[Craig T]

Originally Posted by Baz

I know vets operate a business, Craig and there's nothing wrong with that. In this case I think the requirement for an exam was their idea of insulating them from possible legal issues, should something bad happen. But I also think my vet could have streamlined the deal, but he's so busy, I can't expect that to happen, realistically.

I try to support local businesses.....but in turn I expect (to some degree) that the business earns my business.

I'm happy to pay for the services we are getting. This is a busy office so I know they have a lot of business, which is a good thing that I respect.

As far as having a "system" that is designed to generate additional revenue...IMHO that is how ALL medical businesses are set up. It's their business model. But again....they are entitled to do what's necessary to support their operation, which as SiberianDVM pointed out - helps pay for equipment, etc. necessary to provide the very best service they can.

There is a fair amount of margin on these meds, so most places understand the market and are prepared to flex in price. That's one of the reasons Bug's vet and my vet both suggested we look into other purchasing options. As long as it's part of protocol, I'm cool with it.

Baz, I must not have communicated my frustration correctly. My post was not meant to justify the business model as acceptable. I feel looking to maximize revenue from our pets when they are sick is deplorable. I meant to criticize it. I'm saying we need to be aware that some of the business methods of these practices may be less than altruistic. We need to be smart veterinary consumers. I believe a veterinarian practice can stick to "best practices of medicine" and still make a living.

Here's a couple of examples I don't like:

When Tank was to be neutered, the local vet told me he would need a $2500 "scrotetomy" (due to the size of his junk). I called my old vet who retired and he laughed, saying it was completely unnecessary. He said Tank'll just have a "little tea bag". I found another vet, Dr. Lookingbill. She also shook her head and said..."maybe he has a big house payment". That was seven years ago. No scrotectomy and no problems. Unfortunately, Dr. Lookingbill had a baby and left the practice.

The vet I use now recently opened up an in-office diagnostic laboratory. Now, every time I need deworming meds (every time he eats a rabbit he gets worms) they want to run $200 worth of lab tests before selling me the meds. They won't even do vaccination updates without "mandatory lab work". I had to take him to a vaccination clinic at PetCo just for a simple bordatella refresh.

Yesterday they wanted to biopsy ALL of his "lumps". The very same vet who told me BEFORE they had the in-house laboratory, that Tank's lumps were just fatty and nothing to worry about and common in Mastiffs. Only one of the lumps is "suspicious". I asked him if the biopsies were done in the new in-house lab". He said "yes". So, when the biopsies had to be sent out, and there was no money in it, they biopsies weren't necessary. Now that they do the test themselves, Tank needs 6 pieces of tissue cut from his body???

I know there are many good ethical veterinary practices out there. We just need to find them.