By Joy Milliren, Hospital Manager
This past year I found myself needing knee replacement and initially did not realize all the various options that were out there for me to consider. It was not until I started telling others I was considering the procedure that it became apparent all replacements are not equal. I decided I needed to do some research and discovered all doctors are not the same when it comes to knee replacements. They use different implants, their success rates differ and the hospitals where the procedures are performed differ as well. Fortunately, the orthopedic surgeon I had used for some time used the implant I preferred and everything else checked out as well; however, it is important to realize this is not always the case and we need to know the quality of service we are going to receive and not just assume everyone or place is the same.
Because of my knee replacement, I discovered after Thanksgiving, internet shopping. I couldn’t get out because of my knee and did almost all of my shopping online. It was great! I just needed to know what I wanted, type it in, and several options came up. Easily I could see who charged the least for the same item. I could look at the different features offered and choose accordingly. The manufacturer had a lot to do with the choices I made. It dawned on me that I had done the same thing when deciding on my knee replacement. Working in veterinary medicine, it also dawned on me that it is what one should do when selecting a veterinarian to perform a surgery.
However, there is one major difference between choosing a doctor or veterinarian and buying something online. Most of the time we can get a guarantee on our purchase but we cannot get back the health or life of our pet or ourselves if we don’t choose to select the “features” that will safeguard us during a medical procedure. Because of our current economy, we are all looking for the less costly option; however, the old saying that you “get what you pay for” is definitely true when it comes to medicine and surgery.
The best medicine or even just good medicine comes with a price. It is not inexpensive to have quality medical professionals, a clean facility, reliable and up to date equipment, along with drugs that are safe and will keep a pet pain free. Some of the services many view as optional in veterinary medicine would never be considered in human medicine.
At Thomasville Veterinary Hospital, it is important for us to provide the best care possible for our patients and we take that very seriously. All surgical patients receive full examinations and appropriate lab work prior to surgery. Pain medication is administered as well. We use monitoring equipment and thermal support throughout the procedure and assign a technician to monitor anesthesia and recovery for each patient. Our patients also receive 24 hour nursing care overnight. This may make us more expensive than the discounted, subsidized facilities, but it does give our clients and our team peace of mind that the pet has been given every opportunity to have an uneventful, comfortable, and successful surgery.
Just as I was comforted in knowing my doctor, his staff and the hospital facility was going to provide what I expected for my knee replacement you can also be comforted in knowing what to expect from your veterinarian. Ask what is included in the price for a procedure. If you haven’t seen your veterinarian’s surgical suites, don’t be afraid to ask for a tour. I think you will be impressed at the precautions many hospitals take when they are performing surgery with your precious family member. Medicine doesn’t come with the typical warranty like a product does but there are ways to minimize risk.
