No money for vet - Page 6 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kjc · 07-07-2010, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Da_Rooster

I posted a lengthy reply yesterday (twice) but nothing shows up.

Test, test

Might be best to do it in several smaller posts... sometimes long posts just don't work or disappear for some reason. Thanks for coming back on. Hope he's okay...

Da_Rooster · 07-07-2010, 07:58 AM

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, prayers and suggestions. Sorry it has taken so long to get back but yesterday was hectic and last night’s posts obviously didn’t go through.

I took Lefty to El Camino Veterinary Hospital last night after he had a little seizure but they wanted money up front. I was able to get help from a friend but after spending nearly $400 for blood work and other tests, they had no clues about what was wrong with him and wanted more money to keep him over night, which I didn’t have.

We took him home expecting him to die that night. All we could do is keep forcing the pedialyte down him every ½ hr and pray. Fortunately he started to perk up and eat a few teaspoons of liquefied boiled chicken and grits.

He looks like he is going to be ok. He got up this morning, went out back to pee and even tried chasing a squirrel that was running across the top of the fence (one of his favorite things to do).

Thanks again to everyone for the support and well wishes.

ladyjane · 07-07-2010, 09:56 AM

I am so relieved to see this post...and glad that you got him to a vet! I am happy that he is feeling better. Do you have a regular vet? They will not help you? Maybe you should take that other vet up on the offer of a free exam?

I am concerned that you may have more problems...and it would be good to try to find out what is wrong before he gets sick again?

If you have copies of the labs, take them to that vet for an opinion? Just a thought.

Patti · 07-07-2010, 11:48 AM

Glad he is doing better.

lynnelily · 07-07-2010, 01:59 PM

I'm glad he feeling better I hope he keeps making improvements. I will keep him in my prayers.

littlewhip · 07-07-2010, 02:42 PM

Happy to hear he is doing better, I will be praying he continues to get healthy.

nana911 · 07-07-2010, 03:23 PM

Hopefully it was a mild case of mushroom poisoning and it is working out of his system on its own? That is a shame about the hospital, but at least you have a blood panel result list to take somewhere else which should save on duplicate costs. Great you were able to get money from someone. Hope he really is turning a corner for you, sounds like you couldn't be doing anything much better than you are. I saw your original long post #72...

mojo · 07-07-2010, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I am so relieved to see this post...and glad that you got him to a vet! I am happy that he is feeling better. Do you have a regular vet? They will not help you? Maybe you should take that other vet up on the offer of a free exam?

I am concerned that you may have more problems...and it would be good to try to find out what is wrong before he gets sick again?

If you have copies of the labs, take them to that vet for an opinion? Just a thought.

Totally agree

And I am shocked it cost $400 for labs and they couldn't even give an iv or fluids subq.
*Did you get the lab results? I think you should actually get a copy of them and then take them to the other vet if he was offering free exam!

Sure hope this is over and your boy gets well. Sorry that awful vet didn't turn out very well.

Da_Rooster · 07-10-2010, 03:43 PM

I amazingly got a check in the mail last night so I was able to take Lefty to the vet this morning and have him checked and treated by his regular vet.

He received a liter of fluids subq, Metoclopramide injection, Polyflex injection, Fortiflora powder packets to be mixed with some canned dog food they sent home with him, antibiotic Metronidazole prescription and step by step instructions for how to treat him until they examine (and love on) him again, Monday morning. All for $155!!!

There was a Blue Chihuahua in the waiting room with the exact same symptoms (it was more on the sick side like Lefty was a few days ago) and the vet tech told us they have seen a lot of dogs with these same symptoms recently.

Lefty still has diarrhea, is still very lethargic and is still pretty finicky about what he’ll eat but I’ve learned that he eats more readily if he has to earn it like a treat (sit, stay, stay………snap fingers “ok”) and/or when I use his healthy mother Lucy to stoke the competitive flame that burns between them by giving her a little of what I want him to eat before I offer it to him.

I think he is going to be fine now. Thanks again for all the support and prayers.

Rhetts_mama · 07-10-2010, 03:49 PM

Sorry that Lefty is still not completely himself, but very happy that your regular vet is back to helping him.

Da_Rooster · 07-10-2010, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojo

Totally agree

And I am shocked it cost $400 for labs and they couldn't even give an iv or fluids subq.
*Did you get the lab results? I think you should actually get a copy of them and then take them to the other vet if he was offering free exam!

Sure hope this is over and your boy gets well. Sorry that awful vet didn't turn out very well.

Yes, I made sure we got a complete copy of lab results and a written report of who, what, when where why and how etc.

My regular vet was a little annoyed at how the basic stuff was skipped and the emergency DVM went right to the complicated and expensive prognosis’ rather than stabilize and monitor considering I was clear about my money limitation.

Lizzie07 · 07-10-2010, 04:59 PM

So glad Lefty is on the mend and that you were able to get him to the vet. I know you must have been really worried and stressed, on top of the stress trying to find work, it must be a huge relief and weight off your shoulders to have been able to help him. I hope everything goes well for you from this point forward.

RachelandSadie · 07-10-2010, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladymom

You are lucky if that is the case. Most vets don't do after hours emergencies anymore.

ER vet hospitals are staffed by rotating vets evenings and on weekends. Since they don't have an established relationship with the patients they see, they insist on payment upfront. As you can imagine, emergencies can become very expensive, especially when hysterical owners want the vets to do everything possible to save a pet even though they cannot afford a $2,000 vet bill.

I had to take Lady to the ER vet last Labor Day weekend for HGE. We were brought into an examining room and a vet tech took her history and discussed tests, treatment options, etc. We were then shown back out to the waiting room. At that time I was given an estimate which had to be paid in full or Lady would not have been treated. It was $700 upfront before they did anything.

It's very important for everyone to have a special account for emergency vet bills or a credit card set aside for emergencies. Even if you have pet insurance, remember is doesn't work like ours does where you simply show your card to get treatment. You have to pay upfront, then submit the bills to your insurance company and wait for reimbursement.

that is crazy...our vets start right away and i don't believe anything is owed until services have been rendered. we do estimates and stuff, but we do not require payments like that at all. the only thing we have paid upfront is half down on surgical procedures. everything else is on an account and paid when the pet is realeased for pick up.

i can't believe a vet would hold a pet hostage until payment is made. that's a great way to get a lot of pet's left there forever and it's also a strange practice. we just run statements on unpaid balances and take em' to court if we absolutely have to.

even the ER vet doesn't make you pay upfront.

4doggiemama · 07-10-2010, 05:16 PM

Thank you for updating us with your positive news. Sounds like you have a wonderful understanding vet. Hope this helps relieve some of the stress in your life. Blessings. ~Joanne~

Ladymom · 07-10-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RachelandSadie

that is crazy...our vets start right away and i don't believe anything is owed until services have been rendered. we do estimates and stuff, but we do not require payments like that at all. the only thing we have paid upfront is half down on surgical procedures. everything else is on an account and paid when the pet is realeased for pick up.

i can't believe a vet would hold a pet hostage until payment is made. that's a great way to get a lot of pet's left there forever and it's also a strange practice. we just run statements on unpaid balances and take em' to court if we absolutely have to.

even the ER vet doesn't make you pay upfront.

Our regular vets operate that way, payment on pickup, but ER vets are totally different. They have been stuck with so many unpaid vet bills over the years they now demand payment upfront or they will turn you away. I can appreciate their position. I wouldn't want to not get paid for my work, either. Vets shouldn't be expected to donate their services just because we haven't prepared for an emergency.

My regular vets have always been wonderful about setting up a payment plan for unexpected big vet bills. I think most will work with you if you are an established customer.

07-07-2010, 09:56 AM	#78
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,493	I am so relieved to see this post...and glad that you got him to a vet! I am happy that he is feeling better. Do you have a regular vet? They will not help you? Maybe you should take that other vet up on the offer of a free exam? I am concerned that you may have more problems...and it would be good to try to find out what is wrong before he gets sick again? If you have copies of the labs, take them to that vet for an opinion? Just a thought. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

07-07-2010, 11:48 AM	#79
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	Glad he is doing better. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

07-07-2010, 02:42 PM	#81
littlewhip Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: wiith my furbabys Posts: 8,874	Happy to hear he is doing better, I will be praying he continues to get healthy. __________________

07-07-2010, 03:23 PM	#82
nana911 threadkillin' 6 pack Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,242	Hopefully it was a mild case of mushroom poisoning and it is working out of his system on its own? That is a shame about the hospital, but at least you have a blood panel result list to take somewhere else which should save on duplicate costs. Great you were able to get money from someone. Hope he really is turning a corner for you, sounds like you couldn't be doing anything much better than you are. I saw your original long post #72... __________________ lorelei, wife to gerry , momma to bear , baxter ,baby and bug

07-10-2010, 03:49 PM	#85
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	Sorry that Lefty is still not completely himself, but very happy that your regular vet is back to helping him. __________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny.

07-07-2010, 07:58 AM	#77
Da_Rooster Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA Posts: 11	Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, prayers and suggestions. Sorry it has taken so long to get back but yesterday was hectic and last night’s posts obviously didn’t go through. I took Lefty to El Camino Veterinary Hospital last night after he had a little seizure but they wanted money up front. I was able to get help from a friend but after spending nearly $400 for blood work and other tests, they had no clues about what was wrong with him and wanted more money to keep him over night, which I didn’t have. We took him home expecting him to die that night. All we could do is keep forcing the pedialyte down him every ½ hr and pray. Fortunately he started to perk up and eat a few teaspoons of liquefied boiled chicken and grits. He looks like he is going to be ok. He got up this morning, went out back to pee and even tried chasing a squirrel that was running across the top of the fence (one of his favorite things to do). Thanks again to everyone for the support and well wishes.

07-07-2010, 01:59 PM	#80
lynnelily Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: usa Posts: 413	I'm glad he feeling better I hope he keeps making improvements. I will keep him in my prayers.

07-10-2010, 03:43 PM	#84
Da_Rooster Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA Posts: 11	I amazingly got a check in the mail last night so I was able to take Lefty to the vet this morning and have him checked and treated by his regular vet. He received a liter of fluids subq, Metoclopramide injection, Polyflex injection, Fortiflora powder packets to be mixed with some canned dog food they sent home with him, antibiotic Metronidazole prescription and step by step instructions for how to treat him until they examine (and love on) him again, Monday morning. All for $155!!! There was a Blue Chihuahua in the waiting room with the exact same symptoms (it was more on the sick side like Lefty was a few days ago) and the vet tech told us they have seen a lot of dogs with these same symptoms recently. Lefty still has diarrhea, is still very lethargic and is still pretty finicky about what he’ll eat but I’ve learned that he eats more readily if he has to earn it like a treat (sit, stay, stay………snap fingers “ok”) and/or when I use his healthy mother Lucy to stoke the competitive flame that burns between them by giving her a little of what I want him to eat before I offer it to him. I think he is going to be fine now. Thanks again for all the support and prayers.

07-10-2010, 04:59 PM	#87
Lizzie07 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ball Ground, GA Posts: 1,262	So glad Lefty is on the mend and that you were able to get him to the vet. I know you must have been really worried and stressed, on top of the stress trying to find work, it must be a huge relief and weight off your shoulders to have been able to help him. I hope everything goes well for you from this point forward. __________________ Kristan Lizzy's mom

07-10-2010, 05:16 PM	#89
4doggiemama Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: KS Posts: 3,290	Thank you for updating us with your positive news. Sounds like you have a wonderful understanding vet. Hope this helps relieve some of the stress in your life. Blessings. ~Joanne~ __________________ Joanne Eli ChipperEva Snowboy Rosie(R.I.P. 1996-July 29, 2013) Cocoa(R.I.P 1998-April 26, 2012):