Friday, April 20, 2012

Why are vet bills so expensive?

Its true vet bills can be very expensive, even more so when you are dealing with emergency or critical care situations. But please don't think for a second that the whole reason for this is because all of us who work in the veterinary field are just greedy people who just want money. In fact most of us don't really make very much as compared to the skills and hard work we put in every day. Unfortunately it is just a fact that these things cost money. It is still a business and has to be able to pay for everything that goes along with running a business and being able to provide the best care that we can. It is not like a human hospital where a good amount of the cost is covered by insurance. One of the worst parts of my job is having to have that talk with a owner about money and seeing the concern and hurt a owner has when they feel like they can't help their pet because of cost. I provided a link to a couple of really good article's I think help make people think some more about why vets cost they way they do.
http://www.vetlive.com/2010/10/25/why-is-veterinary-care-so-darn-expensive/
http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=22351

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

First Aid Kit

It is always a great idea to have a first aid kit available. I keep one in the house and one in the car in case we are traveling or camping/hiking. You can go online and buy kits already made, but if you wanna make a fun project out of it here are some of the basic things you will want to have. First find a old or new duffel bag. It doesn't have to be really big just light weight easy to carry. All the things I list you can either buy online for a discount or at any medical supply store.
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Self-Adherent Wrap
  • 4x4 Gauze Bandage
  • Gauze roll, 2-inch
  • Wound Wash Saline
  • Bandage Scissors
  • Hemostat
  • Digital thermometer
  • Scissors
  • Syringe
  • Extra Leash
  • Muzzle
  • Gloves
  • Sterile eye lubricant
  • Instant cold pack
  • Material to make a splint
  • Topical antibiotic ointment (pet friendly)
  • Small blanket and cloth
  • Make a laminated medical card with your Vets information a Emergency clinic information and any medical information about your pet
  • Print off basic emergency care hand book with basic guides to bandaging and CPR.
You can put as much of each item that you feel is necessary for you.
If you would like more information about pet first aid you can go to the Red Cross website and sign up for either classroom or online class.