the wild new world of health care for your pet from cat scans to doggy braces, almost every procedure for humans can now be requested for your pets. but be warned: nothing's chirp, er, cheap. - health care appliances

(MONEY Magazine)
Medical expenses soared.
Limited coverage
Provide expensive care for the elderly and critically ill patients.
Sounds like a familiar list of issues being dealt with in Washington, D. C. C. , right? Not so fast.
Don't expect Hillary Roham Clinton and her husband to help with these health issues.
What we're talking about is something really terrible. -
Dogs and cats, rabbits and reptiles, and even big belly pigs in Vietnam.
Nowadays, your doctor can do almost anything for you, and one of the 48,000 veterinarians in the country can do anything for your pet.
You can send kitty for CAT scan ($300 to $700)
For liposuction ($350 to $500)
Give you an unhappy Siam.
The vet opened contact lenses for the dog (about $20)
Bird of Ba enema ($120)
Abdominal surgery of reptiles ($500 to $1,200).
At the Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital, doctors perform corneal transplants, balloon vascular shaping, and open surgery.
Heart surgery for cats and dogs.
The owner even--
This is not what we made up. -
A pet like a rat and a guinea pig.
"I had an anesthetic the other day --
Ounce hamster grinding wrong teeth (bad bite)
Edward R Denver veterinary dentist
Eisner said recently.
"Work is very tight.
The price of detailed dental surgery (
$1,250 root canal and Crown)
It causes people to bite their teeth and cut their teeth.
Like human health care, these advances in veterinarians have sparked debate at the intersection of ethical and economic instability.
People who once had no choice but to carry out euthanasia on sick pets can now balance their finances with the lives of animals.
So how far will you treat a sick iguanas and how much will it cost?
In more vivid terms, while almost any sacrifice is considered to save human life, does it make sense to spend thousands of dollars on chemotherapy for a cocker?
Many people answered yes.
In fact, the Americans paid $20.
They have 3 billion pets a year, about half of them in health care, or almost the same price as $10.
National Institutes of Health budget 3 billion.
In addition, veterinary bills are soaring.
From $1987 to 1991, the national expenditure on veterinary services climbed from $5 billion to $7. 4 billion --
49% less than the runaway 52 jump.
People's health care spending grew by 1%.
Since then, in the slowgrowth U. S.
According to the American Veterinary Association, the growth in spending in the economy has moderately exceeded the national inflation rate.
The Humane Society estimates that pet owners spend about $1,200 a year on a dog (
$135 veterinary service fee)
A kitten costs $600 ($85).
But this is chicken feed when your pet chicken has serious health problems.
Cornell University Veterinary Hospital in Ithaca, New YorkY.
For example, a Labrador hound consumed antifreeze in 37 days when the doctor repaired the kidney, and the bill exceeded $10,000.
As animal surgery becomes more complex (
Available now: Organ transplant)
Have a record of demand for blood
At the University of Pennsylvania veterinary hospital, blood loss has tripled since 1990 to 3,003 pints per year.
To help build up this supply, the hospital has installed an animal blood flow device worth $48,000 to solicit the opinions of donors at dog shows and dog club meetings. (
As a result of not liking the crowded and noisy van, cat donors are more nervous and donate in the hospital. )The blood --
13 kinds of dogs and 3 kinds of cats-
It costs $140 to $180 per pint, not only for surgery and trauma, but also for anemia and anemia.
These Penn donors did not receive any money, only food. -
Equivalent to a donut for human beings.
There is even a Veterinary Group, the American Association of Canine Sports Medicine (305-633-2402)
, Provides diet and training advice for racing dogs, flying disc performers, hunters and other sports Cubs.
Ronald Stone, executive secretary of the Miami Veterinary Association, received some unusual calls.
Stone said: "I have a master who is preparing his dog to swim in the English Channel.
"In some cases, animals get more advanced care than humans because
Edge technology is perfect in non-human beings.
Sacramento Animal Medical Group in Carmichael, California
For example, surgeons use fivefoot, computer-
Drive robot arm in the hip called Robodoc
Replacement operation.
"It can drill holes more precisely than humans, which means patients recover faster and new hip joints are less likely to squeeze out of their joints," said physician Ralph Barrett . ". On the low-
In terms of technology, the American Veterinary Association has officially recognized acupuncture as a therapeutic tool and, unlike the American Medical Association, the American Medical Association does not recognize the technology.
It's also working.
Veterinary acupuncture has achieved remarkable success in the treatment of lame, arthritis and other chronic diseases that limit animal activity.
More than half of AmericansS.
There are pets in the family, and many people think it is a formal member of the family.
It is this emotional bond that creates difficult financial and moral choices.
Think about the plight of white people ---Tom, 41; Jill, 34; and their four-year-
Daughter Elizabeth.
They returned to Albany in December 1992.
Go home from Maui holiday and find their eight herbsyear-
Old cat, suffering from chronic renal failure.
The only treatment for commonly fatal diseases is kidney transplant and lifelong medication.
The final cost is about $16,000.
White people with annual revenues of about $70,000 made this commitment, as did the owner of all care clinics in Fountain Valley, California, vet Robert Rukes.
Herbs accepted as transplant candidates.
Two months later, the lucky cat came home with a functioning kidney and a $6,000 bill. Twice-
Daily dose of Csa capsules (
Prevent organizational exclusion)
At present, regular blood tests cost about $2,500 a year.
Next year, when the test is reduced, the annual cost will become $2,000 as long as the kidneys continue. -
It is estimated that about three to five years.
But no complaints from white people.
Tom, Jill, and Elizabeth agreed to give up the luxury holiday for several years to pay.
"This has attracted us a lot," said Jill . ".
"It makes us more like a family.
"However, some white friends think they are crazy.
However, James F argues that there is no essential problem with spending on animals.
Wilson III, professor of veterinary ethics at the University of California, Davis and the University of Pennsylvania.
"People spend $50,000 on travel, cars or diamond rings, and no one will keep their eyes wide open ---
"Or they should give the money to the poor," he said . ".
"Just because some of the human needs are not met does not mean that we should refuse to provide the care available today to pets. " Adds Herb-the-
Dr. cats, Rukes: "Everyone has indulgence.
But there are few luxuries that give us back. Pets do.
"While the cost may be considerable, the medical treatment of modern pets is actually a deal compared to the same procedure for humans.
A double hip replacement is $16,000 for you, but only $1,500 to $6,000 for your German Shepherd. Why the gap?
First, the average annual income of veterinary doctors is $63,466, while that of ordinary doctors is $177,400. D.
Moreover, the money was taken out of the owner's pocket;
Insurance companies pay more than 75% for human health
Care costs but less than 1% of veterinary care costs (
See "Pet insurance is worth a look" on page 156 ").
"There's a lot to learn when Hillary Roham Clinton comes here," said Barry spumming, director of the Penn Veterinary Hospital . ".
"Economics has been driving animal medicine because there is no Blue Cross and there is a limit on what most families pay.
The doctor will think twice before ordering additional tests.
You don't have these limitations in human medicine.
"In addition, certain economies can be practiced by veterinariansD. s cannot.
Animal doctors, for example, will re-use the catheter to recycle human pacemakers to dogs.
But even if these costs are saved, some veterinarians doubt that the medical breakthrough is more than the ability of pet owners to pay for pets.
It's one thing to pay Rover's bills with money dedicated to Hawaii holidays ---
But it's another thing to drain your child's college fund.
Even if money is easy to buy, you should not instinctively take it out.
Susan Phillips Cohen, consultant director of the New York City Center for Animal Medicine, regularly advises owners on treatment options including euthanasia.
She suggested that you calculate all the expenses. -
Not just money, but time, energy and emotion.
No dog or cat should have the ability to ruin life for other family members.
"To help you decide how much you spend on your pet, here is an overview of what you can buy today: the basics of Boomer.
Most puppies and kitten owners agree that they need to get vaccinated and take the annual exam.
But the vet says your rabbit should also have a medical check-up every year like your iguanas, ferret and Finch.
The cost of a routine medical examination is about $35 (
See the medical price comparison table for dogs, cats and people on the right side).
The price quoted here and other prices will vary depending on the location (
Higher cities and lower rural areas)
And the scale of veterinary practice (
Smaller ones tend to be cheaper).
Dental treatment is becoming more and more important in animal medicine.
By the age of four, about 75% of dogs and cats suffer from periodontal disease accompanied by bone or missing teeth.
The main reason is dental plaque, when their adult teeth enter, within four to six months (
42 dogs and 30 cats)
It's time to start fighting.
A plaque attack, such as a commercial bite (
$4 to $10 depending on size)
, May do the work for big dogs like hounds.
But in order to reduce the risk of periodontal disease in cats and puppies like the pomera, because they have precious small bones to lose, the vet recommends that you clean your teeth every day with one of the many animal toothbrushes on the market.
You will also need a special pet toothpaste as your foam ingredients will make Feifei's stomach uncomfortable.
Favorite Flavor: poultry. (
Cost of both: less than $10. )Colin E.
Harvey, a Penn dental professor, recommends that you supplement your home care with a professional dental cleaning ($115)once a year.
But cheer up now: you may want to improve the smile of Fluffy.
Edward R in Denver
Eisner handles 25 orthodontic cases every year (
$600 to $1,200 per piece)
Need metal appliances
When teeth are badly misaligned to cause damage to the gum tissue or to chew, these devices wear out for two to four months. (
The owner must replace the elastic band once a week. )Root-canal therapy (
$450 to $650 without the crown)
This is also quite common for teeth-biting dogs and cats, but you won't be a terrible person ---
We won't say either. -
If you decide to pull it down for $160 to $240, including X-
Light and anesthesia
Even dogs have blues.
If your pet has serious behavioral problems, such as howling all day while you are away, or attacking children or other animals, it can be a life --
Because anti-social behavior is one of the main reasons for the euthanasia of pets.
However, there is hope in the form of animal psychiatrists and psychologists (
$50 to $100 per hour;
$20 for telephone consultation)
They provide effective treatment, sometimes in combination with drugs.
Yes, pets take Prozac and settle as much as we do (
The price of 30 tablets is about $71 and $20 respectively)
There are other anti-depression and anti-anxiety drugs.
These drugs are usually effective in suppressing depression (
For example, loss of appetite or unwillingness to play proves this)
Relieve phobia (
For example, fear of thunderstormsand obsessive-
Compulsive disorder--
Chase or chew the tail constantly, for example-
This happened to dogs and cats.
Stability is good for high.
Won't use the string cat of their bin-
But do not prescribe humans to animals;
Seek professional guidance.
Eyes, ears, nose and goats.
Celebrities in animal world-
Show animals and performers-
Beauty treatment must be tolerated frequently. Some are benign and some are not.
Example: Bulldog and other puppies with fatal performance defects-
Mottled nose leather in pink and black instead of looking for Ebony-
Sometimes they get tattoos on their noses (about $200)
For the ambitious boss of the blue ribbon, this is pure black.
Other surgical procedures, however, are more sensible.
Hereditary cataracts are common in six breeds of dogs, including poodles, Spaniards, hounds and hounds, and various canine animals have a certain degree of blurred vision after the age of six.
Cataract surgery ($800 to $1,500)
They recovered their eyesight about 90% of the time.
Among purebred dogs, deafness is a common genetic problem that plagues at least 45 varieties, including 30% of new spotted dogs.
As the age increases, hearing loss can also occur in other dogs.
Usually older animals are compensated with their remaining senses, but some owners have chosen canine hearing aids (
About $370 including veterinary fees).
The amplification device is placed in a small tank on the animal collar.
A plastic tube runs up the neck and inserts into the ear.
Aid was provided by A in 1990.
Edward Marshall, professor of veterinary anatomy, Auburn University (205-844-6741)
Curtis R, audiologistSmith. (
They only accept orders from the vet. )
However, some experts say the cost is unnecessary.
George Lux, a professor of neuroscience at the veterinary school in Anna, Louis, said: "in a protected environment, such as in a fence --
In the yard, olderdog gets along well with hearing loss.
"When pets lose the use of their hind legs because of an accident or spinal illness, some owners have made commendable efforts to keep them moving ---
Usually with the help of K-9 Cart. This custom-
When the animal pushes itself with the forelimb, the manufactured equipment holds the hind legs on the wheel.
Dogs and cats are the main users, according to an official at Pa Berwyn, but the transport is also prescribed for use in goats, rabbits, sheep, and even possum, which is paralyzed later. K-9 Cart Co.
The company sells about 1,000 units a year for $175 to $310.
Treatment in new era
More and more owners when traditional procedures do not work-and vets --
Alternative therapy is being turned.
"I will use antibiotics or traditional Chinese medicine, no matter which one works better," Patterson said . "Y.
Veterinarian Alan Sean, a graduate of Cornell University.
His overall medical skills include acupuncture and chiropractic treatment.
One recent success was Patrick, a golden retriever with arthritis, whose hind legs were extremely weak.
After receiving acupuncture and diet supplements for two months, Patrick jumped into his master's Jeep again.
Cost of Treatment: about $400.
Some people share alternative therapies with their pets.
Flamenco's pressure massage therapist Pamela HannayJ.
The cost of Arlene hub ner and hub ner's black lab Hannibal adds up to $75.
Hanniba has hip dysplasia
A genetic condition in which the ligaments are loose and the thigh bone begins to work out of the hip socket)
And related spinal diseases.
Massage for 30 minutes;
His master has an hour.
Living in hub ner in Glen Ridge, New YorkJ.
Also, hanniba was added to a team of dog games, which played regularly in the local Wildlife Sanctuary ($75 a week)--
This is an excellent way to maintain mental and muscle health, thus slowing the degradation of the hips.
Hubner manages powdered orchid and other dietary supplements ($3 to $5 a day)
She thought it would relieve his back and leg pain. -
Although traditional veterinarians may not agree.
Hub ner said: "I want him to have a good quality of life, just like I want a child.
"To find the most suitable caregiver for your pet, please recommend it to the Veterinary Association, breeder and beautician.
You can also get clues from the American Animal Hospital Association (800-252-2242)
Strict standards are applied to its 2,500 member clinics and hospitals.
When you prepare a list of candidates, ask the local animal rights attorney for the name of the practitioner he or she heard the complaint.
Animal Legal Defense Fund (415-459-0885)
Maintain a nationwide catalogue of about 750 lawyers and law students who are particularly interested in animal cases.
Next, an exploratory visit to the clinic.
If it has passed a clean and friendly preliminary test, learn about the cost, emergency services, and availability of experts.
About 7% of veterinarians across the country are board members.
Certified in one of 26 specialties including dermatology, oncology and ophthalmology.
The cost of treatment by an expert may be 20% higher than that of a general physician, but it usually extends the life of the animal.
Of course, given today's medical magic, your pet may live longer than you.
But you now have another option that matches human care: Tuffy can spend his sunset in a pet care home.
Sponsored by Texas A & M University, the Stevenson Companion Animal Life Care Center, which opened a year ago, provides all the comfort facilities for lifelong accommodation-
If you can pay the bill.
To keep a pet, you must donate $25,000 to a & M's Veterinary College.
The interest you earn from your investment is used to meet the needs of animals;
When it dies, the income will flow to the Veterinary College to support a program of your choice that promotes veterinary education or animal health.
About 10 owners have registered their pets so far, although none of their favorite four pets --
The gourmets are still in residence.
Will AARP still be far away?
Of course, we are referring to the American Association of Retired pets.
Box: Cat and Dog pet insurance worth less than 2% is covered by medical insurance, according to the animal health industry survey.
But if you will never give up your pet and you are afraid of serious veterinary bills, you should consider a policy.
There are two main products.
Fireman's Fund Insurance (800-528-4961)
Sell its Medipet policy in all 50 states.
Pet Insurance (VPI; 800-872-7387)
Sold in 39 states.
Insurance premiums vary from $49 to $219 per year, and some policies cover up to $3,000 per injury or illness.
Firefighters Fund from. M. Best.
VPI, which was underwritten by the National Casualty Insurance Company, received Best ratings.
Chart: unavailable credit: No credit description: compare the Bill of muffin with your survey of national veterinarians and find that, in general, pet health care is
In addition, veterinary fees in rural areas are 40% less than in urban areas.
In addition, in a small clinic, the cost of regular services may be only half the cost of a well-equipped hospital.