| Topic: | Re:Has anyone got a spare Jolly Roger ? | |
| Posted by: | Charlotte Kasner | |
| Date/Time: | 19/01/15 09:45:00 |
| No they do not "make it up as they go along". The swab will have to be sent to an external lab for analysis for which your vet will have to pay a fee. Rather than think about the cost per minute, how about considering how much training and experience is required to make an accurate diagnosis? It sounds as if the vet was not only responsible in not prescribing ani-biotics which may well not have worked anyway, but explained the process to you before proceeding. I am quite shocked that you did not know when your dog was last wormed. Regular worming is really important for your dog and for the environment as your vet realised. I don't know if you have ever had an ear infection, but it is in all likihood very uncomfortable for your dog, if not painful and could lead to permanent damage if not diagnosed and treated correctly. There is nothing to stop you asking for an estimate before you commit to treatment. Prices are set by the cost plus a profit margin that any business would add, taking into account that overheads are also very high here (which is why it can be cheaper to go to a vet in the country). I can promise you, that not much of it goes in wages which are very low given the hours, skills and trainig required, even for vets. We often do not see the real cost of our own treatment as we do not pay up front. It can in any case be difficult to make direct comparisons, especially with drugs because vets are legally obliged to use the "veterinary cascade" which means that they have to prescribe drugs that have been tested for animals as a first line treatment even if there is a suitable and cheaper alternative. For that you can look to the drug companies who do make massive profits. Most vets in any given area will charge about the same rate overall, althiough they may chose to may some things more expensive than others. They actually may make a loss on some procedures such as spays, vaccinations and dental treatment. I would suggest that your priorities should be good treatment first and cost second. I am on a low income. In order to afford a dog, I am unable to heat my home and have never had the luxury of being able to run a car. I don't find vet bills easy to pay, but I do put my dog's welfare first and I don't carp when paying a professional to do a good job to help him stay healthy. |