgery were removed, my vet sat on the floor, and petted and cuddled my dog. Anyone who is familiar with pain, can see it in another. Even when they're saying what a nice dog, how well behaved, and they know how much they mean to you. My vet felt my pain. My dog was the only one not in pain.

When the time comes that he's suffering, which is predicted to be soon, my vet will come to my home if I need him to. He will be soft spoken and kind, and will fight the emotions he's feeling. He will hurt. I will hurt. My dog will no longer hurt.

I asked him how I'll know when it's time. He said he thinks I'll know. My vet has vacation plans for the holidays but asked me to keep him informed because he'll reschedule his plans if needed.

I can call my vet anytime, day or night, and I know he'll be there. I don't abuse the privilege, and he knows it. In all the years, the cat has been the only after hours emergency.

When I go in, my questions are written down so I don't waste his time. If I have someone not acting right, I let him know during office hours.

I get immediate appointments, never have a wait, and get a fair bill, which is gladly paid at the time. When the office makes a mistake, like not billing for an x ray, I tell them.

A little consideration toward a person, often returns it ten fold. Most vets are in the business because they love animals. They become attached to your pet over the years, and it has to be the hardest job on earth, to put that final needle in the vein.

For all the loyal, hard working, pain ridden vets who speak for those unable to speak for themselves, thank you.
 Quoting: Nine's


You, my friend are a 5 star pet owner and veterinary client. Thank you for a fresh perspective in this thread and for being such and understanding person. Luckily, about 60% of my current clients are like you. My sincere sympathies for you and your dog regarding the lymphosarcoma. The only good news is it won't take long.

I had a similar experience. - A blind Client, Jim, had a service dog, Addie. Addie was diagnosed with a Mast cell tumor. Until that point, she was a shining star, as far as service dogs go. We had a fundraiser to put together enough money to get Addie surgery and chemo-therapy. The surgery went as well as could be expected, but not as well as we'd hoped. A month or so into her chemotherapy, she walked Jim out into traffic on main street. Not a good thing. The chemo really made her sick, and she just wasn't able to work.

Addie was retired shortly after that and came to live with my family. I'd hoped that I could keep her around. It was an adjustment for her to transistion from a working service dog to family pet/clinic dog, but it didn't take her too long. She came to work at the clinic every day and was a tremendous help. She immediately knew if a dog or people agressive dog came in the door, and had a very subtle way of approaching them sideways and showing them how to act in the clinic. She always knew when there was a problem in the clinic I needed to know about she would stand outside the surgery door and bark or would come around the corner into the pharmacy and give me her "follow me" look that meant I'd better get out front. She was right 99% of the time. We'd given the kids a bichon puppy a couple of months before Addie joined our family, and Addie essentially taught the puppy how to be a service dog, and to take care of us. She even potty trained the little poop machine.

Anyway, after two years, Addie slowed down at home. She would wind up and be "on" at work, but as soon as we were home, she'd eat, and head straight to her bed. Then one day, about 5 months later, she just couldn't get up after her lunchtime nap. I'd been monitoring her decline and I knew during the last month that her kidneys were going to shut down at any time. We called her former owner, and all the family and staff in. We had a very tearful couple of hours saying good bye, and put her to sleep in the lobby of the clinic. That's been 4 years ago. It still feels like we're missing a member of the family. The good news is, we still have the puppy she trained. Chet is always there if any of the kids come in the door crying. She taught him to diagnose when something was wrong. If I come home from work with a headache, chettie won't leave my side. He's been through flu, strep, colds, he's even there through seasonal allergies.

I've been somewhat short to some on this thread, because parts of it tended toward looking like "Gripe about your vet - Fest, 2009". I even, at some points tried to turn it into "Gripe about your clients right back", but I do truly feel for you and you're dog's cancer. Thank you for sharing your experiences. God's speed to you and yours.

AC KS





GLP