COMPARING THE COST - HUMAN VS. ANIMAL

By Dr. Doug Mader MS, DVM, DIPLOMATE, ABVP (CA)

A lot has been discussed about the cost of veterinary care in my column over the last couple of months.  I have been pushing for preventive health care –it is always less expensive than treating a problem once it happens.  But sometimes, things happen and we may not get a choice when we can seek the care.

I was in a serious auto accident many years ago. I have had more than my share of surgeries as a result of that event. There is nary a body part that hasn’t been cut on, but the record, by far, is my left elbow.  The most recent of the seven surgeries was just last month.

Interestingly, just prior to this last surgery, I performed a similar surgery on one of my patients.  I weigh 175pounds.  My patient was an adult, male golden retriever named Rover weighing in at an even 100 pounds.  He and I are about the same age in dog years.

 

I had an olecranon bursectomy.  I did an elbow hygoma repair on my quadrupedal  counterpart – a very similar surgical procedure.  Note the photo for a comparison.  Boxed is a breakdown of the two parallel procedures.

 

I received fantastic care during my surgery and brief stay at the hospital.  I guarantee that Rover got just as good a quality of care as I did.  I think service and compassion were a wash in this comparison.

I know for a fact that many pet owners think veterinarians charge too much.  I hear that all the time.  Take a look at this side-by-side fee comparison.  The same surgery, one-tenth the cost.

Service or Procedure	Rover Paid	Doug Paid
Initial office exam	$75.	$290.
X-rays	$160	$300.
X-ray reading fee	---	$180.
Estimate given	Yes,($1,750.)	Yes, ($12,000.)
Pre-op Antibiotics	$21.	$205.
Pre-op Meds	$45.	$231.
IV Catheter	$42.	$289.
IV fluids	$35.	$43.
Anesthesia	$224.	$2,860.
Recovery	---	$860.
OR fee	---	$6,915.
Surgeon Fee	$650.	$1,484.
Incision Size	2 cm	2cm
Microbial culture	$123.	$539.
Histopath  (tissue analysis)	$129.	$241.
Bandage	$62.	$302.
Rx Antiobitics	$41.	$205.
Rx Pain medications	$78.	$130.
Miscellaneous fees *	---	$850.
Recheck/Suture Removal	0	$90.
TOTAL	$1,685.	$16,014.

*Anesthetic monitoring, surgery pack, OR and recovery room O2, suture, gauze, drapes, prep, BG, BP cuff, suction, sterile containers, Pulse Ox sensor, headrest pad.



BIRD OWNERS - ZuPreem FOOD RECALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 2, 2012 – ZuPreem®, under parent company Premium Nutritional Products, Inc. is voluntarily recalling the 11/30/13 and the 11/13 expiration date codes of ZuPreem Medium/Large and Large FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods. This voluntary recall is being initiated because two lots may contain calcium levels higher than the recommended level.

The voluntary recall is limited only to 11/30/13 and 11/13 expiration dates.

Consumers are advised to review the backside of packaging for the "Use By" or "Best By" (expiration date) to determine if the product has been affected by this voluntary recall. All ZuPreem channels, including distributors and retailers, have been notified of the voluntary recall. Each partner has been asked to immediately remove these products from store shelves.
The two voluntarily recalled lots are 598405052 and 598405072.

This voluntary recall has been activated due to elevated calcium levels. The calcium was inadvertently introduced into these lot codes during the manufacturing process. Excessive calcium intake can make birds sick and, in some cases, may be fatal.
Symptoms include decreased activity level, decreased appetite, increased water consumption and loose or watery droppings. If owners notice any of these symptoms, they should immediately contact their veterinarian.
Bird owners should monitor the health of their birds and notify their veterinarian if they notice any unusual symptoms. They should also discard any unused product and return the packaging to the place of purchase for a replacement or full refund.

Consumers may contact the ZuPreem Customer Service line at 1-800-345-4767 where company representatives are responding to inquiries regarding any issues relevant to this voluntary recall.

FAQs

What is being announced?

Premium Nutritional Products has issued a voluntary recall of its ZuPreem® Medium/Large and ZuPreem® Large FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods. The affected lots carry the expiration date codes of "Use by 11/30/13" and "Best by 11/13."

Why are these products being recalled?

This voluntary recall is being initiated because one lot of ZuPreem® Medium/Large (598405052) and one lot of ZuPreem® Large (598405072) FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods may contain elevated calcium levels.

What product expiration date codes are affected?

The only lots affected by this recall are the ZuPreem® Medium/Large and the ZuPreem® Large FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird foods with "Use By 11/30/13" and "Best by 11/13" expiration date codes.

Are other ZuPreem® products affected?

No other ZuPreem® products or lots of FruitBlend™ With Natural Fruit Flavors maintenance formula bird food are affected or part of this recall.

How will bird owners or breeders know if they have the recalled product?

The "Use by" and "Best by" expiration date and lot numbers can be found on the back of the package.

What should people do if they have the product?

Consumers who have purchased these products with the lot codes and expiration dates should discontinue using this product, discard the food and return the packaging to the place of purchase for replacement or a full refund.

What if owners fed the product?

They should monitor the health of their birds and notify their veterinarian if they notice any unusual symptoms. They should also discard any unused product and return the packaging to the place of purchase for a replacement or full refund.

What symptoms should they look for?

Symptoms include decreased activity level, decreased appetite, increased water consumption and loose or watery droppings.

What should owners do if they see symptoms?

If owners notice any of these symptoms, they should immediately contact their veterinarian.

What is the risk to birds of excessive calcium intake?

Excessive calcium intake can make birds sick and, in some cases, may be fatal.

Where were the affected products distributed?

The products in question were sold through pet stores, veterinary clinics, mail order and online in North America and other regions of the world.