Comparing The Costs Of Human Vs. Animal Health Care

[Jumabaar]

Comparing the Costs of Human vs. Animal Health Care

By Dr. Doug Mader

Alot 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. 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 175 pounds. 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 hygroma 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.

Dr. Mader is an ABVP board certified veterinary specialist practicing in the Keys. Send your questions to [email protected].

This link shows the table

http://www.redditpics.com/comparing-the-costs-of-human-vs-animal-health-car,1123966/