I'm new at this so did not know how to say thanks to the folks who responded to my worried post. I took all advice and did more research and my pooch is much better. However, I am appalled at this new area I'm living in - at the lack of affordable, reliable, veterinary care. I was unable to get a vet to see my dog!!! Most weren't open, the ONE that was was "too busy to see an emergency case" AND the emergency clinic demanded $140 CASH just to walk in the door(literally). I didn't have the cash and they would not take a check dated for today (Mon). I was so very upset!!! Is this normal? Ok - guess I'm done ranting. Glad I found this site and thanks again.

Yes, it is normal, and I can't say that I blame vets for having this policy. It is, after all, a business. Would you walk into the grocery store, load up your cart and then ask them to take a post dated check or send you a bill?

I can't comment on the availability. But as to emergency care, yes. You have no idea who many emergency visits have gone unpaid by people over the years. The emergency clinic near me takes cash or credit. No personal checks after hours. I just figured that if it is earlier in the day, they can call the bank to at least verify the funds are there.

What a nightmare!

Hey all - I do get that vets run a business and no I wouldn't fill a shopping cart and expect to pay later - but that's me taking care of me. My dog doesn't have a choice. I'm in a new area and have yet to find vet care to count on. I've found the people at the pet store here are more knowledgable and helpful than the vets here. Where I've lived before, vets have actually CARED about animals...it's just sad that animal medicine (especially an emergency) seems to be going the way of people medicine. Out of reach for the ordinary.

The nearest emergency clinic to us is at MSU university.

visit: $250
Overnight for observation $500 - half in advance.

luckily my local vet lets me call her personal pager and I don't have to go there unless it's life threatening.

quote:

Originally posted by elz:
Hey all - I do get that vets run a business and no I wouldn't fill a shopping cart and expect to pay later - but that's me taking care of me. My dog doesn't have a choice. I'm in a new area and have yet to find vet care to count on. I've found the people at the pet store here are more knowledgable and helpful than the vets here. Where I've lived before, vets have actually CARED about animals...it's just sad that animal medicine (especially an emergency) seems to be going the way of people medicine. Out of reach for the ordinary.

Since you are new to the area and have had this experience, you should now investigate the policies of each practice and choose a vet before another issue arises.

I can remember MP interviewing several vets soon after moving, but then she thinks of EVERYTHING!

Thanks Hu-Dare - that's a GREAT suggestion! Sometimes I think I'm pretty smart and other times I just have to say DUH! I appreciate the input...now hopefully some of them may even return my phone calls as a potential client.
elz

That might be my first method of weeding them out, without forgetting your message may have been unclear in the heat of the moment.

Glad the pooch is doing better, but I'd still get him in somewhere.

Great suggestion to interview several vets - not just for price, but also to see if their philosophies re: treatment and care dovetail with your own.

Once you do find a good vet they are worth their weight in gold. I had a great one at my last residency. Since i have moved I have not found one yet that i really trust. Luckily tho I found a FANTASTIC surgeon when my dog needed back surgery and was paralyzed. He was amazing.

I wish I could find a counterpart like him who practices general veterinary medicine.

Hey Doxiechick - you said it!! My last 2 vets (for 14 years) were the absolute BEST! Perhaps I am a little spoiled and just disillusioned in my new area of residence - alot is different here. I worked for an animal nutrition company for 10 years and was pleased that not only the vets I used regularly but even the emergency clinic were open to naturopathic care as well as standard vet medicine. I love my pooch like a child and always want the best for her. I'm working on Hu-Dare's & Lorraine's suggestions now - wish me the best!
Thanks again all! -elz

Yes, I do wish you the best Elz.