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Post by Paula on Jul 8, 2011 19:10:43 GMT
Oh I know, hun! I totally understand it too.  |
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Post by Katy on Jul 8, 2011 19:41:25 GMT
We have a "main" vet, my inlaws own their own practice, and either charge us nothing at all or just what it costs them to vaccinate, etc, for example we got one year of heartworm for our lab and 12 months heartworm to divide between the little dogs, and they charged us $41 And theyre very nice, and its a small practice so we always see Keith. Obviously theyre our primary vet. BUT, theyre like a 40 minute drive, upwards of an hour if theres construction or bad traffic. So we have my original vet in town, who is fabulous, there are three and they are all GREAT, but theyre horribly expensive. I believe it is $65 just to go in. But theyre close, so in a pinch if I just think someones under the weather and want them seen soon, I can go there. Our third vet is about 25 minutes away and out of town, but theyre 24 hrs so no upcharge for going in at 3 am with an emergency- thats where we had Mileys spay and emergency hernia repair when she became strangulated. Theyre nice, not excellent, but they always see us right away when Ive had something come up and theyre pretty cheap too. Mileys emergency op was about $180, and without us asking they offered to split it into payments if we needed to (we didnt, we were expecting to pay $300 plus). If I were you, Id choose a "primary" vet that they mainly see so they know you and your dogs, sounds like vet 3 is the best for you, but go to the others here and there as needed. If you need an extraction done or a titer test, go to the best place for that thing. There is certainly a benefit to having just one vet, but I dont think you need to commit 100% to one place, particularly when you have so many dogs and different needs for breeding etc. |
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Post by brodysmom on Jul 8, 2011 21:34:15 GMT
If I were you, Id choose a "primary" vet that they mainly see so they know you and your dogs, sounds like vet 3 is the best for you, but go to the others here and there as needed. If you need an extraction done or a titer test, go to the best place for that thing. There is certainly a benefit to having just one vet, but I dont think you need to commit 100% to one place, particularly when you have so many dogs and different needs for breeding etc. I agree with Katy. I'd pick and choose a bit. I'd want the best surgeon to do my surgeries. I'd choose the one who does titers cheaply for that, etc. It's kinda like people doctors. Many of us have a gynecologist, an internist, etc. and don't go to just ONE doctor to handle everything. |
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Post by mchis on Jul 9, 2011 1:16:33 GMT
ACK, we're sort of in the same boat as you. The latest vet we've visited sounds like your #2. We have one more I'm going to try out soon & go from there. I'd probably bounce around if I was you unless you could find a vet you were 100% comfy with in everything. Having so many dogs it's hard not to look at cost & take that into major consideration. On the other hand you shouldn't have to sacrifice in other areas either.
Of all your choices, if I had to pick one I'm learning toward #3 but if given the choice maybe #2 as a routine check-up/titer/vaccination as they're easy to get to & less expensive. I dunno...hard choice!!
One thing on #1--it's great that she doesn't push vacs down your throat & is so seemingly clueless about that LOL but on the other hand you don't take me as a person who is afraid to say it like you want it & stick to it with other vets regarding vaccines. Only bummer is they're great with your dogs...which really is worth something I know!
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Post by london12 on Jul 9, 2011 6:42:40 GMT
I would stick with number 3 even though she is an equine vet as well there are a lot of similarities and in a way she may be more careful when she is attending to small dogs because she knows everything has to be scaled down. Sounds like she is clean and efficient AND the added bonus of being on site for that delightful middle of the night c- section possibility.
I use a medivet practice evry locally who have a full blown 24 hour hospital in Hendon. There was a terrible tv expose programme of them maltreating animals but they are one of the biggest vet chains so it was easy to get in undercover and film the problems. I am really happy with my vet and can phone for advice at any time, she doesn't treat me like an idiot and we can discuss and agree treatments. She has seen my dogs when they are meant to close (and didn't charge) and gives me discounts due to the number of dogs I have. She loves dealing with my lot as they are so well behaved. They are quite cheap apoart from c- sections.
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Post by cherper on Jul 9, 2011 7:00:22 GMT
idk. 3 sounds the best to me though. Good luck!
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Kelly
Smooth Coat   
Posts: 217
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Post by Kelly on Jul 9, 2011 19:52:50 GMT
We use a few different vets, and I like it best this way. Why not just use whomever is best for whatever service you need? My vets "frown" upon what I do, but unless they are willing to offer me the same prices as the other vet, I'm moving around!  |
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Post by Kristi on Jul 10, 2011 7:01:41 GMT
i've been without internet for a day or two...lol! I need to actually respond but am so tired I will tomorrow, but THANK YOU so far for all the advice |
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