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The Impact of the Recession on Veterinary Care
Posted by Dr. Barry Kipperman at 4:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
It is often assumed that veterinary care is “recession-proof.” Financial experts have told us that given the strength of the human-animal bond, the family dog and cat have a safety net, and while the responsible American would cut back on expenses such as vacations, second homes, and dining out, they would always find ways to pay for veterinary care. That is, until now. For the first time in my 22 years as a vet, I have seen huge breaches in this safety net.
The real-life consequences of our economic plight have hit animals hard. The relinquishment rate to animal shelters has skyrocketed, people living on fixed incomes can no longer afford dog and cat food, and animals are being abandoned in foreclosed homes that people were forced to leave. Veterinarians and their staffs have seen clients decline routine tests and procedures and even decide to euthanize their sick animal companions because of the inability to afford medical care.
A few months ago, I received a call at home from one of my staff doctors, who was working the emergency shift. “Barry, I’ve got this 3-year-old male cat who can’t urinate and is in poor condition.” This can be fatal if untreated. “His guardians can’t afford to fix him up. What do you want me to do?” I asked whether we had provided the clients with all the financial options, including Care Credit and payment plans … we had. I asked if the cat’s temperament was suitable for adoption … it was. I don’t remember any courses in vet school in which this scenario was presented to guide me, but based on my own experiences throughout the years, I used my best judgment.
As this cat should be able to live a normal life if we can relieve the urinary blockage and provide a suitable diet, I gave the OK to have his guardians relinquish the cat to our hospital. This raises difficult ethical issues. If I’m willing to pay for the care of this cat, should I also be willing to give him back to the guardians who were concerned enough to bring him in, or would it be better to try to find the cat a more suitable adoptee? Where should we draw the line?
The cat recovered and made my decision look wiser by head-butting all our nurses caring for him. About two weeks later, the original guardians arrived at the hospital without notice and inquired about how the cat was doing. They were able to pay 70 percent of the original estimate and told my receptionist how hard they had been working to find resources, and how they hoped their cat would still be alive. Time for another decision vet school had not prepared me for, although this one was much easier. We reunited cat and guardian, and a happy ending was reached for all.
One day later, the hospital called again. “BK, I’ve got a 6-year-old ranch dog who’s got a huge laceration over her shoulder after trying to jump the fence. Her guardians can’t afford the $500 to operate and repair it. What do you want me to do?” I was told the ranchers had many other dogs and saw her only as a working dog, so they couldn’t justify the cost to make her right. She was relinquished to our hospital, and we repaired the laceration. As if she knew what needed to happen, the dog made friends and endeared herself to our staff quickly. Turns out, one of my doctor’s relatives was looking for a dog, and the matchmaking process was begun. After a few days of visits, the ranch dog had a new home with a loving family, sans ranch.
Although the decisions I made were difficult, I believe that doing what we can to make a bad situation better helps to diminish some of the frustration that animal guardians and veterinary caretakers are feeling in today’s economy. It’s been painful to see guardians attempt to reconcile their attachment to their ill animal companion with difficult personal financial circumstances. I hope that education regarding preparation for the costs of medical care for animals and an improved economy will mean that, from now on, phone calls from my hospital on weekends will only be questions about internal medicine procedures.
Posted to Money | Posted to Tags: Dr. Barry Kipperman, Health, Money, veterinary care
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susana says...
May 4th, 2009, 9:04 am
Animals need the same care as if we are in the hospital too.
Laura says...
May 4th, 2009, 11:34 am
I have said this before, and I will say it again, “I wish you could be my vet Dr. Barry”. You sound compassionate and caring, just what the animals need in these troubled economic times. Although I don’t forgo medical exams, medications, or treatments even when times are tight, I sympathize with those unable to help their animals in times of need, and I am glad to know their are vets, such as yourself, willing to help, with the animals best interest in mind.
karen bell says...
May 15th, 2009, 5:39 pm
I was really broke & up against it a year & 1/2 ago. My vet did 2 separate euthanasias & cremations that he had to wait to get his $. It took me a while but I finally paid the whole bill. My dogs were old & sick, nothing could have been done to save them. He was a godsend @ a very bad time. I appreciate him & his staff for being so decent & kind to me. Thank you Dr.
Linda L says...
June 11th, 2009, 12:47 pm
I’ve always done pay-as-you-go, but I’ve never had any serious health issues with my pets, other than the expected end-of-life ones when they reached the elder years. But this discussion has me wondering about pet health insurance. Is it worth it, and do the insurance companies hassle you to death when making claims?
I’m also thinking of the analogy in Genesis about the “seven lean cows and seven fat cows.” It might make sense to establish a bank account for pet healthcare, and contribute generously when times are good.
Also, being mindful of preventive health, such as pet diet and exercise has also helped my pets over the years. Currently, I have two dogs, ages 13 and 11 who are ovo-lacto vegetarians. They were both lean and healthy up until a couple of years ago, when my husband started to ‘take pity’ on the older one due to the dog’s advancing age. A bit of misplaced sympathy and anthropomorphism contributed to my husband starting to overfeed the dog treats. The dog’s weight went from 55 to 80 pounds in one year and really started to show his age: he would scramble to get up from a lying position, sometimes needing help. He was lethargic and had difficulty breathing.
Since that time, I’ve convinced my husband not to overfeed him, and the dog is back to his ideal weight again. And, guess what? Two years older now, and at the ripe old age of 13, he’s doing great! Jumps around like a puppy. So, some health problems respond to the same sorts of interventions humans do. Worth noting.
Dr Barry Kipperman says...
June 11th, 2009, 1:42 pm
Linda,
Thanks for your comment. Once its understood that health insurance will cover a portion of the costs you incur(not 90% as for people), the hassle /paperwork has been pretty minimal, and most of my clients who have it,are very glad they made the small investment. Of course, in order to get the subsidy, you must have the coverage, before the illness is diagnosed.
Alexis says...
June 24th, 2009, 3:10 pm
It’s sad to see peoples spending billions in animals cares while peoples are dying because they can’t get enough food or descent healthcares.