[graciegirl]

Has anyone been faced with suggestions for treatment for their pet that were new to them and felt guilty wondering if they were actually needed? Vet care is far more expensive than it was back home, and makes me feel insecure about trusting them on some tests and medications and procedures.

I expect to get a lot of critical comments and perhaps I deserve them. We do love our kitties very much.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Has anyone been faced with suggestions for treatment for their pet that were new to them and felt guilty wondering if they were actually needed? Vet care is far more expensive than it was back home, and makes me feel insecure about trusting them on some tests and medications and procedures.

I expect to get a lot of critical comments and perhaps I deserve them. We do love our kitties very much.

No criticism from me. We use a vet outside of The Villages, (Park Heights), and I will say they connect with UF and an advanced care place in Maitland, but they do not push that--only if it is beyond their capabilities. I feel they go out of their way to solve the problem themselves. They also consider each pet's age and condition. For instance, no removal of fatty tumor for 15-yr-old golden even though it hinders his walking somewhat, because of the anesthesia risks.

I will say that the vet. Sciences have advanced so much that there may be many more "fixes" available now than you and I were raising our kids and kitties back in the '70s & 80s, GG. And they are very pricey.

Hope everyone at your house is okay.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Has anyone been faced with suggestions for treatment for their pet that were new to them and felt guilty wondering if they were actually needed? Vet care is far more expensive than it was back home, and makes me feel insecure about trusting them on some tests and medications and procedures.

I expect to get a lot of critical comments and perhaps I deserve them. We do love our kitties very much.

I've found that vet care inside the villages is very expensive. We went outside the villages with our girl and found them to be a lot cheaper then any where in Massachusetts. That being said I have no doubt that the care provided at most animal hospitals and their doctors provide excellent care. I don't believe you could be in the business and not care.

[Bonnevie]

I feel that there are some places that seem to want to do more than is necessary. I wonder at the places where there are many younger vets if it's tied to their compensation. I've had some very bad experiences here. I now go to Dr. Porter in Wildwood and like him very much. He doesn't have a fancy office (it's in the strip mall next to the Amish furniture store.) He's a solo practitioner and very knowledgeable. He listened to me when no one else did, looked at what happened with fresh eyes, and got my dog thru a horrible experience. I've also heard Live Oaks in Summerfield is good and reasonable, but that so many Villages have started going there, they can not take new patients right now.

[Jima64]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Has anyone been faced with suggestions for treatment for their pet that were new to them and felt guilty wondering if they were actually needed? Vet care is far more expensive than it was back home, and makes me feel insecure about trusting them on some tests and medications and procedures.

I expect to get a lot of critical comments and perhaps I deserve them. We do love our kitties very much.

I prefer a older vet that has paid his expenses off setting up,a practice rather than a new, younger dr. Just my choice after manynyears of my vet in his late 70's giving us great service till ill health retired him. My newer vet, at the moment, wanted $22 for a dose of med for tapeworm, prescribed by phone through the office manager. I know now that it is less than $2 online. Limited budget so I have to shop,around.

[spring_chicken]

I'm about to try Dr. Porter as I've been 3 places. The worst was Buffalo Ridge. I took my dog in complaining of skin issues and for 15 minutes they tried to talk me into getting blood work for a teeth cleaning (another vet later told me the teeth were fine). When they finally looked at the skin issue they sent me home with $60 worth of shampoo and conditioner. Apparently they don't know what fleas looked like because that ended up being the problem after a visit to a different clinic. (I couldn't find them because the dog has long black hair).

[summerhill]

Been here 12 years. Buffalo Ridge has gotten very expensive. Cple of years ago rescued a mama and 3 feral kittens.. called around for "fixin" prices, unbelievable. Used Lady Lake Vet near 466 and 441... best prices and no Pressure, they were great!!!!