>From:    "Deborah W. Kemmerer, DVM"
>Subject: Posts About Vets
>
>At the risk of stirring up more controversy, I'm going to comment on the
>question about the spayed Beagle and a couple of other posts.The reason I
>don't post more is because there's a lot of vet bashing on this list.
>It's usually subtle, but there are lots of snide littlecomments.
 
Dr. Kemmerer, I also don't post here often because of an awful lot of
bashing going on here.  Often times the subject matter is painful to post
and flames from other members serve only to frustrate and cause further
pain.  I've been on the receiving end of some of the flaming and it's
very, very frustrating and inconsiderate.
 
While I understand that there most certainly are two sides to every story,
Angie in Kansas has every right to ask for documentation of the charges
incurred during the care of her late-ferret, Luna.  She also has the right
to seek advice and support of the members here.  I wouldn't be so quick to
discount her claims...investigation into the two sides of the story may
very well reveal wrong-doings on the part of the vet that treated Luna.
 
I know Angie personally and I have been doing my best to help her, if
nothing else, be allowed to SEE for herself the itemization of charges
from her vet.  She's currently not allowed to view them.  She's devastated
and in dire need of closure and explanation at the very least.  As a DMV
yourself, can you explain what rights we (as pet owners) have as far as
being supplied justification of charges?  Do we even have any rights in
this area?  I've tried to find some information myself but haven't had
much luck.  The vet bill seems a bit padded but we're unable to tell for
sure.
 
Just a side note, I realize that there are people that act out at their
vets unnecessarily out of their heartache.  I also recognize that not all
vets that lose a patient are incompetent hacks.  I have a great deal of
respect for the care veterinarians provide.  But there are cases that
warrant a bit of a look-see.  I mean no disrespect to you or your
profession at all.  I just wanted to toss in my $.02.
[Posted in FML issue 3679]