Overpriced veterinary medications- Is this fair?

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Overpriced veterinary medications- Is this fair?

January 15th, 2013 at 3:39 am EST

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Hi Friend,

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday.

Today's article focuses on a investigative news story which shows you that veterinary clinics are dramatically marking up medications- and HOW you can save hundreds by doing something different.

There are MANY things you can be doing.

My suggestions are to start small- with things you are comfortable with.

Here is where you can get my Free DVD:

"Learn Natural Remedies And Effective Techniques For Healing Your Pet At Home"

http://www.theonlinevet.com/healingyourpets.php

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Overpriced veterinary medications- Is this fair...
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Source: CBC News

A CBC News investigation has found pet owners could save hundreds of dollars on medications and supplies if they buy them at pharmacies and wholesalers, rather than at veterinary clinics.

But veterinarians claim the higher prices they charge help support their clinics, which they say operate on low profit margins with expensive overheads.

Cat owner and blogger Nathanial Christopher said it's hard to make ends meet and still keep up with his cat's veterinary bills and twice-daily injections of insulin.

He estimates he is spending $225 a month on vet bills and Lantus insulin to keep his diabetic cat Khan alive.

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Wide range in insulin prices
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Cost of 10 ml of Lantus insulin    Price

Yaletown Pet Hospital (sold in 3 ml vials)    $174.53
Arbutus West Animal Clinic    $140.00
Pacific Vet Clinic    $140.00
West King Edward Animal Clinic    $125.00
Pharmasave, Cambie Street    $89.99
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy    $75.00
Pure Integrative Pharmacy, Coal Harbour    $75.00
Shoppers Drug Mart, Main Street    $73.99
Costco, Expo Boulevard    $71.23
Superstore, Marine Drive    $71.00
London Drugs, Broadway     $65.00

While many people have no idea that they do not have to buy their pet's medicine from their veterinarian, the College of Veterinarians of B.C. confirms, if asked, a veterinarian has to write a prescription if a customer asks for one.

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Vets defend prices as necessary
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CBC News asked several vets why their prices are so much higher than pharmacies and medical suppliers.

Dr. Yuri Bernstein at the Arbutus West Animal Hospital said their products come with expert advice and support for chronically ill cats, in a business that is very competitive.

For instance, Bernstein said when it comes to the price for 10 millilitres of insulin, the bigger pharmacies that sell more volume are able to charge lower prices.
Dr. Yuri Bernstein says vets need to charge more for medicine and supplies in order to cover their other costs.Dr. Yuri Bernstein says vets need to charge more for medicine and supplies in order to cover their other costs.

"We don't stock 10 litres. We stock one bottle and maybe sell a bottle every three months," he told CBC News.

"The reality of it is, when you stock six litres you can sell it cheaper. Costco is a discount seller. We try to be fair to our clients, but there's a reality of trying to make a living."

And while he doesn't like it, Bernstein said he will write a prescription for pet owners, but adds that is not how animal medicine is supposed to work.

"While I can write a prescription, I believe I should also get paid for doing my job as a doctor. Writing a prescription is not the question of just stamping a piece of paper. It's actually the very essence of medicine."

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No government regulations on prices
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Since veterinary medicine is not publicly subsidized like human health care, vets can charge whatever they like for products and services.

There is a fee guide, but the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia has no ability to enforce it and Bernstein said each clinic is able to set its own prices.

"Each hospital is a private business. We don't receive any government funding. It has very, very slim profit margins."

Heal Your Pet At Home!

Best Wishes,

Dr Andrew Jones, DVM

P.S. It is expensive to run a veterinary practice.

Higher costs.

More expensive equipment.

Staff expect higher salaries.

But veterinary medical care can be extremely costly- ESPECIALLY if your pet has a chronic condition such as diabetes.

While I was in practice we ALWAYS scripted out insulin.

In my opinion, veterinarians are in practice to perform above average medical and surgical care, and get compensated fairly for that.

NOT make money by selling drugs.

But not everyone agrees....such as The College of Veterinarians of BC

P.P.S. My Free DVD on How To Start Healing Your Pet At Home With Natural Remedies.

On this FREE DVD, you'll learn the fundamentals of holistic dog and cat home health care. In the video, I demonstrate and discuss the most important aspects of at-home pet healing.

The Video is a great way to learn how to start treating your pets at home with alternative healing modalities and methods.

Healing Your Pets At Home DVD Includes:

Background and discussion of the extensive Benefits of Home Pet Health Care - why YOU should start right away

Healing the Natural Way: how this can be better for your dog or cat

Basics of how to Care for your Sick Pet At Home

How and where to start at-home Healing, first steps you need to take

The At-Home Pet Health Exam - full how-to demonstration:
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What areas you should focus on, and what to look for

Extensive discussion and demonstration of the most important at-home healing Modalities, including:

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Scientific Studies backing effectiveness
MOST IMPORTANT Nutraceuticals to give
How and when to use

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Background and scientific studies
Safety precautions - important points to keep in mind
Best forms of Herbs to use
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Using Herbs for allergies and other diseases

Homeopathy
Theory and background
How to properly handle and give homeopathic remedies
Homeopathic remedies for injuries/shock, digestive issues, and more

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Demonstration of 5 specific Acupressure points, for seizures, joint pain and arthritis, general health and wellness, and hip dysplasia

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Overpriced veterinary medications- Is this fair?