Do you realize what is happening in veterinary medicine now?

The Current State of Veterinary Medicine: A Personal Insight by Dr. Andrew Jones

Most people are unaware of the dramatic changes happening in veterinary medicine today. There are significant increases in fees and barriers to accessing veterinary care that every pet owner should be aware of. My name is Dr. Andrew Jones, and I appreciate your support for our channel. If you haven’t yet subscribed, I encourage you to do so by clicking the link above. Once you subscribe, you can access a free copy of my book directly through the link below.

Over the past few months, I’ve had numerous discussions with subscribers and former clients about veterinary fees that are beyond anything I could have imagined. Many pet parents are facing veterinary bills exceeding ten thousand dollars. For instance, one person’s cat developed diabetes due to being on corticosteroids, leading to extremely high treatment costs at a specialized cat clinic, including extensive internal workups, IV fluids, round-the-clock care, and even a feeding tube. The cost? Over fifteen thousand dollars.

Reflecting on Veterinary Costs: Then and Now

Ten years ago, while I was still practicing, we treated many sick dogs and cats, some of which were critically ill and required intensive care. However, I could never have imagined a scenario where a client would be sent home with a bill exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. Times have changed; veterinary fees have risen, and indeed, the costs to run a veterinary practice have increased significantly—support staff salaries, insurance, and equipment aren’t cheap. But it seems that the fees charged by some veterinary practices have risen disproportionately.

The Rising Costs and the Ethics of Veterinary Care

There’s a huge demand for high-quality veterinary care, and as a pet parent myself, I understand the desire to do whatever it takes to ensure our pets are healthy. However, not everyone is in a financial position to afford such care. Is it fair that only a select few who have the financial means can afford the highest quality of veterinary care while many cannot?

Perhaps I’m a bit old-fashioned; I practiced veterinary medicine for nearly two decades and owned my own practice. Maybe I didn’t charge enough, but we never turned clients away. We always found a way to see every animal in need, offering payment plans and even setting up a fund for those who couldn’t afford care.

Veterinary medicine is becoming more like human medicine, with advanced diagnostics such as MRIs becoming common. However, I believe that if you’re a skilled and competent veterinarian, you should be able to diagnose many conditions without these expensive tests.

Alternative Solutions and Engaging as a Pet Parent

So, what are your options if you’re facing high veterinary costs? First, it’s crucial to have a good relationship with a local veterinarian who understands your financial situation and is willing to work with you. Many old-school veterinarians are still out there who will offer lower-cost solutions while still providing a path to recovery for your pet.

Secondly, think preventively. Keep your pets as healthy as possible by feeding them well, ensuring they get regular exercise, and considering affordable supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. Educate yourself about different remedies for common pet ailments, as discussed on our channel. For example, instead of prednisone for an itching cat, a daily antihistamine like cetirizine might be a better and safer option.

Lastly, be an empowered and engaged pet parent. Advocate for your pet by asking your veterinarian important questions about the necessity of diagnostic tests and treatments, and inquire about safer alternatives or potential side effects of long-term medications.

Conclusion: Advocating for Affordable Veterinary Care

Veterinary medicine is facing a crisis of escalating fees that could prevent millions of pets from receiving necessary care. Do what you can to ensure that your pet isn’t one of them. Thank you for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications, and by clicking the link below, I can send you a copy of my free book.