Excessive Vet costs?
OK, am I nuts or did I just get totally ripped off by Banfield Pet Hospital? My rat terrier, Annie, got bit by another dog yesterday afternoon. I took her to the local Banfield since that is the cl...
Forum Discussion
dturm wrote:
Always request an estimate in writing before agreeing to any surgical or involved lab or medical procedure. If your vet doesn't provide it or cops an attitude, walk.
Doug, DVM
I have to comment ...
My Lab, Jed, just went through pretty major eye surgery for a melanoma at an opthalmological (sp?) vet. I was given an estimate, swallowed hard, and gave the okay. Later that afternoon when I picked him up the bill was $700 higher than the estimate. Sure would have been nice to get a phone call to let me know.
Additionally, the vet found that the tumor was larger than she anticipated (hence, the higher bill -- more of everything in surgery), and she changed her mind about it being benign. If I'd known THAT I'd have told her to take the eye out. As it stands, I get to play the waiting game now to see if it returns to the eye, at which time I will have it removed.
I think the lesson here is communication. The vet should have been more communicative with me during the surgery, and I should have been more directive with her about the "what ifs". It's really hard to think of all the possible scenarios when you're in the throes of life-and-death decisions. But it's vital to try and keep communication lines open so that there aren't majorly upset people when it's all done.
