Hi Guys/Gals,
Do not intend to "stir the pot" or start a feud, but feel I must defend my Profession here. I am a semi-retired
DVM and proud to be such. I started practice in So Ala mid 70's doing large animal, saw lots "hollow tail", pulled
60-70 # calves on 300-400 # heifers, did c'sections, so I know of the economics involved in livestock work. Circumstances, some economic, some my choice led me to 40 yrs small animal practice in Columbus, Ga. At that time
was hard to charge road trip and treatment on a calf that could be replaced at sale barn for less than $50.
I will not deny that a lot of "what the market will bear" goes on especially in metropolitan areas, but these people have invested many years, and in most cases have invested heavily into their practice. Seems the average pet owner expects treatment of their pets to be roughly equivalent to human medicine. We do this out of pocket, no government purchase, use of hospital equip, etc. Few years ago had conversation with friend who is Human Orthopedist, discussing my need for a piece of equipment. He laughed, said I never thought of having to justify, we just tell hospital what we want and its there.
All states have a body that governs the Veterinary Profession, by setting minimal standard of care, licensing, and a body that handles potential malpractice/complaints. Most these board consist of several segment of population, so is not a DVM whitewash. I know some in my profession for what ever reason do not truly practice to that minimum, but every minute they do that they are putting themselves, clients, and patients at risk. But, in most cases they can do that at a lesser cost.
The clinic I currently do small amount work is run with the patient in mind. We have 2 registered Vet Tech on duty @ all times, full electronic anesthetic monitoring, use primarily gas anesthesia, heated pad surgery table, nothing beyond Young spay or neuter is done w/o full lab, Iv fluids with pain reliever on board. My colleague chose when he started this practice (my semi-retirement) that he would do every thing by the book. None of this is paid for except by us/therefore the client.
Had a colleague few years ago, client dog very bad condition, gave client est for treatment, client said why I want pay that for $25 I can go to pound and get another dog. Colleague "Do You want a dog or this dog, if this dog this is estimate"
In my years I have seen instances of what I felt was overpricing, procedures done for 1/2 what I could perform same for, but examining latter was usually justified by lack of supportive work/care. A young healthy spay or neuter can routinely be done with injectable anesthesia w/o bloodwook, etc., 90% all good no problem. Have seen older dogs with tumors done same probably 65% probability success there. But neither these examples live up to the minimal standards of Veterinary Care as described by most state boards, and I will not do that.
We have both state licensing boards, general public, and our clients looking over our shoulder, so it ani't do as I want profession.
Wilson Lamar Parmer, DVM
Auburn 1975