Is a 300% increase in cost realistic in a 4 year time frame?
Similar Procedure cost $1000 in 2011; Hometown Animal Care's cost was between $2000-$3000 in 201411/27/2014 I found this blog. It describes a similar situation as mine; actually it might have been more serious. Read what the outcome was. http://stacyandoscar.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html
Is a 300% increase in cost realistic in a 4 year time frame? I recently participated in debate in which both views are passionately argued; Vaccinations. To my surprise, I was contacted by a local veterinarian who had been observing the week long back and forth. I felt so proud when she complimented me on defending my stance that I prefer to vaccinate my pets as minimally as possible. Unknowingly a statement such as that elicited some strong feelings with the topic of rabies vaccination of indoor cats. Although I do not dispute the need for vaccination, I had a problem with the public's fear as the reason for vaccination. I feel if the law permits, I have a say into what goes into my pets body based on the real risk. The rabid bat getting into the house and biting my pets was the scenario presented. In fact, based upon the comments of others; there was a rash of bat home invasions at the time of this conversation; not improbable, but definitely convenient. My favorite response was the lack of fear of "the rabid bat kicking down my front door because he sensed an UNVACCINATED one and then unleashes its army of Cujos on us". By the way, both of my pets are fully vaccinated with core vaccines. I was very grateful for the veterinarian's compliment. She pointed out her opinions as well and gave me suggestions on using better sources of information, other than that....well done. What was entirely unexpected was this professional reaching out to engage in an exchange of information with one another...of course not as a means of treatment or diagnosis. We all make decisions based on our beliefs, feelings, and opinions and it is refreshing to hear that, especially outside of a clinical environment. I had to share how special it was to have this veterinarian reach out to a member of the community. Something pretty interesting happened. What started as a debate ended up as a conversation; I think that is pretty amazing. PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN- Correction) - Hometown Animal Care owner Dr. Tom Sutton says a relief doctor at his clinic removed more than 100 hair ties from a cat’s stomach, saving its life. Derek Hawke, the original owner says he is not upset over costs or losing his pet, it is the belief that surrendering ownership was intentionally planned by the staff without the clinic owner's knowledge.
Hunter, the cat was seen by Hometown Animal Care in Pflugerville in February. Records show the cat weighed 3.3 pounds. The hospital claims it should have weighed close to eight. However, records from recent visit in September from a different Veterinary clinic showed his weight at 4 pounds. Supported by lab work, the cat was determined to be healthy. The cat was reported to have had a 90 degree temperature when it should have been closer to 101.2. Hawke disputes the clinic’s assessment of the cat as untruths to justify taking ownership of a pure breed Siamese kitten. Leaked Facebook pictures from an employee's page do challenges the accuracy of the Clinics statements. Hawke says the up front cost quoted was increased intentionally once the owner's spending limit was determined. The relief veterinarian proceeded to add undisclosed after-care until it was not affordable. With options limited, Hawke had the choice but euthanizing the young cat or surrendering ownership of the cat to the clinic in exchange to receive the care needed to save his life. "I can confirm that I had an active Care Credit account with a $1500 spending limit. I paid the bill they charged me that day for $185. So I can prove I had at minimum $1685. My bank statement showing the charge to Hometown also shows I had an addition $878 balance in my bank account. No documentation of ownership transfer was performed. Dr. Tom Sutton told KXAN a relief doctor found 111 hair ties inside the cat’s stomach. The leaked pictures from the actual surgery do not support that quantity and employee comments imply that the low body temperature manifested while under anesthesia. Medical records contained no documentation of the surgery, no mention of medication or drug or administration of anesthesia. No doctor signature. A clinic employee immediately adopted the cat and took him home instead of having him receive the expensive after care which forced Hawke to surrender the cat. Other Facebook pictures show this employee handling the post-op cat in a painful and negligent manner. Comments from another employee to the picture voice objection to the handling. The employee/adopter replies "Pssh. Whatever! he is fine" Hawke has filed a complaint in early June against Hometown Animal Care. The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is expected to have a decision in January 2015 My main point is I surrendered Hunter to save his life. That was the only option I had once I informed Dr. O'Hair of my CareCredit spending limit and then the costs were added to ensure it was out of reach. One of my main goals here, is to really shed light on the reality of what happened to me and Hunter. MY ISSUE IS NOT ABOUT THE SURRENDER; IT IS ABOUT THE MOTIVES THAT CAUSED THE SURRENDER. Hometown Animal Care's Dr. Sutton describes a near dead cat on presentation on 02/26/14. I am proving that he was not like what the doctor states. The facts will only leave two possible scenarios.
Admission 2/26/14 “Hunter” was presented in an emaciated, dehydrated state. He was unable to hold his head up or stand. He was near death. His body temperature was less than 91 degrees (normal is 101.5). The thermometers will only read down to 91 and his temperature would not register. He weighed 3.3 lbs. His normal weight should have been over 7 lbs. Comment: This required a long period of neglect ." "he was crying out (vocalizing ), was unable to stand, walk, or even hold his head up. He was in shock and had very little blood pressure or circulation" "He was in such a poor state of health due to his emaciation and dehydration that the doctors felt it was unlikely that he would survive." Post Surgery 2/26/14 "One of our nurses, Amy, provided 24 hour care for Hunter. She would take him home at night with all appropriate equipment and medications and provide care throughout the night . He was cared for in the hospital during the day. After about 3 days “Hunter” was able to stand, and while wobbly, was able to take a few steps and took his first bites of food. It was 5 days before his temperature elevated to a level where we thought he might survive. Amy continued to care for “Hunter” as he grew stronger and still cares for him today. She loves “Hunter” very much and became very emotionally attached to him during his recovery. “Hunter” lives with her and her other cat and is now a healthy and happy cat in a loving home. " DISPROVING THE CLAIMS
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