High Vet Bills?

United States
September 8, 2008 8:17pm CST
Frustrated with your pet's vet bill? There are many reasons why the cost of animal care is so high. As a veterinary technician I see many people that are shocked over the price of medical care for their pets. The main thing they fail to realize is that animal hospitals purchase the same medical supplies as human hospitals from the same high-priced manufacturers. Another factor is that animals do not always cooperate as humans do, and therefore require additional resources to treat. For example, using an ultrasonic polisher on human teeth requires about half an hour of work. Usually a small price at your dentist. Imagine doing this on your dog! Because the obviously can't have this done while they are conscious, they need to be placed under anesthesia. This requires the placement of an endotracheal tube, administration of pre-meds, oxygen, and anesthesia, placement of an IV catheter for safety, and monitoring equipment. All of this is on top of the cost of supplies, pay for the doctor, and pay for the assisting technician. If all of this was done on you, how much would you pay without medical insurance? So next time you get a big vet bill, remember what is involved. Your vet usually does their best to keep the prices minimal while still using quality and safe supplies on your beloved family member.
3 responses
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
9 Sep 08
It can get costly but it should be expected...That is why people who can't afford vet care shouldn't have more animals than they can afford...It can get really expensive... Sometimes I wonder if people put their animals to sleep because they can't afford the vet bills...especially if they need long term care...
• United States
9 Sep 08
That happens with us many times. Parvo is a terrible virus that can hospitalize a puppy for over a week. It is easily prevented with a vaccine. About 90% of the parvo cases we see catch the virus because the people can't afford the vaccine, which presents us with 1-2 cases a week that can't afford the treatment during parvo season. Many times we will make payment plans or allow the owners to relinquish the pet to us. It's sad for the owners, but its better than euthanizing them or letting them die at home slowly.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
9 Sep 08
I'm really glad you have that policy...It is so hard on the owner but some don't have a choice...You can help them and then do you adopt them out?
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
I have the utmost respect and admiration for vets and their staff so I don't gripe about the bill whenever I need to take one of my pets in. I wish I could find that level of compassion in the human medical profession.
• United States
9 Sep 08
Thank you for your comment! Its so good to know that we are appreciated!
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
9 Sep 08
Yes, vet trips can be expensive but sometimes it does seem like Vets do over charge. You can take you animal to Vet A and they will charge you $30 for an office visit, then Vet B who is no more qualified than Vet A charged $50 for the same thing. I feel bad for vets because most of them don't make a lot of money and Vet tech - at least around here - even with a degree make maybe $9/hour. However, with more and more vets not allowing payment plans or taking the Care Credit unless you have a huge bill, they are making it harder and harder to get treatment for your animals.