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The article points towards the corporatisation of the profession, with 51% of practices now owned by private equity groups and 67% belonging to a group of three practices or more, as the main driver for an increase in vets' fees of over twice the rate of inflation between 2015 and 2020.
However, what the article focuses on, which is the issue of complex and very expensive treatments for pets, is a multifactorial problem which cannot be entirely blamed on corporatisation.
At its heart lie advances in science which now allow vets to offer ever more complex treatments and diagnostics which, when used in human medicine to prolong a human life might sometimes seem expensive, but when used to prolong the life of a dog, can seem frankly a bit bonkers.
Indeed the article does point towards over-treatment being partly driven by 'celebrity vets advocating increasingly complex surgeries'.
Then there's the fact that both parties to the transaction are often heavily invested in the idea of doing whatever can be done to save the dog: the pet owner, who has anthropomorphised their pet since they first collected it, and the vet, who's entire career has been dedicated to doing their best for the patient in their care.
Then of course there's the inflationary effect of insurance on treatment.
After all, if the animal is insured, why wouldn't you throw the kitchen sink at it?
Things are complicated by the difficulty in estimating the cost of veterinary treatment at the outset, when so much depends on the unknown outcome of diagnostic tests, the progression of disease and the success or failure of treatment. It's not like quoting for a new exhaust system.
There's also the inflationary effect of the increasingly litigious and socially litigious world we live in. It would be no surprise if veterinary surgeons have become more likely to test for everything, when the consequences of missing something is soul-destroying trial by social media.
And finally, there's the subjective value of money.
Nevertheless, the Daily Mail has a point.
Selling any product or service is about meeting clients' and customers' needs.
If you keep increasing the price of your product range until all you can offer is a Rolls Royce, sooner or later you're going to price yourself out of the market.
One other lesson for the profession from that article: 'No comment' is not a good look for a caring profession.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.
Sorry for entering it twice!Cassie here withAnimal Clinic at Wellington Reserve
Those are valid points about the complex and multifaceted nature of the over-treatment issue in veterinary medicine, Arlo. You rightly pointed out that many factors are driving this problem, including advances in medical science, subjective values around money and insurance, and a desire on the part of both vets and pet owners to keep pets alive at any cost.
At the same time, however, it is essential to note that over-treatment and profiteering in veterinary medicine are problems that must be taken seriously, regardless of their complexity. Something needs to be done to address these issues to ensure that animals get the best possible care and that vets can provide it cost-effectively.
Overall, your post offers a thoughtful and insightful analysis of the complex issue of over-treatment in veterinary medicine. Well done, Arlo!
Overall, your post offers a thoughtful and insightful analysis of the complex issue of over-treatment in veterinary medicine. Well done Arlo!
oops pressed enter too soon!
There are some that see insurance as an open book to charge more and do more tests, often leaving the client with hardly any money left.
I do believe just because we can offer extra doesnt mean we always should. Clients often blinded by love will continue and continue far past the welfare of the animal, to the point ive had an client screaming at me to euthanise their pet when it was doing agonal gasps in the waiting room whilst waiting for a re-ex appointment.
ive worked for vets who will offer everything, and then the other end of the scale where basic care is offered.