That's good to hear that it's not an infection.

What made you think that he did?

Tell me about it. We have spent about $1500 over the past couple of weeks trying to treat Zeus' pancreatitis. In all, I know we have spent well over $5000! :eek:

I guess in Ohio we are very lucky. Cooper went for his 6 months checkup and he got 2 shots and a very good check up. It was $34.00. Also they clipped his nails once and didnt charge me anything. And the girls in the office are awesome . They cant wait to get ahold of him . The are all so sweet. I think i will stick with our vet.

you are so right - my cocker Tessa has ongoing ear problems - that's on the LOW end of the charges I pay AND she always gets the SAME prescription - I got sick of it and told them - IF I have to pay full Office charges just to get a prescription renewed - then I'd just go somewhere else - they now have me on a 2 office visit per year thing if it's her ears.....

Vet fees are going thru the roof - just like regular Doctors.

Glad he didn't have an ear infection - they hurt.

my vet will trim nails if I ask them to for free. that was just part of the exams when they were getting shots.
Just think what it would have been had he really had an ear infection. that is just terrible. It makes owners wait too long before taking their pets in to be looked at.

My vet charges $43 for a VISIT!!! And that is for 1 dog!!! When I go with my 2 boys, its $86 just for them to tell me they are healthy! :(

We have you beat celtus1. Our vet charges $60CAD (~$54USD) for a visit :eek: :( But it's worth it knowing that they are very close-by.

We have a little over $300.00 into Piper's Vet, and we have only had her 3 weeks. I think the Vet is higher than my Doctor. Is pet insurance worth getting?

Four years of college; four years of veterinary medicine; internships if they want to specialize in something; clinic rent/mortgage, good staff, good equipment, continuing education requirements, malpractice insurance, etc.

It ain't cheap.

I love my vet. She could have chosen to be a regular MD or Dentist and earned a helluvalot more than she earns at her little practice now. And she loves my dogs, and my dogs love her right back.

I feel blessed! I took Scout in today because he was shaking his head and scratching his ear...sure enough he has an ear infection. Dr. Woody gave him a Depo medrol shot for inflammation and 7 days antibiotic/steroid drop to put in his ear and office visit. Grand total $68.00. AND his staff is wonderful and accomodating!

I know how you guys feel - it's no different with our doctors.

I work in medicine and understand a little better where all the $$$ go.
and what they pay .....

1) Vet - entitled to a reasonably good salary (of course he is.....)
2) Employees - salaries - insurance - social security - unemployment -
other benefits
3) Rent - (costs an arm and a leg)
4) Equipment (another arm and a leg - a pair of phy. scissors can be $60).
5) X-ray machines - film - upkeep and maintenance. We just paid
6) Lights
7) Electricity
8) Bldg Maintenance and repairs
9) Accountant
10) Malpractice and other insurances
11) Fees, licenses, dues
12) Medical supplies
13) Office supplies - computer system - new software - keeping up to date
14) Continuing education courses - (sometimes have to travel....)

And, I'm sure I have forgotten more expenses than I have written down.

Sometimes when we pay the vet $150 - we have this vision of him putting $150 in his pocket and going home. I just doesn't work this way.

My doctors (cardiologists) have to bring $10 into the office for every dollar they earn for themselves. So - with a $150 office visit - the doctor earns
$15.

In an OB GYN office, a high-quality ultrasound machine costs at least $20,000, but the expense does not end there. The salary for a nurse manager/ultrasound technician runs $20,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on whether the individual is part-time or full-time. Supplies and supporting equipment typically cost $10,000 per year.

Just thought I'd point out why some of our and our pets medical bills are so high.

But - still - it is a bummer that medical bills are so high. My doctors don't like this either.


Carol Jean

I never thought of it that way. Thanks :)

Darn, I think I'm in the wrong profession, $60,000/year??? And since I'm in Canada, that's even more :eek: :D

$10000.00 WHAT!!!!!!! OMG:eek: :2omg: :eyeballpc :shocked7q :2omg:

Yikes, $130 to find out he's healthy, $30 for toenails...it is unbelievable.

I call the vet a the drop of a hat and they've started giving me advice over the phone :rolleyes: I must be being a pest...but, it saves me a little money. (and they see me whenever it's necessary).

Oh yeah, I have Kirby's toenails cut at a boarding facility that's nearby. He's got one of those lovely low maintenance coats and has never needed a professional grooming. I just need new vacuum cleaners every year. :) Anyway, at the boarders, they do it while I stand there and only charge me $3. Ginger get's hers done at the groomers (or I do it, but then they are never short enough) and it costs about $10. I can't see taking her two different places though.