Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Friday, December 18, 2009

Show Me the Money



Today I took Indy for his annual exam and immunizations. The vet checked a bump that's been growing on his upper eyelid. Apparently the growth is too big for her to safely remove, so she's sending us to see a doggie opthalmologist. Yes, another trip to a veterinary specialist. Indy and I are old hands at weird disorders and this is just another one to add to the list. Two lab tests, three shots, and six months of heartworm preventive later, I tried not to faint when I paid the bill. Then with much lighter checking account and brochure for the specialist clutched in my hand, we left the clinic.

I opened the brochure when we got home and read a long list of qualifications for the veterinary opthalmologist. He's got more degrees, experience, and distinguised service credits than most general practitioners I know. Pretty impressive stuff for a vet. (By the way, when's the last time your doctor gave you a brochure on a specialist? Usually they hand you a card and tell you to call the number...but I digress.) I folded up the brochure and rubbed my eyes.

Unfortunately, I may have to set an opthalmologist appointment for myself, too.

Suddenly I see nothing but dollar signs.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL! Tom and I were saying much the same thing recently. The standard of care our animals get is outstanding and makes our own seem inferior. It is a good job we love our critters isn't it?

Anonymous said...

Lady's fine frolics, resulting in the "hot spot" that required her to see the vet, cost me more than I wanted to part with right here at Christmas time! I could've done my grocery shopping on the amount! Or a good part of it, at least!

But--when one takes on a pet, one also takes on the responsibility of health care--or should anyway. I don't begrudge it to her and wouldn't do any less for her. (Even if she did repay me by helping herself to almost an entire pan of freshly-baked apple crisp just the other day...)

Good luck to Indy at the doggie opthamologist--and perhaps you'll strike oil in the backyard over the holidays...

Ann Summerville said...

I loved your post. Doggie expenses certainly add up. My dog has diabetes and I could have purchased a small country with the amount I've spent on vet bills. I hope that Indy has a happy outcome.
Ann