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by windwalker18 on 25 May 2011 - 18:05
by SitasMom on 25 May 2011 - 18:05
sorry about your beloved dog.......its always difficult to day good bye.
"Vet I normally use refused to end her suffering because of a bill I owe"..........
Says it all..... until the complete bill was paid, and any other services were paid up front, I wouldn't do it either.
As for as prices...... I paid $85 for my Aussie to be put down and brought her corpse home and dug a hole in the back yard and burried her (the good old fasion way). I could have spent another $225 on cremation, but chose a bit of sweat equity instead.
"Vet I normally use refused to end her suffering because of a bill I owe"..........
Says it all..... until the complete bill was paid, and any other services were paid up front, I wouldn't do it either.
As for as prices...... I paid $85 for my Aussie to be put down and brought her corpse home and dug a hole in the back yard and burried her (the good old fasion way). I could have spent another $225 on cremation, but chose a bit of sweat equity instead.
by hexe on 25 May 2011 - 19:05
Sorry about your old Bassett girl, as I have a major weakness for the old dogs. They've earned being indulged, and no matter how long they were with you, they still are never with you long enough.
But I'm afraid I can't really get on-board with any sympathy regarding your primary vet's refusal to overlook the outstanding bill, either. The majority of veterinary practices run on a very close margin, and frankly, if you suddenly had the money to cover today's bill, why hadn't you been already payed some toward your outstanding bill? I'm pretty sure that if you had a big balance at either of the other practices, they'd have turned you down as well.
And FWIW, while dogs certainly are disoriented after a 'stroke' or vestibular incident, and it's hard for us to see them like that, they typically aren't 'suffering'--actually, most recover well in a few weeks, with some good home-nursing care, so it's unlikely your old gal was in agony.
But I'm afraid I can't really get on-board with any sympathy regarding your primary vet's refusal to overlook the outstanding bill, either. The majority of veterinary practices run on a very close margin, and frankly, if you suddenly had the money to cover today's bill, why hadn't you been already payed some toward your outstanding bill? I'm pretty sure that if you had a big balance at either of the other practices, they'd have turned you down as well.
And FWIW, while dogs certainly are disoriented after a 'stroke' or vestibular incident, and it's hard for us to see them like that, they typically aren't 'suffering'--actually, most recover well in a few weeks, with some good home-nursing care, so it's unlikely your old gal was in agony.
by pinkbitesleeve on 25 May 2011 - 19:05
I'm sorry about your Jezzabelle. That had to be an awful thing to experience, regardless of if this was an unexpected occurrance or if it was one of those things where 'it was only a matter of time'. Even sorrier that that, indeed is the state of things within vet practices nowadays.
Not completely their fault, really. Having worked at one as an assistant, I watched a dog come in that had been obstructed for three days, if not longer, and we took a deposit and arranged a payment plan while its owner bawled and howled broke while maxing out her Care Credit and promising to pay for his emergency surgery. Hours, many fluids and a pair of wadded up, minimally-digested black sport socks later, we took the best care we could of that dog, only to have the owner pick it up and take it home, never finish paying, avoid our phone calls to check on the dog and try to schedule a follow-up, and to then go online and rant about how we were awful and abused her pet and were cruel and demeaning and unreasonable to her and how no one should ever come to us.
She screwed it up for every honest, hardworking person who came in after her and just wanted to do right by their pet and didn't have the means because had she done what she was responsible for, my former office would have had no problem doing the same for others, as they had done even before her. Alongside excessive amounts of workplace drama, that was another reason I'm glad left the vet field. I couldn't stand to watch these pets suffer in silence, the only thing standing between them and the treatment or salvation that they needed most being a red-numbered balance on their account. It's a nauseating stalemate of business and responsibility.
Not completely their fault, really. Having worked at one as an assistant, I watched a dog come in that had been obstructed for three days, if not longer, and we took a deposit and arranged a payment plan while its owner bawled and howled broke while maxing out her Care Credit and promising to pay for his emergency surgery. Hours, many fluids and a pair of wadded up, minimally-digested black sport socks later, we took the best care we could of that dog, only to have the owner pick it up and take it home, never finish paying, avoid our phone calls to check on the dog and try to schedule a follow-up, and to then go online and rant about how we were awful and abused her pet and were cruel and demeaning and unreasonable to her and how no one should ever come to us.
She screwed it up for every honest, hardworking person who came in after her and just wanted to do right by their pet and didn't have the means because had she done what she was responsible for, my former office would have had no problem doing the same for others, as they had done even before her. Alongside excessive amounts of workplace drama, that was another reason I'm glad left the vet field. I couldn't stand to watch these pets suffer in silence, the only thing standing between them and the treatment or salvation that they needed most being a red-numbered balance on their account. It's a nauseating stalemate of business and responsibility.
by Bhaugh on 25 May 2011 - 19:05
As someone who works in the medical field and has for the past 20 or so years, although I can understand wanting to get money owed, I also think it should be on a case by case basis. I do work collections and we get jaded by people who think they shouldnt have to pay their bills for whatever reason. But to not put a dog down because of one is heartless, even for me. If someone is paying monthly without question, then I would have requested they continue to pay on the monthly bill and pay up the visit for today. But if they want to extend their credit by adding to it, then I decline.
I have had to make payments on expensive treatments or rescue dogs. I get discounts on rescue dogs and I try and always pay as I go but sometimes I cant. Because its TERRIBLE here in Vegas, vets require checks for the months you will still be owing. My qualm is that if vet care wasnt so damn expensive, then we wouldnt need to make monthly payments. Vet care here is MORE expensive than human medicine and thats what bothers me the most. Its cheaper for me to go to the doctor as a cash pay then to go to the vet. Too bad doctors wont treat my dogs.
I have had to make payments on expensive treatments or rescue dogs. I get discounts on rescue dogs and I try and always pay as I go but sometimes I cant. Because its TERRIBLE here in Vegas, vets require checks for the months you will still be owing. My qualm is that if vet care wasnt so damn expensive, then we wouldnt need to make monthly payments. Vet care here is MORE expensive than human medicine and thats what bothers me the most. Its cheaper for me to go to the doctor as a cash pay then to go to the vet. Too bad doctors wont treat my dogs.
by VKGSDs on 25 May 2011 - 19:05
A while back I was at my vet waiting for something and two dogs had to be put down. One dog was old and wheeled in on a cart, another I believe died on the table b/c the owner was REALLY upset and saying, "How can this happen?" I remember the techs saying that they could just go when they were ready, didn't have to do paperwork or payments at that time. Maybe I misinterpreted but it sounded like in the case of euthanasia they are not required to pay at check out.
by hexe on 25 May 2011 - 20:05
"Maybe I misinterpreted but it sounded like in the case of euthanasia they are not required to pay at check out."
Quite possible you understood the situation correctly. Most practices accomodate their *established clients*, without histories of floating balances without paying anything on them, in this manner. In fact, my vet came to my house, at 8:00 at night, to help ease Hexe across the bridge, and she also took Hexe's remains with her. Not a word was said about the bill when I called the clinic or while the vet was at the house...and I stopped by the clinic a day or so later, when I was in the area, and paid the fees. But they also know that I'm not going to leave them hanging with a balance, either.
Sometimes, practices will settle the bill up before the euthanasia is done, and that way the client doesn't have to communicate with anyone afterward (men especially seem to prefer to not have their tears seen by the office staff or people in the waiting room...).
A veterinary clinic isn't a finance company, and these days CareCredit approves almost anyone with a pulse, as long as you can demonstrate you're employed and have an income.
Quite possible you understood the situation correctly. Most practices accomodate their *established clients*, without histories of floating balances without paying anything on them, in this manner. In fact, my vet came to my house, at 8:00 at night, to help ease Hexe across the bridge, and she also took Hexe's remains with her. Not a word was said about the bill when I called the clinic or while the vet was at the house...and I stopped by the clinic a day or so later, when I was in the area, and paid the fees. But they also know that I'm not going to leave them hanging with a balance, either.
Sometimes, practices will settle the bill up before the euthanasia is done, and that way the client doesn't have to communicate with anyone afterward (men especially seem to prefer to not have their tears seen by the office staff or people in the waiting room...).
A veterinary clinic isn't a finance company, and these days CareCredit approves almost anyone with a pulse, as long as you can demonstrate you're employed and have an income.
by windwalker18 on 25 May 2011 - 20:05
Humm... Well I'm surprised that the overall feeling is that it's fine to leave a dog in agonal breathing.... that this is a humane action...
Yes, I owed about 150 from a previous call, but have history with this vet of treatments and payments for `over 10 years. They were Jezzy's primary vet. I called in a favor from my Mom to pay for today's bill (which was more than the previous amount) and told them I could give them a check for my old balance for when my Social Security check comes in. I DO UNDERSTAND the financial angle also, having done collections with the Vet I worked for, but I also know we NEVER would have left an owner and dog in crisis.
I know that many dogs can survive a cardiac event, but Jezz was 14, and doing agonal breathing, which generally is a sign of the end coming very soon. While I've seen it at work, Bev hasn't, and It was a humane issue for both Jezz and Bev.
I called another Vet I've known for 40 years... and he helped me out of the goodness of his heart. All he would charge me for was the cremation, which was $115 with ashes back... the 1st vet asked $200 (and they use the same pick up company) just for the cremation, and $150 for the euthanasia. They also no longer will take ANY emergency calls at night or on weekends, which means having to drive an hour or more to the nearest emergency hospital. If you have a dog with bloat, or severe bleeding, they'd be dead by the time you arrive. Both issues IMHO show a sad change in the quality of veterinary care. Yup, you can get it, but only if you've a fat purse, and arrange for your dog to have their emergencies between 8-7 during the week, or 10-2 on Saturdays... other than that you're out of luck. The Vet I went to today is in his late 70's... the question is... HOW WILL THE AVERAGE PERSON AFFORD CARE FOR THEIR PET IF THIS TREND CONTINUES?... Only people with 6 digit incomes will be able to afford a pet... that's pretty sad.
Yes, I owed about 150 from a previous call, but have history with this vet of treatments and payments for `over 10 years. They were Jezzy's primary vet. I called in a favor from my Mom to pay for today's bill (which was more than the previous amount) and told them I could give them a check for my old balance for when my Social Security check comes in. I DO UNDERSTAND the financial angle also, having done collections with the Vet I worked for, but I also know we NEVER would have left an owner and dog in crisis.
I know that many dogs can survive a cardiac event, but Jezz was 14, and doing agonal breathing, which generally is a sign of the end coming very soon. While I've seen it at work, Bev hasn't, and It was a humane issue for both Jezz and Bev.
I called another Vet I've known for 40 years... and he helped me out of the goodness of his heart. All he would charge me for was the cremation, which was $115 with ashes back... the 1st vet asked $200 (and they use the same pick up company) just for the cremation, and $150 for the euthanasia. They also no longer will take ANY emergency calls at night or on weekends, which means having to drive an hour or more to the nearest emergency hospital. If you have a dog with bloat, or severe bleeding, they'd be dead by the time you arrive. Both issues IMHO show a sad change in the quality of veterinary care. Yup, you can get it, but only if you've a fat purse, and arrange for your dog to have their emergencies between 8-7 during the week, or 10-2 on Saturdays... other than that you're out of luck. The Vet I went to today is in his late 70's... the question is... HOW WILL THE AVERAGE PERSON AFFORD CARE FOR THEIR PET IF THIS TREND CONTINUES?... Only people with 6 digit incomes will be able to afford a pet... that's pretty sad.
by Nans gsd on 25 May 2011 - 21:05
It is a sad case of affairs indeed; I have called around to get prices to spay a 62 pound female and have received these figures: $85.00 at the cheapo quick spay clinic in by 2 out by 5PM; scarey huh, then from "NORMAL" VET PRACTICE vet's as high as $700.00. Go figure; anyway I am so sorry about your girl, she looked very sweet and 14 is a great number. RIP Jezzy. Nan
by JakodaCD OA on 25 May 2011 - 22:05
I'm sorry you lost your girl:( I thank goodness for my vets..Have used them for over 15 years. They are fantastic. Will take me anytime of the day or night on an ER, let me pay what I can, when I can, and having had a few animals euthanized over the years never ask for payment at the time services are rendered. Altho I do understand why some would.
I probably paid for their kids college tuition over the years but it is what it is. I'm so thankful my vets are compassionate and really care about the welfare of animals
I probably paid for their kids college tuition over the years but it is what it is. I'm so thankful my vets are compassionate and really care about the welfare of animals
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