[Chocaholic]

8 year old St. Bernard. Got a touch of the runs and later ate grass then threw up in the yard. Because of risk of bloat, wife took her to the vet. Examined her, ran some lab tests that all came back normal, gave her a saline injection in case of dehydration (even though she wasn't) and told us she should be fine, let her rest a day or two and let us know if she's still not well. They were right...she is fine. The bill? $822. Oh yeah...they recommended a special low fat food that is prescription only. 32lb bag...$112.

Our 4 year old Basset Hound. He has a sensitive stomach and will occasionally throw up. About once a week. Took him to the vet. Ran lab work, all normal, examined him and gave us a prescription for prednisone. Probably an allergy. They don't do testing...suggested going to an allergy specialist. The bill? $675

Took the St. Bernard in for her annual vaccinations. The bill? $286. Turns out the place we occasionally board requires a new canine influenza vaccine that they didn't do. Another $150 per dog. We have 3.

Most clinics are corporate owned now and seem to thrive on overselling, over treating and over billing. Long story short...the corporate veterinary industry will force people to neglect care for their animals by making it cost prohibitive for regular working people. I'm guessing the margins are huge...perhaps I'm wrong but as the owner of 3 dogs...once nature runs it's course we will never have more than 1 dog again.

BTW...Mars (yes, the candy bar people) are one of the largest corporate veterinary companies that owns over 4000 vet clinics in the US.

I don't mind paying for proper care. But I do mind feeling grossly ripped off.

Rant over.