[lucasmom]

Thanks jlaack...I have lost total faith in veterinary medicine due to my bad experiences so far with Lucas. The poor dog already was recovering from a fractured radius in August and having gone to the emergency vet center on a weekend, I was told that he needed the leg either amputated or pinned (for 4K). After 24 hours in the emergency vet center, they set his leg, took X-rays, and started and IV...the bill was $1,200. My vet provided follow up care and told us that we could simply cast his leg and see what we were left with in 12 weeks because he felt that the break was clean enough to heal. Well, after another $1,000 in follow up care (sedation and X-rays every 1 - 2 weeks and a tooth that needed to be extracted), Lucas was walking and doing so well at Christmas. That was my present. I was so happy.

Unfortunately, just when I thought that all was good and that we could move on with our lives...Lucas was diagnosed with OS on 2/28/08 after he began limping. I was told that he had "3 weeks to live"..."do not treat"...it would be a "waste" of more money and he would suffer recovering in his last days. Not feeling entirely comfortable with this "death warrant", I asked that my vet send his X-rays out to a radiologist for confirmation. I did not want a biopsy. Get this....I was charged $47 for a verbal conversation between the radiologist and my vet. I was not "allowed" to speak to the radiologist and I was not provided a name of the radiologist when I asked. I was told that if I wanted her name and a written report of her impressions, I would need to pay another $60!!! I was outraged. Needless to say, I no longer go to my vet. I found a vet who treats OS in a palliative fashion with accupuncture and analgesics. To go to Cornell for a consult, just to speak to the vet, who they could not promise would not be an intern, the cost was $150. I don't mind paying that, but I wasn't even guaranteed to see a real veterinarian unless I agreed to leave him for the weekend and begin chemo. I am contemplating not even getting another dog after Lucas dies. I cannot believe how corrupt these vets are..........I am in the medical profession myself and we would never treat our patients and their families this way. It is very discouraging. So..jlaack you are very fortunate to have such great vets at your area of the country. I was wondering...you are so knowlegeable, are you a vet yourself? Please don't take offense at my negative comments about my poor veterinary experiences if you indeed are a vet yourself. Laurie