Ok, I was under the impression here that for a healthy 5 yr old cat, an annual vet visit would do it.
I do annual vet visits with a complete senior panel, urinalysys, and they also go to the dentist every year (I request the tests). Bugsy has a yearly dental, the others have if necessary. For a long time Bugsy went more often to have his mouth checked, or for a liver panel, but yearly exams are the "regular protocol", per se.
The reason for my question is this: My regular vet, who I trust with my eyes closed, says this is quite good for their age group - unless they are sick, in which case I will take them in immediately, of course.
Well, I received a call from the holistic vet whom I went once to discuss Bugsy's raw diet, and who also gives holistic drops for his stomatitis, saying that he is required to go in TWICE a year as a 5-year old for a blood test and a fecal. This is the first time I hear such a thing. When I asked the reason for the tests, I was just told because the Dr.'s protocol is 2x/yr exams for pets over five. Well...... I told them he had a blood test six months ago when he had his dental and I never heard of such a thing, and I faxed the tests to their attention. If this is their protocol and that's what it takes to refill the stomatitis drops, I will discontinue his "treatment" as I think what is working is the diet and not the drops anyways.
So, am I wrong to think this vet is trying to rip me off?
I am confused!
I do annual vet visits with a complete senior panel, urinalysys, and they also go to the dentist every year (I request the tests). Bugsy has a yearly dental, the others have if necessary. For a long time Bugsy went more often to have his mouth checked, or for a liver panel, but yearly exams are the "regular protocol", per se.
The reason for my question is this: My regular vet, who I trust with my eyes closed, says this is quite good for their age group - unless they are sick, in which case I will take them in immediately, of course.
Well, I received a call from the holistic vet whom I went once to discuss Bugsy's raw diet, and who also gives holistic drops for his stomatitis, saying that he is required to go in TWICE a year as a 5-year old for a blood test and a fecal. This is the first time I hear such a thing. When I asked the reason for the tests, I was just told because the Dr.'s protocol is 2x/yr exams for pets over five. Well...... I told them he had a blood test six months ago when he had his dental and I never heard of such a thing, and I faxed the tests to their attention. If this is their protocol and that's what it takes to refill the stomatitis drops, I will discontinue his "treatment" as I think what is working is the diet and not the drops anyways.
So, am I wrong to think this vet is trying to rip me off?
I am confused!