The new normal in veterinary medicine

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^^he also always pushed for unnecessarily expensive things - ooh your cat vomitted, let's do a sonogram for $300

no thanks.

People like you are why vets are leaving the profession. If you don't want to do a test that can help to diagnose a GI problem, then decline it. For every person complaining about a vet offering an unnecessary test, there are others angry that their vet only prescribed medicine and didn't offer more testing to determine the cause of symptoms. Vets are damned no matter what.

Are the vets I’ve dealt with unicorns? They have always explained all the options to me, letting me know what is an aggressive approach, what is the minimum standard of care, and anything in between. Before ordering tests, they let me know how they would prioritize tests, according to likelihood of possible diagnoses. The decision is always ultimately mine.

At the veterinary ER, they go over pricing for every item before any decisions are made. It was made very clear to me that for a particular issue, the gold standard treatment posed the least risk to my dog, but was very expensive, and that the vet didn’t feel that it was unreasonable to take a wait-and-see approach because it was possible that my dog didn’t need any treatment at all. I wasn’t pressured into spending big bucks, but I also wasn’t making a decision without all the relevant information.

I have been really impressed with the care my dog has received at both our regular vet’s office and the ER.

No, this is standard operating procedure. PP probably let their cat suffer and brought it in in dire straights, at which time the vet probably didn't have the luxury of time to take the wait and see approach. This happens ALL the time and is another source of frustration for vets. Owners wait too long and then expect miracles, and low cost miracles at that. I guarantee you they did not show up at the vet one day and say "I'm a little concerned that my mostly healthy cat has started throwing up" and then the vet ordered a sonogram with no further questions.

[Anonymous]

there is a difference between diagnosing a pet and always automatically going to an expensive testing proceedure

a neighbor of mine's poodle had a bad tummy - it was a bug that passed after a few days but not before paying $850 in needless tests

[Anonymous]

I'm curious about the high suicide rate? Why?


I think people today have more pets, and want to treat them more like humans than we did in the past. That probably puts more stress on the system, but other than not having enough vets, what else could be contributing to this problem?

[Anonymous]

Look. I'm sympathetic to ALL of the things that you say. To a point. And I know you're running a business.

But. Like with medical care, you are in the business of dealing with the health of our family members. We love them. Are nervous when they are ill. And we have stress when they are sick, are dealing with VERY HIGH vet bills, as well as the "new normal" of waiting to get in and be seen. I, for one, try to be patient and reasonable but you all have to understand the emotion in this. Watching your pet be sick, suffer, etc. and having to choose between the sonogram, the biopsy, the expensive prescriptions, or doing nothing at the pet's expense. . . . It can be traumatic if you cannot afford it. If you cannot get them in to be seen. While people should not be rude to you, and show a bit more understanding, part of YOUR job is understanding this dynamic. And showing a little grace yourself.

Additionally, while I understand that you as an individual do not control the number of vet schools and all of the factors that have led to this situation, you have more influence/power than your clients do. It's past time that the vets and industry start making the appropriate adjustments to change what is happening. You do continuing education. Go to conferences. Network. Etc. (I know this as my own wonderful vet and I have talked about this). That is where those changes are going to be discussed and initiated.

So, please. I get that there is some element of truth in your rant (and that's what it was, it wasn't a gentle PSA) your story is not the whole story. And your "throwing my hands up in resignation" excuses is not reasonable.

[Anonymous]

We’ve always had great vets and good experiences. But I grew up with horses, so I think my cost expectations have always been realistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious about the high suicide rate? Why?


I think people today have more pets, and want to treat them more like humans than we did in the past. That probably puts more stress on the system, but other than not having enough vets, what else could be contributing to this problem?

High stress job + easy access to drugs used for euthanasia. Most veterinarians who commit suicide die by using the same drug they use to put animals down. Having protocol in place to prevent an individual vet from accessing euthanasia drugs without a second person signing off can save lives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious about the high suicide rate? Why?


I think people today have more pets, and want to treat them more like humans than we did in the past. That probably puts more stress on the system, but other than not having enough vets, what else could be contributing to this problem?

High stress job + easy access to drugs used for euthanasia. Most veterinarians who commit suicide die by using the same drug they use to put animals down. Having protocol in place to prevent an individual vet from accessing euthanasia drugs without a second person signing off can save lives.

Also, the best veterinarian in the world is going to see and have a hand in many, many more deaths than the vast majority of doctors who treat humans. It’s the nature of the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thats private equity take over for you. Sucks!

There is a new fresh air podcast episode this week about private equity plundering businesses and widening the income gap. It's with financial journalist Gretchen Morgenson.

[Anonymous]

I hear you but my complaint is my vet does things without consulting me first. Like my cat is 10 years old and they did a senior panel which cost over $400. I don't think that is necessary and I would appreciate a chance to say no. Or if I say do not give my dog the flu shot because he doesn't go to day care or dog parks and they do it anyway...just for the $$$. Lastly, maybe dog needs pozac and I had one vet give me the generic my other vet gave me the more expensive one.
So I hear you but you should change too and listen to your clients.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear you but my complaint is my vet does things without consulting me first. Like my cat is 10 years old and they did a senior panel which cost over $400. I don't think that is necessary and I would appreciate a chance to say no. Or if I say do not give my dog the flu shot because he doesn't go to day care or dog parks and they do it anyway...just for the $$$. Lastly, maybe dog needs pozac and I had one vet give me the generic my other vet gave me the more expensive one.
So I hear you but you should change too and listen to your clients.

How are they getting payment for things you didn’t authorize?

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you for continuing to work as a vet! I have seen the things you mention in the 8 years I've had my cats -- it used to be that my vet was always able to see us, even for routine annual visits, in a week or so. Recently I needed a sick visit and the soonest available option was a month out! We were very lucky to get in on a cancellation a few days later but I cannot imagine how stressful it must be for all the vets and techs to have such packed calendars. I'm so grateful to them and the wonderful office staff at our vet -- they always explain what they're doing and go over options and fees with me. Absolutely amazing humans, every one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear you but my complaint is my vet does things without consulting me first. Like my cat is 10 years old and they did a senior panel which cost over $400. I don't think that is necessary and I would appreciate a chance to say no. Or if I say do not give my dog the flu shot because he doesn't go to day care or dog parks and they do it anyway...just for the $$$. Lastly, maybe dog needs pozac and I had one vet give me the generic my other vet gave me the more expensive one.
So I hear you but you should change too and listen to your clients.

You should consider a new vet. Mine is obsessive about going over every single cost before doing things. When I go for a visit the tech always brings me an estimated invoice, printed out, before the vet comes in. And if there is any, no matter how small, mistake or difference on the estimate, they run back and get it reprinted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have much sympathy and respect for vets and the staff. I would never complain to be rude to them. But privately, I am dismayed and shocked at the high prices and an availability when my pet is sick.

From a customer and client point of view, it’s very difficult and hard to watch your pet wait several days to be seen when they are sick at that moment. Twice now we’ve had to call around to new vets to see if we could be seen immediately because our lovely, overworked, and very busy veterinarian can’t fit them in.

Sort of baffling to see someone complain BOTH about availability AND prices. The only way you are going to get more competent vets to stay in practice is if they’re making enough money. And they aren’t. That’s why there’s a shortage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for posting this. We have a close family friend who is a veterinarian and committed suicide, so it hits close to home.

What I have learned is to figure out which animal hospitals are the best/closest (maybe ask your vet) and get same day/emergency care there.

Thanks for all you do, OP. It’s a calling to care for animals. An expensive and thankless calling. But we’d be lost without you.

They’re slammed for the same reasons

[Anonymous]

Ok? And?