A large number of our clients are seeking out lower-cost alternatives for vaccines. Many local locations distribute vaccines and offer vaccine clinics. Here, clients can get vaccines at much lower costs than what they would pay at the veterinarian, which in this economy is ideal, right? Well, this practice has veterinarians worried, and not because we are missing the revenue. 1.) Your pet does not get a thorough exam at a vaccine clinic. These places see such a high volume of pets shuffles through that there is no time for the single most important part of a pets yearly visit: THE EXAM. Clients typically understand the importance of yearly vaccines to keep their pets healthy, but they dont always understand that the exam is more important. We can pick up heart murmurs, skin disorders, signs of liver and endocrine disease, dental disease and oral pain, ear infections, and arthritis pain. In addition, we can ferret out problems at home such as behavioral problems like excessive licking or separation anxiety, inappropriate drinking and urination or intermittent diarrhea that owners may not even consider problems, but that could point to severe underlying issues including metabolic diseases, diabetes, low grade pancreatitis, and chronic pain. Bringing your pet in once to twice a year for us to evaluate with an exam, we can catch problems early when treatment is easier and cheaper. 2.) Vaccine clinics dont always offer all the necessary vaccines. Canine influenza has become a problem in our area. This respiratory virus can cause ugly symptoms in dogs and even death in severe cases. It is transmitted before clinical signs occur, which is why we recommend this non-core vaccine for any dog that boards, goes to doggy day care, goes to the dog park, or gets groomed on a regular basis. Leptospirosis is another disease that often gets left out of the vaccination protocol at lower cost clinics. This bacteria is transmitted by rodents and can cause liver and kidney failure. It can also be transmitted to people, and for all these reasons we have now included it in our core vaccines for dogs. 3.) You miss out on the benefit of a full veterinary discussion Is your dog or cat overweight? Do you need flea prevention or heartworm prevention refilled? What is the best diet you should be feeding? Is it time to start running blood work on your older cat or dog? Do you need a health certificate for upcoming travel? Why is your cat urinating outside the litter box? As veterinarians, it is our job not only to give vaccines but to address all aspects of your pets life, from nutrition to exercise to behavior. Preventative medicine is more than vaccines. If you need to get your vaccines done at a lower cost clinic in order to save money, we understand. But make sure you budget a thorough physical exam with us as well. Yearly (twice yearly for mature and senior pets) exams with your regular veterinarian are important, allow us the opportunity to make sure your pet is healthy and is receiving all necessary vaccines and preventative medications.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 16:24:31 +0000
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