Vet or VAR
In the IT “business”, we deal with the value-added reseller (value-addled) or VAR, but I believe that the esteemed profession of veterinarian is heading down that same shaky road. A long time ago, the vet took care of animals. Our dog got hit by a train and needed his leg put in a splint; no problem. Our puppy needed his “shots”; no problem. Times have changed.
The veterinary hospital invites you to enter through a showroom of animal food, in large bags with approved by every committee around labels, and the price shown in small print nearby, by the kilogram. Now there’s a reason to have studied math. The bag may be worth more than your pet.
Time in the examination room may be long, so the assistant goes to great lengths to explain that dog food has evolved (even though the dog hasn’t) and here is a sample for Fido to try out in the comfort of your own home.
Now, you have a healthy animal, so it’s time to discuss further medications. We don’t want fleas (no, we don’t) or parasites (fill in the name of your favourite veterinary clinic here) or worst of all, heartworm.
The largest veterinary training school in Canada mentions that a) the illness is almost unknown in Canada, at 0.01% in the four affected southern sectors of the country, and that b) the mosquito that is responsible requires a period of more than thirty days with temperatures never going below 15C. That counts out this area!
The vet responds that there are sled dogs in this area (my dog might have a trace of husky, listed on the medical folder, by coincidence) that are untested, hence a risk. Also, the medications are not sold without the heartworm component. Blood tests are extra, of course, and necessary after puppyhood is just a memory. The medication is worth about as much as the dog…
Do we have a pattern here? The animal is healthy, well cared for, and if I’m willing to spend just a bit more money, over and over again, almost everyone will be happier. Two out of three, at least, and I’m according a positive vote to the dog because I’m in a good mood.
