I need help making a decision about Banfield
 

Here is my dilemma: Tanjhei needs to have blood work done to see what is going on with her. She is 7 and last Sunday I noticed she was yellow, yes jaundice so automatically I'm thinking liver problems. I would really like to take her to a holistic doctor but right now that is not feasible. The reason she hasn't gone to the doctor sooner is because like everyone else money is very tight. So I treated her with nux vomica and gave her fresh veggies for the week as her meal and boiled her tap water-her yellowing is now gone. So here is what I found out:

1. Banfield will charge about $150 (wellness plan) when we go in and $37.99 a month for a year. This will include any shots coming up (I decline everything except rabies and distemper), blood work in house (w/o T4), urinalysis, dental, fecal, hwt test. So pretty much everything. Thing is the last time we went there they prescribed the wrong amount of meds and I ended up taking her someplace else to be cured for gastritis. I asked if I could send the blood work out and they said it would be an additional $150. Total: $300 first visit

2. The other vet is going to charge $250 for complete blood work with T4 and they send it out. This would not include anything else.

Here is the dilemma what should I expect in regards to worst case scenario of liver problems? I would like to pay vet #2 but I could not afford to have to do blood work several times within a month or 2. And does it matter if the blood work is done in house or out of house?

Most Banfields are better than nothing but only you know what your location is like. If the wrong meds were prescribed once, I wouldn't be too excited to return. If you can't afford anything else though, then maybe give them another try. Is there another Banfield in your area?

I'm sure blood work is about the same in-house and out but Ellie's vet prefers the platelet count be done at an outside lab if there is any question about it and in general if I had the choice, I would use an outside lab for most things unless I didn't feel like waiting for results.:rolleyes:

Here is a good read on jaundice:
Jaundice in Dogs

I don't really know about this, but if you weren't happy with the first doctor, I'd try another. I found a clinic in my town that is very low cost and the doctor is doll. He never does anything that isn't necessary, and always trys the least expensive treatments first. I bring my guys to him for everything, because I really trust him. Try looking around for some clinics or call the ASPCA and ask them the name of some. I was delighted with the one they sent me to, and my bills are half of what they use to be.

Thank you. I will try the ASPCA. I scheduled with Banfield so that I could be on their books if I decided to go with them and they said I can't come until Feb 16 :(

i know every banfield is different and it really depends on the vets who work there, but as a general rule, i would NEVER EVER recommend a banfield to anyone...you have to remember, they are a part of petsmart and as a corporation, need to look out for themselves as their #1 priority (IMO)...PM me if you want more info...i used to have two of my kids on the wellness program and un-enrolled as soon as i could...i actually paid off the "membership" early so i could just be done with it :mad:

Don't go with Banfield, I've heard too many horror stories.

i'd be more concerned with your dog becoming jaundice then i would with which vet to go to. forget banfield and just go to the other vet. you might be dealing with something more serious then you know and will need to get it taken care of right away.

Every Banfield IS definitely different. I take Teddy to a Banfield in my city and they have been fabulous. (I checked around for recommendations first). Never have had a problem. If you have issues with your Banfield location though, go elsewhere.

Chloe's liver was damaged when she was poisoned. Her initial care was almost 3000 dollars. Her follow up care is 500 per month right now. I am thinking it will go down to about 200 a month later. It is not going to be cheap, or a one time visit. Maybe you should go with Banfield.

Thanks everyone. Tanjhei went to the vet today (neither Banfield or vet #2) and so far so good with the service and prices were GREAT :cheer: She got bloodwork sent out STAT and it included her heartworm test all for $147. She needed her rabies but the doc said he wanted to wait until bloodwork comes back to make sure it wouldn't cause a problem-so that was good to hear.