Blood Testing In Dogs.

[lilypoppyfre]

I took my 2 small dogs ( 9 years old ) for a scale and polish (their 1rst )at the dentist as there was a 20 % discount at the time.

The vet insisted on a blood test pre-procedure and it seems that some reading are high and I was advised to go for further tests. The readings are for ALKP and ADT. The advice is some tablets ( cost £250 for both ) + a blood test in 4 weeks to check the readings (aanother £ 88 for both ).

Since the scale and polish has come to £ 385 , I am rather worried about the escalation of costs. The surgery is part of a chain and there is a subtle , but certain, "invitation " to buy products from them.

Is there any way of finding independent vets who, hopefully, would be cheaper ? also, is there a site where I can read about the blood readings and there possible effects ? I have the uncomfortable feeling of being taken for a ride.....

any comments will be welcome.

[woofgang]

well take a look in the phone book or google and see what other vets there are near to you. If the dogs are middle aged to old, its a good idea to check that they will stand the anaesthetic, hence the original blood test...but did they have bad teeth? what did the vet tell you about the test results? What questions did you ask. I would be expecting the vet to say, the results have come back as this, which indicates this, treatment is this which should improve matters in this way.
A scale and polish and GA for two dogs so just under 200 quid each, I would say is the top end of okay but it would depend where in the country you live.

[JustJenni]

Maybe take them to another vets in your area? if you are abit worried id always go for a 2nd opinion.
Heres a website that explains what the ALKP is http://www.ehow.co.uk/facts_5974193_alkaline-phosphatase-levels-dogs_.html
It does look alarming but keep reading it, i'd take them to another vets if your worried? what area are you from? im sure some other AB'ers will know some wonderful vets.

[lankeela]

These big vet chains think they have a licence to print money. For just over a fiver you could have bought a bottle of 100 Fragaria tablets which will last a dog eighteen months. They loosen the tartar and keep the teeth clean. I trust my vet implicity and if he said my dog needed a blood test I would know he was telling the truth, but he has on more than one occasion said there is no point doing a blood test, it won't tell me anything I don't already know.

[chaptazbru]

I think this is disgusting. And yes, I think you are being taken for a ride, unfortunately Whenever I take my dog for his yearly jabs, because he is now elderly, the vet always wants to do blood tests, but because he is in excellent health for his age and has no problems, I absolutely refuse. I firmly believe it is a way to make more money out of me. He had his teeth cleaned over three years ago and I had to let them take blood tests because of his age. The results seemed alarming, telling me that 'we' had to keep an eye on his liver, but here we are over three years later and as I stated, he's in excellent health for a 14 year old dog. I know my own dog and if I thought there was anything wrong with him at all, he'd be at the vet's pronto! If I was you, I would either refuse further blood tests or see another vet - good luck.

[lilypoppyfre]

I am so grateful for all your answers and comments.The vet did tell me that the high blood readings indicated probably a problem with a narrow duct from the gall bladder to the liver.I know what it means as my husband had his gall bladder removed for a similar reason. My gripe was that the vet wanted to put the dogs immediately on medication for a few weeks, take another blood test to see if the readings had changed and if not, go for an ultra sound and possibly further tests........The pressure is nothing less than a kind of emotional blackmail.....I intend to refuse the other tests at the moment. The dogs have always been healthy and no problem at all. many thanks to all of you, particularly JustJenni for the website, lankeela for the Fragaria tablets, chaptazbru and woofgang for your comments.ABs are really a great help.

[Lil'Lucy]

Sadly - this is the way that veterinary practices are going. Beware the "chain" practices. Their business ethic is "offer cheap vaccines and cheap neutering" to bond clients, and then make up the deficit by pushing unnecessary and over-inflated further treatment.

Try to stick to an old-fashioned independent practice - you will find the level of care and honesty will be far superior.

[JustJenni]

lily im not sure where your from but im in north devon and theres a wonderful vet practice called market vets, theyre local and give the best care ive ever had for both my cats and dogs, and they are sensitive to prices aswell and try and keep it as low as they can, also if the clients cant pay they pass them over to a local charity that can help with fee's.

[lilypoppyfre]

I wish to thank Lil'Lucy and Justjenni for the additional comments. I live in West Yorkshire. Just a few years ago there were a few independent vets. Alas the chain surgeries have moved in..What can't we have something like an animal GP , who would refer more difficult cases to " consultants".....


Just a dream.....

[woofgang]

lily there are. My vet has vets with specialisms that other vets refer into and they also refer on to other specialists. There are also specialist centres for things like orthopaedics but these are usually some distance away.
This might be useful?
http://www.any-uk-vet.co.uk/county/westyorkshire.htm

[AlwaysConfused]

IIn the past, I've popped my pets into the vets for one reason or another, and they have spotted something else that requires attention. I have a terrible habit of not carrying money on me, but my vets have been fine, given me the medication or treatment that the pets need and I've dropped back in later that day/week/month with the money. A good vetinary surgeon would rather see your pet sprightly and happy than worry about seeing cash straight up.