This animal hospital was referred to me by my veterinarian because my cat had just been diagnosed with a liver ailment. When I got there I was told that I'd have to pay at least $150 for the consultation. All the vet at Village A.H. did was go over the tests that my own vet had forwarded to her and said that for starts it would cost me between $1,000-1,500 for starts to find out exactly what was wrong with my poor cat. My darling cat was nearly 10 years old, was obviously in pain, his breathing was labored, etc. So the vet said there was no guarantee he'd be OK plus he would have to endure a lot of discomfort from the lengthy procedures. I realized that I had failed my cat and would have to have him put to sleep because I knew he was uncomfortable, in pain, etc. I signed off so Dr. Degen could proceed and put him under. She told me to take care of the bill before returning to the room and was told to pay $285. In paying the bill, I felt that I had been my cat's executioner and her staff's consolation, as well as Dr. Degen's were hypocritical. In my opinion, vets pray on our guilt and their hope of ripping people off with a bunch of unnecessary tests that will only prolong our pet's agony. Today, I lost the most beautiful cat, my child, my Brian, and nothing will ever bring him back.
by Anonymous
November 18, 2011