I think my vets should give me a referral commission….

Yesterday, I talked a co-worker into taking her cat to my vet. Her cat has started to urinate outside of the box, is hiding, etc. I expect a UTI or something along that line. We’ll both be at the vet tonight: her appointment is at 6:00 and Evan’s appointment for his blood work is at 6:15.

Last week it was Jane and Captain Jack. He had a UTI.

Captain Jack and Shadow were fixed at the vet’s. They were still under the care of their original owner’s vet (who agreed to pay for the operations). I got them in at my vet to A) get the job done faster and by folks I trust and B) so Shadow’s spay would be with a laser – to promote faster healing.

I must feel guilty – my guys have been pretty health the past three months or so, so I have not been there. I don’t want the vet’s kid’s college funds to go dry!

Mark

I just have one thing to say! You guys are really lucky to have vets that you trust.

With our vet(s), it depends on which vet you get in any given day. I think they're good, but on the other hand, they each have different philosophies and treatment regimes which really confuses things when you get a different vet each time. Some of these are serious issues - as in Jeremy's EG. One vet gives me small amounts of prednisone which works pretty much right away - and Jeremy seldom needs it, so he doesn't have any side effects. The other vet sends me home and tells me to come back when I figure out what Jeremy is allergic to.

Oh well.........the good news is that Jeremy is doing better.........

BTW, one of the vets actually charged me $29 for "watching Molly." I was shocked because I only left her there because the vet said "you might as well leave because it will be a while before we can take an x-ray." Then I got charged for the 2 hours she was there.

I would love to have a vet I could trust implicitly. Well, maybe this will eventually work out. Hopefully we won't have to go too often!

Maria

Maria:

When you go to the vets office, do you go in your habit?

I would think that they would look at it and not charge $29 for "watching" your kitty. Heck, the full day bording fee for Evan was only $20 per day. For $20 per day, he was given his sub-q fluids, his special food and his other meds!

Mark

Maria - it doesn't sound like the vets in the practice you go to are "consistent" with each other as they should be. I would pick one that I like and only request appointments with that particular doc if I could.

I might have to change vets as much as I like Dr. Will.....he just raised his rates AGAIN and it's getting too expensive. He does NOT give multiple animal discounts "anymore" either.... I didn't ask why. An office visit alone (just to walk thru the door) is now $45. It was $43 and THAT was expensive for this area....

Michelle,

The vet I like best at the practice won't give Jeremy Prednisone, even though he only rarely needs it. This vet is very good, thorough, and he is very nice and personable and gives me a good rate. I don't have any other problem with him. Jeremy only needs the medication every 5-6 months at the most, and then only a few pills. He had been getting the injections, but he doesn't need them anymore. I would understand if he was getting injections - or even the pills frequently.

Being a nurse, I'm very aware of the side effects of steroids. However, there are virtually no side effects when taken rarely. I've taken Prednisone myself, although rare, when I get Asthmatic Bronchitis. I used to get it once or twice a year so I had to take it 2-3 times a year......thankfully I seldom get it anymore. I think I haven't needed it for 2-3 years now.

The only problem I have with the other vet is all the extra money he charges me. And the biggest problem in the practice is communication - and conflicting treatment and advice.

Maybe I'll make their annual shot appointment and talk to the first vet about the Prednisone again.

Maria

If you do make that appointment with the first vet again - I would also mention how the second vet charges you more and differently from him.... perhaps he is unaware of it and needs to know that, especially if he is the owner of the practice. I hope he rethinks the prednisone issue for you.