I have no complaints about the vet practice I use now, they are brilliant! They are still a family run affair dealing with both farm and small animals. I've found they don't push for extra treatments or investigations, even when they know the dog is insured, and many times after an initial consultation they will talk for free over the phone. The practice I was with before was fine too until the senior partner retired then it became quite money focused with treatments/investigations being pushed, prices rocketing and the atmosphere between the staff just not feeling right. There are still some good practices out there who put the animals interests first, insurance or not.
Of course vets are open to criticism or accusation but please be mindful that you could cause them serious professional problems as you're effectively accusing them of being unethical which their governing body would take extremely seriously.
The types of treatment vets offer has changed hugely over the years and many vets have a lot of high tech equipment as well as additional staff for overnight stays, and so it's not unreasonable that their fees are higher because of their investment in their business. However I think there is still a place for the type of vet practice I'm currently registered with, which charges much lower prices than other local practices. They have fewer overheads / investment costs as they don't have the ability to carry out complex procedures. (When I was preparing for Molly's x rays, I was told that after that she might have to be referred to another practice - thankfully all was fine.) The building isn't very smart (a converted bungalow) and essentially they do the basic stuff like vaccinations, neutering etc. They also don't provide out of hours themselves - if you ring you are passed to another practice. But for most ordinary things they're fine and I appreciate not having to pay such high fees.
It's really interesting to read all the different views. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, but this thread has made me really wish we had an independent vet close by, lucky you people who do! As an aside, severe arthritis and spondylitis(?) Of spine diagnosed and bill was £600, so monetarily not as bad as it could have been. Now to work to keep him comfortable for as long as possible. Healthy wishes to you and yours!
According to a recent study by an insurance company vets charges vary depending on your post code in the UK.
And a bunch of costs borne by the vet (eg. the cost of buying or renting the veterinary practice premises) would also vary by postcode.
The biggest problem I've had was getting my vet to tell me what to do. I think they are so scared of litigation these days they avoid saying what they think and leave it to the owner to make sometimes difficult decisions. This happened to me when I was agonising whether my dog, Lady, should have her elbows operated on to alleviate a form of ED. I can completely understand the vet's position - really expensive operation and outcome not guaranteed. He caved in in the end when I said if she was your dog what would you do. I think he took a chance and said he'd definitely have the operation done. All went very well, but I guess if it hadn't and he'd advised the wrong person he could have had all sorts of grief.
@David, that is very interesting, never thought of that! I know doctors ask you what you want to do, which I always think is strange as they are the ones who should know!
