Good for you Marketplace. It is about time the real truth came out about overpriced pet meds. Vets are outpricing us all from having pets. At least healthy ones. Posted by: Jean Tavanaee | Nov 28, 07 07:01 PM

My puppy has epilepsy so he takes medication twice a day every day. It costs me approximately $40/month. My vet always gives me a prescription. He carries some meds and when I need these they are reasonably priced. One thing that I learned recently though is that the pharmacy charges GST and a dispensing fee on pet medication. (people meds don't have a GST charge) Thank you for this story. It was very informative. Posted by: Bonnie | Nov 28, 07 07:03 PM

It is time Canadian pet owners take a stand on how their vets over charge on meds. Thank you for opening my eyes. Posted by: lesley metcalfe | Nov 28, 07 07:07 PM

Markups on pet meds is high? Obviously, you haven't looked at human drug pricing. Have a look at ABC Detroit's affiliate (WXYZ) website. They had a look at wholesale drug pricing about 5 years ago, and found markups of up to 1900%. Sadly, I haven't seen an update, nor a Canadian version of this. Posted by: Norman | Nov 28, 07 07:58 PM

Just a few weeks ago I went to the vet with my dog and paid for a consultation and vaccines. My dog needed medication and I asked if I could get a prescription for it so I could go buy it elsewhere for cheaper: "NO" was his answer, "I don't do that, either buy it from me or I can't help you." I was stunned. Instead of paying another consultation fee at a different vet clinic (one who would be willing to write me a script) I ordered the medication online from a country that sells the medication over the counter. Posted by: Catherine | Nov 28, 07 08:08 PM

I've always been a strong, vocal supporter of the CBC, and have always felt that shows such as Marketplace represented reportage that exemplary. Then I saw your bit on vets. This report was neither fair, nor balanced; the chopped-up interview with the representative from the BC vet's association was a laughable reminder of something one might see on Fox News. To point out inconsistencies in billing by vets is one thing - vets themselves will admit that there are some within the profession who do themselves no favours by charging higher fees. But to slander the entire profession by characterizing them as moneygrubbing snakeoil salesmen is quite another. Erica, you ought to be ashamed to have sunk so low as to air such myopic hogwash and call it journalism. What really upset me was that you missed the point - the truth is, medicine is expensive. Really, really expensive. The only reason that you notice Veterinary medicine's expensiveness is that you actually have to pay for it - unlike Human Medicine. Could you not have recognized this as a rallying cry for the prevention of private medical clinics in Canada? No, you chose the low road. You felt it more important to slander an entire profession, filled with people who have put in long hours to get accreditation to cure animals - not get rich. Truly sad. Posted by: Tom Havey | Nov 28, 07 08:42 PM

I'm not at all surprised to hear that many vets are lining their pockets at pet owners expense. It's true that many pet owners treat their pets like their own kids. Unless you have a dog or cat you'll never understand. I too am a dog owner and I would do almost anything for my lab. Unfortunately vets are taking advantage. Fortunately I've never had to medicate my dog but if I ever do, I'll now know to ask for a script and get it filled at my local pharmacy. Posted by: Mark | Nov 28, 07 08:43 PM

I applaud you for bringing us this valuable information. It's an eye opener for many of us. I myself am a multiple pet owner. I have accepted the responsibilities of pet ownership, which includes annual visits to my veterinary clinic. So far I have trusted my vet in his advice and treatment, if necessary, for my pets. I've always thought that the prices for medications were high, but I had no idea that markups for meds etc. where so high, and not regulated in Canada. I can see why so many people cannot afford to treat their pets and have to have them put down unnecessarily. In my hometown I see many people who own pets, and do not get them vaccinated, spayed or neutered, because they cannot afford the vet costs. In turn I see pet overpopulation, abandoned kittens or puppies on back roads, wharfs, ditches etc... Which many of them spread diseases to other animals including humans. If the costs of vet meds were regulated, maybe the animal shelters wouldn't be so full either. The list goes on. Posted by: Karen Anna Thimot | Nov 28, 07 10:17 PM

Thank you for letting me know about this. I pay far to much for my pets med but never knew I did not have to until now. They are just like our kids so why do we have to be over charged just because they are pets? Posted by: Darlene Mann | Nov 28, 07 10:33 PM

I can understand that pet medicine is expensive and not regulated in Canada. We as consumers see it as expensive because we do not have any comparative cost with human medicine. For a minor surgical procedure in a hospital, minimum cost to the medical system is 1000-1500, where as similar procedure for a pet may cost anywhere from 150-200. I think Marketplace has to find out cost of buying from all the businesses and their markups before pointing fingers at veterinarians. Posted by: David Singh | Nov 28, 07 10:39 PM

I was appalled at the narrow, one-sided view of my profession. Like any profession, you have your bad eggs that do not reflect on the rest. However, your "one honest vet" sees a different type of client than the rest of us when he said that no one ever questions drug pricing. We get asked every day why medication costs so much. We have to be competitive with local clinics on meds (and with services such as surgeries) because clients DO shop around, they DO discuss their vet with their friends and they go where they can get the best service for a reasonable price. You can't fool the consumer, and if you think you can you will be out of business in a heartbeat. That being said, very few of my peers got into veterinary medicine for the money. Many of us could have been MDs, dentists, you name it because our academic achievements were there. But we chose veterinary medicine because we love animals. As it should be. Yes, we want to make money. Everyone does. But your show did not even try to evaluate how much an education costs, how expensive it is to run a clinic or even just to stock a pharmacy. You have to mark up meds 30% just to cover the costs of ordering, shipping and overseeing the pharmacy. And when the online meds don't work, who does the client call? The pharmacist who sold it? I hope not, because they may have no idea what they would be talking about! If I went to a trade lecture like the one you aired, I would be throwing things at the speaker for the "piece of the pie" attitude. I'm sure most of his listeners were not impressed. Finally, I am not worried about my clinic being affected by this show, my clients trust me. And I have earned it. If you look after your clients and their family pets, they will look after you. Posted by: Dr Chris Haves | Nov 28, 07 10:40 PM

My cat also has a thyroid condition which was diagnosed by my SPCA veterinarian. Without my request, they offered me a prescription to be filled at my local pharmacy and did not even offer the option to purchase from them. The dosage required cost a mere $10/month. Obviously not all vets are out there to "gouge" pet owners. Perhaps this is an option to be considered. The SPCA office I am referring to is in Vancouver, BC. Posted by: Joan | Nov 28, 07 11:05 PM

This is for Tom Havey who posted a comment on here. First of all you missed the point. Drugs whether coming from a physician or a Vet should be regulated, period! Second have you done your home work because I certainly have. Not one vet in my town doesn't have a huge mark up on their drugs, I have checked. Third your comments make me think you are a vet, or someone who has never owned an animal. I agree with you on one point, no not all of them out there are marking up the price, but again the whole POINT to this is all drug prices should be regulated, whether it's for a human or a animal. I to have had to put animals down because I couldn't afford the price of the medications. I found out about this before Marketplace even did a piece on it by going with a friend who had an asthmatic cat and she was getting a prescription from her vet to take to the pharmacy. So now that is exactly what I do and if where I go won't provide me with one I take my business elsewhere. I think we should stand up for our animals' rights, never mind our pocket books and bring about some regulations. Let's start with being up front and honest. Put that in your private clinic Tom and pay for it. Posted by: Loretta | Nov 28, 07 11:18 PM

I recently took one of my 2 siamese cats in for her annual checkup and booster shots. I have been going to the same vet for 7 years since I got my two cats at 10 weeks old. I was satisfied until this Nov when I took in the first cat and the worming pills that were $6.00 for two and given to the cat last year were now going to be $30.00 for the two pills and I was told to give them to her myself. When I questioned the price I was told that " things go up". I told them to keep the 2 pills and now I am looking for a new vet. Does anyone know of a good vet with reasonable prices in the Vancouver area? I still need to get the check up and boosters for my second cat. Also one of the shots went from $7.00 last year to $21.00 this year. The difference in my bill was from 59.00 to 104.00. I was very interested to see your show. I thought maybe I was just getting too fussy over price but it appears not. Posted by: H Best | Nov 28, 07 11:20 PM

I have 11 cats, all strays that came to my door either very pregnant or very sick, none were neutered. Great cats. I found out about 2 years ago about the meds when I noticed that my sister was using the exact same tapazole as my cat, so I asked my pharmacist and there was no problem to get the medicine, they actually told me my cat was the only animal in their computer and thought is was very funny. Here is another hint, if you have more than 3 cats many vets will give you 10% discount on the annual checkups and vaccines. Check it out. I would like to know where is the pharmacy that has a animal section. And I would suggest another show on sterilization. In the states they have multiple programs for it and I would suggest a once a year program, at least. Maybe vet students could help and participate. Posted by: Louise | Nov 28, 07 11:41 PM

I have to agree with Catherine on this one! Have you worked in veterinary or in any sort of medical profession? To fully understand the whole picture you would certainly have to do so. You have slandered the whole profession, the whole veterinary team. There are some veterinarians and support staff who are not "lining their pockets" and do this job for the love of helping animals and their human counterparts. Veterinary medicine is a business, not a charity, and people would understand this a lot better if we actually had to pay for our own care, something I believe we take for granted. In the word of businesses, there are also many costs, making it necessary to mark up products and services to cover those costs plus a small profit, like so many other types of businesses do. Like those clothes you wearing, you were willing to buy them most likely with a 300 - 500 % markup yet if your cat needs medication you can't handle the middle of the road 70-100% mark up your vets gave you? What about the Starbucks so many people have each morning? You can drink one of those each day, say four dollars a day, but your pets medications are too expensive? Sounds like some people need to get their priorities straight. Also: like human insurance, there is also pet insurance to help cover any accidents or health problems, so if you think you are going to run into issues in the future, consider that. Posted by: Cecil | Nov 29, 07 01:14 AM

Thanks for the piece about getting ripped off at the vet. It's about time this type of information was made public. Nine months ago my cat became violently ill (kept vomiting) and it was discovered she has chronic renal failure and requires a daily shot of 100ml of subcutaneous fluid. The vet charged approx $24 for the 1 litre bag of fluid, the IV tubing and 10 needles. On the internet I discovered a place in Richmond called Pacific Health Care that charges $4.40/bag, $2.45/IV set and $7.35 per box of 100 needles which works out to less than $7.00 for the same thing. Then last month my cat got very sick again and after blood tests ($200+) and x-rays ($125) it was found she now has liver problems so she was given medication. The first time I got the ursodial directly from the vet I was charged $64.00. The next time I got it directly from MacDonald's Prescriptions (who also compounded the medication to a liquid in chicken flavour) and it cost me $34.00. Guess where I'll be getting it from? BTW, by Tim Havey's comments he must be a vet as he sure is defensive about the piece. I have to say, for the most part vets all do a good job, but many take advantage of people who they know will do anything to keep their pets alive, healthy and pain free. It's not slander to tell the truth - marking medication up by 400% (as illustrated in some cases) is gouging and is unconscionable. Posted by: FPC | Nov 29, 07 01:30 AM

I am disappointed at the approach of Marketplace regarding the cost of veterinary medications. The suggestions at the end of the program were good, but painting veterinarians as greedy price gougers was uncalled for. Veterinary clinics are independent and have different overheads, different practice philosophies and different expectations of what profit is. This is reflected in what they charge. People with a bit of research will find a practice that is comfortable for them and their financial situation. I find it interesting that no mention was made of the other fees that Erica encountered in her travels to the various clinics and the wide variation in those as well. Posted by: Lindsay | Nov 29, 07 01:39 AM

That is an absolutely disgusting story. I find it odd that veterinarians are lining there pockets with these incredible profits and yet are the lowest paid of all professionals. Check out dentistry. Shockingly, there are differences in prices. This is referred to as competition in this and every other industry, but is a "lack of control" in the veterinary industry. Erica, I would like you to make public your salary and compare it with the industry average for veterinarians. Posted by: John Williamson | Nov 29, 07 01:48 AM

Good on you for letting the public know it has a choice. I was wondering how a vet in a small town treating only livestock could afford a porsche. Posted by: Trevor Curzon | Nov 29, 07 08:12 AM

Get a grip people. We have subsidized healthcare in Canada. We don't ever see bills for our healthcare. Veterinarians have the same equipment and expertise as medical doctors - yet they do it all at a fraction of the cost on the human side. I have lived in the United States. At private medical clinics you SEE AND PAY your medical bills. You pay cash or you pay for your insurance. Either way you pay. Americans do not complain about vet bills because they have SOME PERSPECTIVE on the costs. They see that the prices are reasonable. Veterinarians are some of the most generous and giving people in any community. They are extremely skilled and intelligent people who could have chosen other MORE LUCRATIVE CAREERS BUT CHOSE VETERINARY MEDICINE BECAUSE THEY LOVE ANIMALS. Any suggestion to the contrary is ludicrous. Posted by: Alexander Harris | Nov 29, 07 08:37 AM

I live in Ontario. Three years ago I went through a crisis. My beloved pet dog contacted leptospirosis, a fatal disease. It was very heartwrenching. I could not ask for a better vet than my own. It all comes down to trust and recognizing a true animal lover. Half of my dog's meds were given to me free. I was given the online site where some of the others were purchased so I could order my own. She was on 6 different pills a day (multiple times a day) which actually came to roughly 26 pills and 2 different syrups daily. We visited the office at least once a week, and home phone calls were not unusual from our vet to check up on her. When the time came to end her short life (3 1/2yrs old) she went into a coma in my arms. A before-hours visit was required to end her suffering which was carried out in the parking lot as there was no time to waste getting her inside. The bill for helping her pass over the bridge? and for holding her body till the cremator could retrieve her for us? for offering to launder the blankets we had her wrapped in? A grand total of zero. A sympathy card was sent to our family, hand signed by everyone in the office. Three months later when we brought our rescue pup in for her first checkup there was smiles all around. I could go on and on about the service I receive at our vet's office. I trust them 100000000%. Not all vets are out to gouge us and make a fortune. Posted by: Shelley | Nov 29, 07 10:03 AM

I found out a few years ago that the rabies shot is good for 3 years, yet the vets don't tell you this. I happened to find out through a co-worker and when I mentioned it to my vet, the comment I got back was "Well, people will forget, so that's why we do it every year." So we basically are overmedicating our animals. Furthermore, Newmarket was offering a rabies clinic for $15.00/shot. My dog had an appointment to get his shot at the vet, and when I called to inquire about their pricing, they were charging $55.00 - the person on the phone told me in a defensive tone that "they checked the whole animal out and made sure he was healthy". I've seen how they "check" my dog out and quite frankly I can do that at home. Posted by: Paul Ham | Nov 29, 07 10:24 AM

My puppy-mill puppy has been sick from day one. The medications from his vet were costing me $150 per month. In my city the clinics will only supply for their clients. In frustration I began shopping around and found an online Canadian Pet Pharmacy that is less them 1/3 of that cost. And that includes shipping! Posted by: Joan Heifer | Nov 29, 07 11:12 AM

I've been working with veterinarians for 30 years and have heard it all before. The biggest problem we face in clinics is the ignorance surrounding the price of pet ownership. Our practice deals with a lot of the smaller pets (eg. budgies, turtles, hamsters) and I can't tell you how often we hear "but it only cost $10" when fees are quoted for medical treatment. The $400 designer boots, the quality leather sofa, the black angus steak - these all make sense regardless of mark ups. BUT, a veterinarian shouldn't be able to afford any of these creature comforts because, unlike the client who is the consumer, the people in the clinics are supposed to "care" enough not to make a decent living. I have met few veterinarians in my career who don't care. I also do not know any veterinarians who are rich because of being in this field. The wealthy ones have made wise investments and scrimped and saved like everyone else. We live in a world where materialism is rampant and your program seems to promote the idea (very American of you) that, while driving your pet to a clinic in a $20,000 car you should always beware of the tyrants ready to fleece you of your money. Your facts are distorted and you are the nightmare of every clinic who has to try to explain fees to a consumer who is not trying to understand but is, instead, paranoid. Let the veterinarians host a show with footage of these clients. At this clinic, we don't perform any services without an estimate. The client has full disclosure about all expenses and has the choice of saying yes or no. Drug prices are on that estimate and we will gladly script out drug orders to a pharmacy IF the drug is a human preparation. And yes, pharmaceutical companies woo veterinarians in the same way they lust after human doctors, dentists, chiropractors etc. Maybe Marketplace needs to do a show about television stations who woo corporate sponsors. Any high priced dining out there? Posted by: Suzanne | Nov 29, 07 01:59 PM

I believe that this report is very one-sided and not true journalism as well. The prices shown do not account for dispensing fees. This is considered mark-up, which it is not. Also some examples are certainly not equivalent medications and could cause harm to your pet. For example, meloxicam or Metacam was used as an example. The human equivalent is in tablet form and often causes serious GI ulceration in animals, therefore the liquid animal product should always be used. Also the money-grubby portrait is quite laughable since veterinarians are the lowest paid professionals in the country. I trust that most pet owners will take this show for what it really is: an inflammatory poorly researched piece of media exaggeration. Posted by: Concerned Veterinarian | Nov 29, 07 02:13 PM

I have always respected the CBC and have thought that their ethics were well beyond that of other US television stations who run so called TV "news" programs that report on and sensationalize issues just to get ratings without throughly investigating what they are talking about. I am truly disappointed with the report run last night on CBC's Marketplace. Erica, you might as well get a job on Inside Edition. Why bash a profession that helps countless numbers of people and their pets on a daily basis? Sure there are "bad seeds," but this is the same for any profession (including your own!) Yes, vet care is expensive, but this is because it is expensive to run a veterinary hospital in Canada. Veterinarians are not funded by the government and must keep their doors open through "doing business". This means that some profit needs to be made on products they sell - just like any other business. If some vets are overcharging, then yes this is wrong, but the vast majority are caring, compassionate people who go out of their way to help people and their pets. Your television program painted a very wrong picture of how most veterinarians conduct their affairs. As Canadians, we take the cost of health care for granted everyday - but ask an American who doesn't have health insurance for themselves or a family member and you can truly appreciate how expensive it is to deliver quality health care. High quality health care, whether for a pet or a human cannot equal "cheap". I am disappointed that you did not look at the overall picture. Perhaps you should run a show about what it takes to become a veterinarian (the schooling, the tuition debt) and what it takes to open a clinic with the equipment required, staff and yes drugs needed to peform quality medicine. Your view was one-sided and unfair. Posted by: Jackie | Nov 29, 07 03:49 PM

I found your recent piece on over priced pet medication to be incomplete and entirely one sided. The first 15 minutes of the show was simply filler with very little concrete information. Simply because large pharmaceutical companies host decadent trade shows to launch their products is not an indication that the veterinary profession is "lining their pockets" with sales of medications. In truth veterinarians are the lowest paid professionals. While I don't necessarily agree with 450% mark up on medications, would you not agree that outrageous mark ups are found in all Canadian businesses. I should then expect next week you will expose over priced auto parts and mechanics. While price should be a consideration and every pet owner is within their rights to shop around, when choosing health care for your pet, cost should not be your only concern. Perhaps paying $10 more monthly for Tapazole is worth it for a skilled and knowledgeable veterinarian. Perhaps human pharmacies are able to offer a lower price due to the fact they purchase in large quantities. One final thought: certainly veterinarians can prescribe medications from the human pharmacy but if a veterinary approved product exists (such as Metacam vs. meloxicam) and your pet has an adverse effect the pharmaceutical company waives all responsibility and the prescribing veterinarian assumes it all. Veterinarians must protect their license to practice medicine. Your report could have been a more accurate reflection of a respected profession. Posted by: Shannon | Nov 29, 07 04:21 PM

Wow. This one sided show seemed like it was attacking vets for being in business. If we believe the premise that the government should control profit margins, then we need to test the premise in other areas. What about in gas, jewelry, clothing, vehicles, plane tickets etc. Pet drugs are not the only product that is grossly inflated. Buyer beware is the first rule in consumer education. Market Place, in many of the shows, advocates that the government needs to take more control from the public. Why not start to advocate personal responsibility? As consumers and citizens, we need to research and educate ourselves, not look for "big brother" to protect us. With each new piece of legislation we ask for, we give up our freedom of choice Posted by: S Andrews | Nov 29, 07 06:11 PM

Every business is entitled to make money. What other business do you know that discloses their cost or mark-up to the user? As a consumer you have a choice who to patronize. How about building in the vet's expertise, the staff, and other overhead to the cost? Posted by: Jeff Wright | Nov 29, 07 07:58 PM

I took my dog to the vet awhile back due to allergies and he gave me a low dose antihistamine 100 tabs cost me 32 dollars. When I was getting low I went to Safeway to see if they carried it OTC. They had it, only 8 dollars plus tax. The vet's cost 32 dollars, which is 400% markup. Ask for a scrip, or go somewhere else. Posted by: lisa | Nov 29, 07 08:43 PM

My dog got hit by a car in September. I got a call from the vet to inform me that he had my dog and she was in great pain with a broken pelvis and other injuries. He suggested I put her down, which I agreed. When I picked up the body I was presented with a blown up bill. Emergency consultation - $69.00 Insertion of IV Catheter - $67.30 1 drip set and fluids - $40.00 Delta Cortef - $74.52 Euthanasia $110.00 Torbugesic - $17.50 All taxed. So I picked up my dog's body and got a bill for $401.02. Not the best way to start a Saturday morning. Thank you Mr. Vet. Posted by: Keith Daniels | Nov 29, 07 10:05 PM

You know, you could always self diagnose your animal and buy its medications online or from the human pharmacy. This way when little Fluffy has a drug reaction you don't have to feel obligated to knock on your veterinarian's door at 4am, you can go to your pharmacist's door instead. Your vet probably needs the sleep anyway, He/She has likely been up most of night wondering what to do with all the money they are making. Maybe they will spend some on helping fight HIV AIDS in Africa, after all they are really quite compassionate people. To bad you've decided to spend all your money on Fluffy. Posted by: Bruce | Nov 29, 07 11:08 PM

Years ago I saved up $300.00 to bring my dog to a vet Allergy specialist . He told me what to do and then wanted to sell me antibiotics for him as he desperately needed this. But sadly i had 25.00 left over and needed it for food. He prescribed the meds and I got them at Zellers for $27.00 My dog was cured and died 12 yrs later but had a great life. He had suffered for 3 yrs. Sorry not all of us have money even though we LOVE our pets like family. So all Vets should offer this to their clients. I have 4 friends who are going to change Vets if it's not offered to them. It's a beginning. Thank you. We are awakening. Posted by: polly Braconnier | Nov 30, 07 01:03 AM

I just took my old dog in. He has spinal arthritis and needs to be on Metacam to control his pain. Through my vet it would cost $144 for a 100ml bottle. I went online and found the same product for $70.00 a bottle, much more reasonable. I have called to ask for a prescription which obviously did not make them happy. I was told they would have to ask the vet about this. I am still waiting for reply but I do not understand why they would not just supply this. Do I not have the right to shop around for my animal's medication? Can they really not give you the prescription? Posted by: jennifer | Nov 30, 07 02:34 PM

I encourage all pet owners to try and find the least expensive way to care for your pets. A few things to consider when doing so. In Ontario, the vet licensing body insists that a human drug only be prescribed if there is no veterinary equivalent available. This can limit veterinarians when writing prescriptions. (If given the choice between keeping my license and saving you some money, I'd like to keep my license thanks!) Veterinarians are only allowed to prescribe drugs for pets that they have a valid relationship with (generally accepted as they have seen and examined your pet within the past year). If you are shopping around for prices, you may have to pay for another office call to get the lower price at another vet. Be cautious about using on-line pharmacies from other countries. The quality control is suspect, and expired drugs are often prescribed. Be open with your veterinarian about your cost concerns. Posted by: Edward Morris | Nov 30, 07 05:06 PM

Perhaps if veterinarians received the millions of dollars in charitable donations that the SPCA receives, then they wouldn't have to make a dollar by having a markup on their medications. But they don't. Posted by: Grant Neilson | Nov 30, 07 08:31 PM

7 years ago I moved from Belgium to Canada. After my first visit to a Canadian vet, I told my Canadian wife right away that Canadians are ripped of by their vets like you can't imagine!! Your documentary is only a confirmation of my statement ... When some poor people can't afford to pay for their pets' medication, the innocent pet is sent to heaven (also at a price of course) Is it really more important to rip off your customers instead of being concerned about our pets' health? Canadian Vets, where is your code of ethics? I really hope to find a real veterinarian with a code of ethics and a caring heart for all animals. For the moment I only find "vets" with $ sign in their eyes. Posted by: John | Dec 1, 07 03:57 PM

I travel with my dog so I asked my vet last year for a written prescription for my pet's arthritic meds and was flatly refused by first the receptionist and then the vet. I changed vets and requested again and received one but only after much persistence. The vets are really reticent to give out their prescriptions. The first vet told me all prescriptions must be filled by his clinic and that was final. Posted by: Helen Woodstock | Dec 1, 07 04:06 PM

It's sad that some vets would rather see pets being put down over money considering the profession they've chosen. Thank you for bringing this to light. I also have 2 cats and find it very hard sometimes to accept the prices at the vet. I have asked many times if there are alternate holistic meds and I am always told no. I have therefore had no choice but to pay the vet clinic prices. I have always trusted my vet in their advice and treatment. I've always thought that the prices for medications were high, but what could we do? I hope one day the law of the UK will come to Canada and be regulated in Canada. Thank you again for bringing this to light and I will definitely ask my vet for a prescription next time and call around to see if other vets will give prescriptions to help pet owners out. Posted by: Diallah N | Dec 1, 07 08:05 PM

What an excellent informative show. I have felt that vets are gouging pet owners for years. If I could get 1/4 of the dollars back that I have spent on vet medicine I could retire. My vet recently charged me $500.00 for an x-ray that proved nothing and then wanted more money for further diagnosis. No way did he show me compassion for the money I spent or for the well being of the dog. My daughter is a rieki practitioner and recently received a letter from the veterinarian association to stop advertising the fact on her business card or they would take legal action. What's that about? Posted by: Bobbi | Dec 1, 07 08:21 PM

Just another profession in a position of trust ripping off the public. As your show revealed poor ethics for this profession starts all the way at the top. Posted by: Ian King | Dec 2, 07 12:41 PM

The only issue I have with vets is the fact that we, as pet owners, have to trust their diagnoses. I am currently feeding my dog a very expensive dog food because he might have a food allergy. This food, of course, is purchased at the vet's office. I have taken my dog to two different vets. One never charges a fee for follow up visits, and one does. I strongly feel that the prices vets charge should be regulated. Hospitals and doctors don't charge different prices for the same procedures do they? And, if a pet owner has insurance, does this maybe affect the final total on the bill? Posted by: Barb | Dec 2, 07 01:27 PM

Tom Harvey accuses the journalist of being myopic, then blindly asserts: "You missed the point...the truth is, medicine is expensive." Well, gee, Tom, that certainly IS the point. Medicine is expensive to begin with and some vets are marking it up as high as 400 per cent. Why? Because they can, and so they do. If vets are so intent on doing the best job possible and being transparently fair-minded with the public, wouldn't they welcome the legislation enacted in Britain? Posted by: Mike | Dec 2, 07 01:30 PM

To H. Best: Try Atlas Animal Hospital. The wonderful Dr. Bhullar is there. To Dr. Haves: The fact is that this "piece of the action" speaker was invited to speak to the other vets. Many were listening attentively. I am delighted that you would have thrown something at him! He was a disgrace, in my opinion. The BCVMA president came across quite badly as a spokesman. He expressed little sympathy for either pet owners or their pets. Re Drug prices: I paid $108 + tax for pediatric lanoxin elixir at the vet's office. The Associated Veterinary Purchasing charged the vet $49.08 and the vet doubled the charge and added a fee. I am surprised that AVP (their catalogue was shown on Marketplace) sells medications that are available at pharmacies when they know full well that the vets will sock it to the clients. Shame! The AVP should not be allowed to sell medications that can be obtained from human pharmacies. Human pharmacies are not allowed to sell drugs designed for animals, so why are veterinarians allowed to sell drugs designed for people? Posted by: Jean | Dec 2, 07 02:59 PM

I found this story very enlightening. I did not know that there was no regulation on medication for animals. I assumed that I was being charged the same price I would be at any Vet's office. Call me naive! I will definitely be asking my Vet for a prescription next time I have to take my pet in. As for Tom's comments, I have to say for myself, I didn't at all feel that the whole profession was being called money- grubbing snake-oil charmers. To me the point was that the pharmaceutical companies are pandering to the Vets. The Vets can charge what they like with no regulation, but I think a 400% mark up is a bit much. I believe in capitalism. In my business I have to stay competitive. The difference between my industry and a Vet's clinic is that I have to post my prices and my customer can go down the street to my competitor if I am overpriced. There is overhead in every business and you need to take that into consideration before you start a business. What Marketplace did was open my eyes up to an industry I was unfamiliar with. Posted by: Hannah | Dec 2, 07 05:43 PM

Try to take your pet to anything other than a vet for "health issues" and the BCVA will sue that person. Nice. You can take your kid to a chiropractor but not your dog. Posted by: Paul | Dec 30, 07 05:11 PM

I really enjoyed this program and have shared it with many people. There is this conception that we as animal lovers have nothing but time and money to spend. There are guilt trips to keep us spending more and more money. One can't pay on a payment program, one has to pay money upfront when dealing with small animals. Yet as a farmer(which my parents are and as such, I'm a farm girl) you can obtain credit from the local vets who will come out to your farm, deal with the situation and send you a bill in the mail regardless of how much it is. We can even purchase medication on credit as farmers. As small animal owners, we are denied. It doesn't matter if it's BC or Alberta or wherever, it's the same. I think that is unfair and biased. As a farmer, we are given options then make the best choice based on economics. There isn't the same type of emotional guilt pressure on us - in my experience - that there is with small animals. I was yelled at by a vet assistance because I refuse to purchase thyroid med for my cat. I was told I was cruel and inhumane. The cost for my cat's med - $250 per month! I have thyroid med and pay only $45/month. Instead on my regular vet's advice I purchased medicated cat food for $25 every 3 months. The manipulation has to stop. I've seen it in some many places and as a result, I am very choosy on who my vet is. It's time the truth came out regarding vet services and small animal care. It's a huge money market and it's time that consumers became aware. Good for you on bringing the truth out. Posted by: Bev | Jan 3, 08 04:25 AM

I have learned to view any television investigative report with a critical eye. Right away this piece made me feel as an audience we were being manipulated to see veterinarians in a tainted light. The champagne and schmoozing scene was foreshadowing where this piece was going. I am not a vet and I have had my share of huge unexpected vet bills but I wonder what the overhead of all those varied vet clinics with their varied pricings would be? Perhaps the cost of rent, staffing and wages all are varied as well. The higher the overhead the more the vet would have to charge in areas of his or her practice to cover their costs. This story just didn't feel balanced for me. Sorry. Posted by: Anne Marie Karau Seeley | Jan 6, 08 10:18 PM

Any Vet who doesn't give a prescription on request is despicable. Can someone post how to find local animal pharmacies all I can find is 1800petmeds and they don't sell in Canada. Posted by: Frank | Jan 10, 08 11:23 AM

After watching Marketplace last week I decided to make a few phone calls regarding the pricing on pet prescriptions. My 15 yr old black lab/shep is on (meloxicam meds) for arthritis. I called 4 Vet's to confirm the pricing of the meds I have for my dog. I got 4 different prices as follows: $76, $83, $96 & $102. (my vet being the highest of course). I then phoned a pharmacy and they could fill the prescription for me. It took me 20 minutes to get the prescription from my Vet. I wasn't leaving without one knowing what I now know. I walked out of there quite proud I might add! The cost was (are you sitting down?) $17.86!! I am so glad I watch your show! Very informative! I passed this info on a website for pets and shared my story and over 500 people have viewed it and 10 so far have emailed me back and thanking me for the info. Posted by: BRENDA MCCUTCHEON | Jan 29, 08 07:58 PM

I also had an experience with my dog's prescription. The first prescription was dispensed at the veterinary clinic at $64.00 for a 15 day supply. Needless to say, $128./month was cost prohibitive. I telephoned a few pharmacies, and was able to obtain the same medication for $50/month. Also be wary of recommended blood tests. Does your pet really need them? Don't forget your vet is no different than any other service provider. The more they sell the better the bottom line. During the last annual exam and vaccination, the vet suggested several blood tests. In retrospect, I believe some were not necessary and, (after a lot of research on the internet), I found most, if not all were subject to at least a 400% markup over the cost charged to the vet by the testing laboratory. Posted by: EJV | Jan 31, 08 04:10 PM

I have 3 cats and I'm an undergrad student. Last spring one of my cats had a blockage in his urinary tract, costing $1600 at the emerg. vet, then $1200 at the regular vet to have him re-catheterized and then have a surgery where they opened up his abdomen to clear out the bladder stones. After putting him (and thus all of my cats) on super expensive prescription food which can't be bought anywhere else but a vet, a few weeks later he developed the same blockage, and the vet quoted me over $1100 more for a surgery which finally did the trick. I bargained with the vet and he brought it down to just over $500 for this final surgery. For someone who is in school all year, paying over $3300 for ONE cat to have surgery is ridiculous. Going back to the topic of regulating prescriptions, shouldn't they also regulate how much they can charge for surgeries? After all a fee guide really is only a GUIDE (as you can see by my experience). I think that we should be able to obtain prescription foods from places other than the vet too, since this is also way overpriced. Also, I'm sure that anyone who has ever had to take their sick pet to the emerge vet will agree that they really hit you where it hurts, which also ties back to the lack of regulation. These vets working overtime are not more qualified than those working in the regular offices, so we as pet owners are forced to fork out more simply because they chose to work on long weekends and after hours? Not that I'm not grateful for them saving my cat and all, but $1600 to stick a tube up my cat's privates on a long weekend is outrageous. Posted by: Kim | Feb 10, 08 02:19 AM

People and the pets they own have rights. these rights are covered under various laws and statutes such as the BCVMA code of ethics to name just a few. Find an honest vet if you can a few do exist. If you have trouble there is help and more then you may think. Always ask questions it is your RIGHT. If all else fails email me and I will do my best to help you find a solution legally. Posted by: robert filiatrault | Sep 1, 08 01:16 AM