I just noticed that this post is originally from 2005 but I will respond anyway. It is just heartbreaking to hear that this could happen but in the reality of things, I can see the other side of the situation too. I just have to say that I am so grateful that our vet lets us keep a "running tab" for our animals. I am paying something every single month on our balance. When it's time to take both dogs and both cats in for annual shots (plus monthly medicines), the total for that day can run over $400. Like my vet once told me.... I know where you live!
It does make you wish though that there were vet clinics that treated the "underprivileged" (for lack of better word) just like there are city hospitals that have to take a patient regardless of their insurance or lack of.