There was a recent article in the NYT talking about how the overblown expenses in human health care in the US have infiltrated vet care as well.
It’s all about profit & absolutely disgusting.
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My long-time vet retired and sold the practice to a corporation, which of course was not revealed. All the vets except one have now left.
At least with human healthcare most people are covered by health insurance to ease most of the financial blow. However, most people do not have health insurance for their pets, so they are responsible for 100% of the price gouging charges. My cat was mainly healthy for his 13 years. I’ m sure if I would have insured him 13 years ago, I probably would have paid more (in dues over the 13 years)than the $7,000 I spent during the past week. We do have pet insurance for our healthy Frenchie, since that breed is known for health issues.
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Looks like we’ll be forking over more $$$
Our monkey boy is apparently still not doing well, despite clean bloodwork & x-ray just last Wednesday. He’s not had a BM since he left a ‘present’ at the vet’s practice, and he’s still not eating & drinking very little. We’re worried.
We’ll be facetiming with the vet again at 9pm CET & are hopeful they have some advice 
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So sorry to hear that 
I hope the vet is able to find the cause. Hopefully his main issue is missing his parents, and he will improve when you return in a few days.
Sending good vibes your way.
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I’m paying about twice as much in vet fees as I used to. This has prevented me from getting another dog, much as I’d like to have two.
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So sorry for your the horrific experiences you recounted. The end of life for any loved one is immensely hard, but I have encountered the worst that veterinary medicine has to offer in those very circumstances. Thank you for being loving and compassionate.
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So sorry to hear this. What an awful ordeal for everyone. I hope you can take comfort in the happy life you gave Gucci.
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I have a colleague who has to give her cat enemas… not fun for anyone, but saves on vet bills.
Wow
Never heard of that, glad I don’t have to do it!
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Thank you @small_h and @Vecchiouomo for your kind words 
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I hope the call with Chonkster’s vet gave some reassurance.
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OMG. I can’t even imagine. Pilling our monkey boy a few years back required 5 peeps, a towel, a blanket… and we still couldn’t get them in his mouf 
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The vet didn’t seem too worried. He also apparently peed just before the vet visit, which means he clearly has been drinking, but of course there was no urine sample available in case of a UTI. She also implied he may be missing us, that cats can get more sensitive in that way with age 
Hard to believe since we’ve been doing the Berlin thing since we’ve had him (11 years now), with someone always staying in the house & taking care of him. Last summer we only had someone for the first month, and the second month was just peeps taking turns stopping by. You’d think that would’ve been rougher on him, but he was no worse for the wear.
That said, this summer our house/catsitter has a 9-5 job, so maybe he does feel a bit lonely now? He is a very social creature (just like his parents 
).
We get back late on Thursday, and of course nothing can or will be done over the “holiday” weekend — unless there were a crisis, of course, but if he continues to be less enthusiastic about food, despite our being back, an ultrasound will be in order.
Here’s hoping that won’t be necessary, and that nothing terrible is going on with him.
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Parker tends to be a grazer most times and, when stressed (and/or when we are away) he won’t eat until humans are around. Also, this summer, he’s been shedding more than usual (even with the usual for the season change), so a lot more hairballs and on and off lack of appetite. I just switched up his food to another brand he’ll actually eat (and has no chicken because the weirdo is allergic to chicken somehow). Seems to be helping in the short term. Fingers crossed your lil’ guy is just trying to express that he is upset and wants you to come home!
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I was just gone for most of 2 weeks onboarding. My mom lives around the corner and enjoys the chance to soak up the kitty love since hers crossed the bridge last year.
Even though she comes over with pets and scritches and treats, I still come home to find theyve worried themselves sick. One of the few advantages to having a roommate.
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I honestly don’t know how she did it!!
I am so sorry. It never gets any easier. 
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