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From the Trenches

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A Vet’s Story

[/trx_title][trx_title type=”4″ align=”center” color=”#434544″ weight=”700″ bottom=”mini”]by Dr. Eileen Savier CVA, CVCH[/trx_title][vc_column_text]

LET’S GET REAL:  Unexpected Costs Associated with Veterinary Care

Several times a week, if not daily, I am presented with a pet that is ill and when discussing testing or treatment the conversations turns…”This is not a good time to spend extra money we just had to replace our stove.” “This isn’t a good time my husband just had surgery.” “We are getting ready to go on vacation.” If you can think of a reason I’ve heard it! Illness, accidents, and emergencies are not convenient, if they were we would be ready. Fact is that if your pet is sick and needs care and you haven’t planned financially for an illness or emergency you are going to have to make some difficult choices. I can give you options for test and treatment as is appropriate for the situation but you will have to make decisions based on what you can afford-this is HARD.

The veterinary staff is not responsible for covering the cost of care, offering discounts, or extending lines of credit. I have talked previously about planning for such emergencies. Setting up a savings account for your pet, pet insurance to help off set costs, and applying for care credit (if accepted by your veterinarian). It is important not to wait until your pet has escaped your house, chased the Amazon delivery truck and now has a fractured leg before knowing how much money you can mobilize for care. Let’s take a look at a few common emergencies we see at our office and rough costs associated with them….

• Foreign body ingestion- $1800- 2000+
• Minor toxin exposure- $500-800
• Allergic reaction minor (Bee sting)- $300
• Dog fight/ minor laceration- $400 – 800
• Fractured tooth- $400-600

Keep in mind these are minor emergencies! If you pet breaks a leg you could be looking at ~$4K for repair or if your dog’s stomach bloats and twists… $6-8K.

We do not like when your pets are ill or injured any more than you do but it does cost money to provide treatment. Not being prepared causes delayed care or may result in euthanasia if treatment cannot be given. As you can imagine this situation is stressful and is often the cause of excessive stress on families and veterinary care teams. We hear “If you really loved animals you would just fix it” or “All you care about is money.” We know these things are said because people are suffering but it hurts all the same. We do love animals and we are here to help but things cost money. Help us do our best for your family. Be prepared, be honest about what you can pay for, and work with us to care for your pet.

Pet insurance: https://www.pet-insurance-university.com

Care credit: https://www.carecredit.com

[/vc_column_text][/trx_section][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1533135180690{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1533134942241{background-color: #d9ae4c !important;}”][trx_title type=”2″ align=”left” color=”#f6f2e4″ left=”20″ right=”20″]About Dr. Eileen Savier[/trx_title][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533135315368{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;}”]Barks & Recreation is proud to feature Dr. Eileen Savier CVA, CVCH as our Veterinary Blogger in our “From the Vet” Series. Currently part of the team of doctors at Keystone Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Savier is a 2012 Graduate of the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, She completed her clinical experience at The Ohio State University and after veterinary school she pursued further education and certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Fear Free veterinary visits. Dr. Savier has a special interest in integrative medicine, animal behavior, and internal medicine and is committed to improving animal health care by integrating Eastern and Western philosophies. She enjoys working with fearful & aggressive dogs and cats and she has had additional training in low stress handling techniques and encourages positive reinforcement during exams and procedures. Her clinical interests include pain management, animal behavior, geriatric patient care, and internal medicine. Dr. Savier is a member of the following associations:

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
• American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AATCVM)
• Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)

Dr. Savier shares her home with two (soon to be three) dogs, two cats, and a toddler. She lovingly refers to her two dogs as Coconut Retrievers as they were rescue dogs she brought home from the island of St. Kitts. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and planning her next Disney vacation.

Join us every month for Dr. Savier’s “From the Vet” series to get more information related to the health and welfare of your furry family members![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]