I have kept quiet with all these posts about vaccines, titers, abstracts, and such. And I am NOT, repeat NOT going to debate anyone on what is best for their dog. But, as a veterinarian, I have to say that some of these supposed guidelines from AAHA have been taken completely out of context. And some of the research articles are not repeatable findings. Anyone can report a study to look favorably towards their position. Drug companies do it all the time.
Just as I do not generalize about breeds or people, nor do I support those who do, anyone who insinuates that veterinarians as a whole are out to make money (by vaccinating or otherwise) is not only insulting, but obviously misinformed. If you feel that is what your veterinarian's intentions are, then get out of that practice. Move on to someone who cares about you and your pet more than money. Are they out there? Of course they are. Are they the majority? God I hope not. I do not believe that to be the case. Do you need to be informed? YES!!! It is your responsibility to your animal companions to do so! Absolutely be an advocate for your pet's health! Do you need to imply that we are all out for one thing and it is money? Please...
The AVERAGE veterinarian, currently, graduates with somewhere between $100,00 - $200,000 in debt from student loans in vet school ALONE (not including the years before that... which for me was 7 years with 3 other degrees). The AVERAGE veterinarian will make approximately $46,000 A YEAR upon graduation (large animal vets make even less). Anyone with the intention of getting rich in this profession had better think again. And, sadly, when you factor in the hours put into a job like this, you are looking at less that $15/hr, if that. So, I am afraid to say, that anyone with realistic expectations from this profession are NOT going into it with a honest goal of making money.
At our practice, we are on a 3 year vaccine protocol and carry very few vaccines as it is. We do many titers and take each case into consideration as far as whether to vaccinate or not. It is not, nor has it been in many, many years, the "cornerstone of our practice". And yes, we have a few vets in the area that are all about the money. That is true in any profession. Take issue with individuals, not professions. Like "punish the deed, not the breed"... to do otherwise isn't going to do anyone any good.
You are entitled to your opinion. And you don't know me from the bag lady down the street. But, I have to respectfully disagree with a lot of what has been posted in this "health" section, and it has nothing to do with money. Be informed, be educated, but also realize that anyone and anything can be posted to look a certain way or favorable from a certain perspective.
We need more studies about vaccines. I'm all for unbiased, well done research studies. And when I see them, I will learn all about it. I am open for new ideas. I want to hear my clients out. I want to address their concerns.
Now if you will excuse me, I have to rest up so I can go to work tomorrow and sell more vaccines while I fight off the 102 fever and probable bronchitis I have because I just love the money so much. And I make so much of it.
