BLUEY'S FIGHT
“…my dog would be passed on to the RSPCA to be euthanased, said the arrogant vet…”
In recent weeks Bluey had a fight with a big goanna – an Australian lizard – and almost had his left foreleg severed.
Seven tendons were cut. Only two could be rejoined with surgery.
He also incurred claw injuries, so there was a very real danger of infection.
When I carried him into the Alice Springs Veterinary Clinic, I was presented with a form and was asked to sign it at once; it predicted a total cost of almost $2,000, and this amount was expected to be paid immediately.
If the damaged leg was amputated, the cost would be less, was the advice given.
Should the total amount not be forthcoming, my dog would be passed on to the RSPCA to be euthanased, said the arrogant vet.
So insensitive for people who are allegedly considerate and caring.
With the subsequent treatment given to Bluey – such as re-bandaging his leg now and then – the vet’s fees rose to over $2,000.
It would appear there is a great need for government intervention into the way veterinary surgeons exploit vulnerable pet owners. Their methods are mercenary and totally greedy.
In vet’s waiting rooms one hears extraordinary stories of pet owners and the effects of their being “ripped off” during vulnerable moments. One lady confessed she was forced to have her cat euthanased because she, being a pensioner, could not afford the exorbitant fees demanded by veterinary surgeons.
“Every time I brought him in here it cost me $170,” she complained. “Take that out of your pension and there isn’t much left to live on.”
In the case of the Alice Springs Veterinary Clinic, the manager, Debbie Osborne, admitted she had nine vets fully employed and she was in the process of constructing more luxurious premises.
In the meantime, old Bluey is limping around uncomfortably, and he may well be left with a permanent limp.
I read the story about poor Bluey. It is AWFUL! This is really arrogant and greedy of veterinary surgeons. You did very well to put that story on the web site for all people to read. Let everyone know how the vets treat people in Alice Springs. I wish Bluey will get himself well as soon as possible. All the best to you. Kisses.
— Srebrina Jordanova, Bulgaria. · 7 February 2009 · #
Was the ‘arrogant’ vet the one who drives around with the ‘Bitch’ sticker on her car?
— Minette · 7 February 2009 · #
I have long suspected that the Vets have it over us. They say medication is so expensive due to the fact there is no Government assistance, maybe so, but why smack us in the face with a bill for a visit that will cut our income for the week in half. They have us animal lovers over a barrel..Pay up or shut up.
— Lori Bloch · 14 February 2009 · #
Lovely to see Bluey looking so perky! Vets like Dentists and Lawyers, continue to rob us blind and sadly, we have no damn recourse!
— Sandi · 16 February 2009 · #
Indeed. Bluey is a handsome fellow and deserves a little extra TLC. I wish him well.
— merriellen · 5 March 2009 · #
Both the vet. and the RSPCA are arrogant…and ignorant.
I’ve repaired broken legs and tended animal wounds for over 60 years on the land without the need for vets, with very few actual losses.
Animals heal far more quickly than humans, whereas ‘imprisonment’ in a cage at the vets. can cause stress from which some never recover.
We have been conditioned to run to the doctor or the vets – but think again – the proof is in the results.
— Dave · 19 June 2009 · #
I totally agree that Vets are getting away with a lot of over charging. It would still have cost you $300 to have your dog put dowm.Vets are making a lot on hind leg paralysis.Talking people into expencive operations which dont help, as most of the time the cause can be something the dog ate.Anyone who has raised their own baby chicks and fed them chick crumbles would probably notice their dogs having trouble with their back legs, which they recover from after about three weeks of TLC.The anitbiotic called ‘Avetec’Lasalocid sodium.causes this problem, and operations and Stem Cell treatment doesn’t cure it.If the feed stores did the right thing and warned their customers not to allow dogs access to either crumbles or the poo from chicks eating the crumbles, them the vets wouldn’t be charging people for operations that won’t help, when it was the chemical,that had caused the hind leg problem.This has happened to a few of my friends.
— Maxine · 23 March 2011 · #