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Speaking of what is happening in the Veterinarian business............

Buzzer777

Buzzer777

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This recently appeared in my uTube feed. It offers a peek into the financial goings on and Corporate (and private equity) motivations; and their effects on our pet's heath.

It is mainly about USA vets; but I bet it also applies in other locales. (about 16 minutes long).

 
I have recent experience on a smaller scale. My dog’s tablets cost £120 for 30 tablets, from my Vet. That’s one month’s worth.

I have just got a written prescription from the Vet for £20, then ordered online….100 tablets (just over 3 months worth) for £98 including the postage. Total £118 if my maths is right. Huge saving and I can’t see how the Vet can justify such a massive mark-up. I get that they have overheads but…really?

I was having a conversation with my friend, who’s a GP, and she says that an MRI scan for a person is cheaper than for a dog.
 
My own recent experience.
The family practice vet I have used for more then ten years; was sold to a money grubber who was their #1 surgeon.
My dog was given 2 vaccinations (Parvo and Rabies (Rabies required by law)) where the prices here are fixed by law. (like $45 max if I recall.)
So they charged me an additional $70 for a so called exam that consisted of weighing her and asking me a bunch of questions.

Luckily I also have a high quality private mobile vet for regular visits, and a good 24x7 ER, if my dogs need fast care.
All in all, it is not a good situation here (Nevada USA); and my dogs are getting older.
 
Buzzer777 said:
My own recent experience.
The family practice vet I have used for more then ten years; was sold to a money grubber who was their #1 surgeon.
My dog was given 2 vaccinations (Parvo and Rabies (Rabies required by law)) where the prices here are fixed by law. (like $45 max if I recall.)
So they charged me an additional $70 for a so called exam that consisted of weighing her and asking me a bunch of questions.

Luckily I also have a high quality private mobile vet for regular visits, and a good 24x7 ER, if my dogs need fast care.
All in all, it is not a good situation here (Nevada USA); and my dogs are getting older.
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I live in Hungary and not so long ago my vet was complaining about the number of vet practices that were being taking over by large companies. His practice is a family concern having been started by his father who is now semi retired.

About three weeks ago one of my dogs was given a general health test before being given his annual Rabies vaccination and Worm treatment, plus both dogs had their nails clipped. The bill for everything came 17,500 Hungarian Forint which is approximately $52. A big difference to what you paid.
 
My daughter went to a chain vet for blood to be drawn from her cat. € 300. Plus lab costs of €70
George had a needle biopsy at my independent vets incl lab cost € 160
 
Something needs to be done. I think there's a wider conversation here about the rights and wrongs of practices - and businesses generally - being taken over for profit. I don't think the government will do anything about it, from the outside they probably see it as investment in a particular industry. From the inside, I'm almost certain there's an exchange of benefits (i.e. money changing hands). The way I look at it is that these large companies have one goal - profit. Regardless of what they say, making money is their motivator.
 
Animal Trust provides non-profit care but there are only 14 so far. I’m with Medivet and the vet didn’t add my dog’s dental work to the x-ray charge even though she is insured.
 
One of the biggest chains in the Netherlands 272 Clinics is owned by a company that also owns over 1000 vet clinics in the UK, in turn they are owned by private equity company and one of the investors is a major pet food company. The company has Holdings in 18 different countries. Their financial management is one of the biggest names in banking and of course their goal is making money so it comes down to profit the mighty dollar has spoken.
Meanwhile it's our pets or rather us who pay the price so that the investors can get their bonuses..
 
Mad Murphy said:
One of the biggest chains in the Netherlands 272 Clinics is owned by a company that also owns over 1000 vet clinics in the UK, in turn they are owned by private equity company and one of the investors is a major pet food company. The company has Holdings in 18 different countries. Their financial management is one of the biggest names in banking and of course their goal is making money so it comes down to profit the mighty dollar has spoken.
Meanwhile it's our pets or rather us who pay the price so that the investors can get their bonuses..
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The worst thing they ever did was to allow anyone to own a vet practice, years ago only a vet could buy a practice, then the law changed. Now it’s all about investors and just to make money, no thought for the animals and owners. It’s just another business to them.
 
I think if you have a good relationship with your vets then you do get some perks (I know it can be hard with all these chains). I'm lucky that my vet has still got a few vets from before they were taken over by a chain, and that because I'm a regular and have a scientific background I get a good service. My vet will always ask if I want a written prescription to save money, and has shown me some things I can buy on the internet cheaper than the stuff you get from the vets such as medicated shampoos and the likes.
I do know a Dobe that had to go to the OOH's emergency vets for a suspected bloat (luckily he deflated by himself) and it cost the owners £900!!! They did a couple of ultrasounds and gave him fluids and monitored him, and that was all. That to me is outrageous.
 
Sarah k9s said:
I think if you have a good relationship with your vets then you do get some perks (I know it can be hard with all these chains). I'm lucky that my vet has still got a few vets from before they were taken over by a chain, and that because I'm a regular and have a scientific background I get a good service. My vet will always ask if I want a written prescription to save money, and has shown me some things I can buy on the internet cheaper than the stuff you get from the vets such as medicated shampoos and the likes.
I do know a Dobe that had to go to the OOH's emergency vets for a suspected bloat (luckily he deflated by himself) and it cost the owners £900!!! They did a couple of ultrasounds and gave him fluids and monitored him, and that was all. That to me is outrageous.
Click to expand...
I hate to think the cost if he had to have the surgery for this 😩
 
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