It shouldn't happen to a vet

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Bluntj

556 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3330094 10-Jan-2025 20:03

Vet always gives me a kind of maximum number as it always depends on what they discover eg number of extractions. I have also found that the large "amalgamated Vet practices" have a scale of charges larger than a private hospital and the costs are now huge.

Shop around.

Paul1977

5044 posts

Uber Geek

#3330240 11-Jan-2025 11:43

mattwnz:

It would depend on the temperament of the cat and whether it is used to it. Maybe they price based on the worst cat. I know some cats hate to have their claws trimmed, while mine likes it.

I don’t think you’d get a vet these days who wouldn’t be putting the cat fully under for a clean, so temperament shouldn’t factor into it.

It’s whether $1,000 is reasonable for putting a cat under and cleaning its teeth. I remember IV fluids were recommended, but optional, and were over $100 extra several years ago so probably even more now. How does a bag of saline cost over $100?

They offered to clip his claws while he was under for something like $20 or $25. That would take all of a minute. That’s the same as they’d charge if he’s awake. Hell, I can do them myself while he’s awake in well less than 5 minutes.

It not all price gouging, but I think there’s a far bit of it.

Paul1977

5044 posts

Uber Geek

#3330241 11-Jan-2025 11:45

Bluntj:

Vet always gives me a kind of maximum number as it always depends on what they discover eg number of extractions. I have also found that the large "amalgamated Vet practices" have a scale of charges larger than a private hospital and the costs are now huge.

Shop around.

It’s funny how the “worst case” estimate always seems to be what they end up charging though.

jamesrt

1612 posts

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#3330244 11-Jan-2025 12:02

Paul1977:

Bluntj:

Vet always gives me a kind of maximum number as it always depends on what they discover eg number of extractions. I have also found that the large "amalgamated Vet practices" have a scale of charges larger than a private hospital and the costs are now huge.

Shop around.

It’s funny how the “worst case” estimate always seems to be what they end up charging though.

We had our dog's teeth cleaned last year at a main-stream Vet practice here in Porirua; the dog was fully sedated (unconscious), there was a blood test advised prior to check for potential issues with that. The "worst case" possibility was 4 figures, the "most likely" case was $9xx (can't recall exactly what now); and we wound up paying just over $800.

tehgerbil

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#3331208 14-Jan-2025 09:55

Rikkitic is bang on the money - Vets are supposed to be bound by a legal oath to prevent unnecessary suffering to animals, e.g. accept a found injured animal and perform basic medical care without expectation of payment.

However I know damn well many vets willfully let animals suffer and refuse to lower their extortionate fees and prey on owners emotions by treating their beloved animal like a cash pinata.

Of particular concern is the fees many charge for euthanasia, the drugs they inject are usually marked up by 150+% which ensures animals suffer and die in pain.

Prefaced with NOT ALL VETS! But seriously too many vets are greedy, borderline sociopathic who have absolutely no moral compass and are so depressed by the pain and suffering they deal with they really are in no fit state to practise veterinary medicine.

Unfortunately as a result vet suicide rates are amongst the worst in any industry. It is an awful state of affairs.

johno1234

2806 posts

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#3331210 14-Jan-2025 10:05

I heard a different perspective from someone I played golf with on the weekend.

He owns 4 veterinary practices in the Hawkes Bay. He said if he were to relive his life he would not go into this business as it is too hard to get into the training, too hard to complete, too hard working conditions (hours, dealing with unhappy owners), too high expenses and doesn't make enough profit given all of the above. The main issue regarding expenses is staffing overheads - by the time he has paid the vets, the vet nurses and the office admin/reception, funded equipment and premises etc the return is worse than other general business opportunities.

In short, he said he would tell a young himself be a vet if you want to do good for animals and their owners but don't be a vet if you want to get rich. There are easier ways to make more money. Be a specialist surgeon being right up there.

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