Is The Vet Just Trying To Get More $$$???

Question

So here's the deal...i have a 12 yr old lab that had surgery monday night to remove a corn on the cob that got stuck in her intestine...She's been at the vet since. We expected to take her home tonight but the vet says it may be a good idea to keep her there longer because she's not eating yet. When me and my mom went to visit her last night, she ate some chicken and rice they said to bring her. She's been on IV to rehydrate her and she's been having diarhhea, which they said is good. She's on heavy pain medication and when we went to visit her last night she was really doped out and out of it. They said she is in good physical condition for her age, and that she looks great.
It costs a lot of money to keep her there everyday...hundreds. And I'm wondering if the vet is just trying to get more money out of us...Maybe if we brought her home today she would feel more at home and begin to eat? I want your opinion please. What do you think i should do?

All you vet nurses can shut your yap!
Kim--you were absolutely right. I went to the vet myself and i asked them if i could take her home, they said yes, i just need to give her medication....so they WERE TRYING to milk out my money a little longer...My dog is doing GREAT, MUCH BETTER at home she is eating and drinking now and much happier....so all ya'll didn't know what you were talkin bout. To all you that think like Kim, you were right!! They suggested another day or so, then turned right around and said yes I could take her home? LOL. Sad.

Answer 1

I doubt the vet is just after more money. They've done right by you so far haven't they? People always think that when vets are just trying to do what's right for the animal.

If you want to take your dog home, you can. Sometimes being at home does make them eat. But you should know that if she doesn't eat within 24 hours, and certainly if she doesn't drink, you should get her back to the vet for more IV fluids. I'm sure the vet would tell you the same thing.

Chalice

Answer 2

I'm going to say yes, the vet might be trying to get more money. Look at what doctors do...."Okay, we stitched that cut up...but we'd like you to stay overnight for observation. Even though it was just a scrape on your finger, you might have a brain injury."
***Of course, I'm always skeptical of people that earn money by saving lives of only the people that can pay. Medical help should be available even for those that can't pay, it's horrible that people die from curable diseases because they're poor.***

If she's eating what you bring her, and not eating what the vet gives, she might not be comfortable at the vet's (would you blame her?) and she might do better at home.

Do you trust the vet? And will someone always be home with the dog, all throughout the day and night to take care of her? Take into mind the dog's best interest and decide.

Answer 3

I understand High Vet bills Its has been a horrible year for our pets. Sometime I do feel they do unnecessary tests. but then again I am not a vet and they are in the best intrest of our pet. And they dont want to see anything happen to them. I do know that. In your case I am glad all is going well . I think you should leave your dog there until they say so . And if your worried about money usually a good vet will accept payment plans on emergencies.. because no everyone has hundreds to didh out right away. I hope all still goes well with yours
good luck

Answer 4

I know my cat recently was neutered and as soon as the vet noticed that he was lethargic and not eating they sent him home with me almost 12 hours earlier than they said they would! He seemed much happier at home and began eating right...however for that same token, I won't have brought him home if he had an IV in him...wait until the IV comes out then bring him home, if he stays the same or gets worse then take him back to the vet ASAP
good luck

Answer 5

I would leave her at the vet. I know it's costly, but the vet doesn't want to send her home prematurely and have a worse outcome, like an infection or the dog eating something it shouldn't before the surgery has repaired enough. When you do get her home, remember that dogs will always want to eat more, as long as they are healthy.
Feed her just as the vet says to. You don't want to over stress the surgery area.

Answer 6

from what you describe, this was a serious major surgery. they may have had to remove a section of the bowel where the corn cob was stuck. whether or not they did, your dog has about 3 sets of sutures...1 set in the bowel, 1 set in the abdominal tissue, and 1 set in the skin. that is why she is heavily medicated. plus she's on an i.v. she has to be kept under observation to make sure her food is passing through the bowel normally again. if the bowel tears, or sutures tear, there will be fecal matter in the abdominal cavity...very dangerous. they have to monitor her rate of hydration, and body tempurature for signs of infection.

i highly doubt the vet is just after more money. this is a very unfortunate, but expensive surgery. the vet probably has a tech who stays overnight to monitor dogs like yours.

out of the 8 vets i've worked for, none of them ever tried to get more money, except the one i interned for before i graduated from school. he was just a jerk.

so in my opinion, you should take the vet's advice. he/she would be liable if your dog were to be sent home too early, and developed life-threatening complications. best of luck to you.

Answer 7

how much do you trust your vet? I understand , i know there are some vets that do that just to get more money out of your pocket. It really depends on how you see your dog. If you think your able to take her home and she would be okay, go for it. If not then it might not be too wise.

Best Wishes

Answer 8

listen to the vet. esp after ur dog had srugery. therecould be some other prob that only the vet will rec. b4 its too late. its V important for them to start eating and return to normal behavior. if ur dog has diarhhea, it can easily become dehydrated. w/in hrs & that would be another bill 4 u. let the vet do their job. in this case, im pretty sure, they're not trying to get more $$$$. they really kno what they're talking abt.

Answer 9

Ask the vet why she needs to stay overnight again. If it is for observation or needs to remain confined to a small space, you can take your dog home if you have the means to provide the required care even if the vet wants to keep her. However, keep in mind that the vet is doing what they consider best for your pet, not necessarily their wallet.

Answer 10

I think your right, my dogs used to not eat unless they were in a comfortable environment. Does the dog still have the IV? I'm only concerned that with something like that you and your mom wouldn't be able to do that stuff.