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From:
christine herman <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 7 Feb 2003 04:47:37 -0800
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Jen in PA,
 
Hi.  I read your post and unfortunatly, and from what I have noticed, it
is normal for a vet to refuse an emergency.I do not know if normal is the
right word.but I have seen it before.
 
To cover themselves they tell you nothing on the phone.If the vet is one
you regulary use they will come to the office during off hours for an
emergency and charge a pretty penny for it.  I had an emergency one night
late on a sunday .My vet took care of it as I was a regular of his but he
would not give me back the ferret untill I went to an ATM machine in the
pouring rain at midnight to withdraw the $400 for the visit .The ferret
needed 2 sutures.
 
What he would have done of I did not happen to have that in my account
was to hold my ferret untill I did.  He would not take a check despite
the fact I had been using him for years.He did not want to be bothered to
call the bank automated service to verify a good check.
 
If this were my kid's doctor I would like to see a practioner try that
trick!
 
Here in Manhatten I have had emergencys, or questions and been refused
by private vets.I have been told to go to the human society emergency
clinic.  To walk in the door costs $118-$180.  If you do not have $118-
$180 you and your pet can go somewhere else and drop dead.
 
I had a vet once who I had used for years.  He knew i did rescue work and
was a frequent visitor to his office.  I never gave him any reason to
think I would not"pay up".  I brought one of my guys once who had a
gastro problem and dehydration.  Before the vet would give subQ fluids
the receptionist called me over and asked if I would pay for treatment
beforehand.  I was shocked.  I said what if I do not have the $.  She
told me the vet would not give the fluids or antibiotics.  I said" but I
have been coming here for years, my Arthur could be dead in a few hours
without treatment!  " " she said" that is our policy.  I bundled up my
guy and left then and there and went elsewhere.  In the parking lot was
the vet's big shiny new mercedes with the license plate 'PetDoc"..so I am
not interested in hearing about office overhead or impoverishment from
non payment.
 
If you are over whelmingly interested in the profit margin open a chain
of shoe stores and not a vet or human medical facility.Everyone has a
right to make a living and a good one at that.... but..
 
There are many vets who will work with you and work with an emergency who
is not a regular patient.  I think it is perhaps in small towns.
 
As in many professions vets are caught between "doing the right thing"
and "show me the money"
 
Dooks, Christine , Arthur ( still crazy after all these
years),Pooky,Winnie,Timmy,Woozle,Vincent,Doodlebug
 
Weasel ward
http://www.geocities.com/christineherman2002/
[Posted in FML issue 4052]

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