Antone's Nightclub
Fuel on the Fire
RECEIVED Wed., Dec. 14, 2005
Dear Editor,
As the two-legged buddy of a recently deceased feline companion of 12 years, I would like to toss a little more fuel on the fire concerning the treatment of animals in the Austin area [“The Bloodthirsty Killers of Circle C,” News, Dec. 9].
It is tempting to tell the whole story behind Kiki's illness and death, but I have done my grieving, and now it is time for some action.
I was referred by our principal clinic to a local "emergency animal hospital,” and when I arrived there was refused treatment because I did not have the entire fee on hand, to be paid in full before the "EAH" would admit and proceed with treatment.
The following day, Kiki died of feline hepatic lipidosis, the consequence of feline anorexia (neither of which I had ever heard of, and had not been apprised of, either).
That an emergency animal hospital would put profit above medical care is an obscenity.
It is reasonable, of course, for the business entity to pay its bills, and to turn a profit on its services.
However, there are many ways in which such a business can cover its losses other than sacrificing an animal on the altar of the almighty dollar.
Something is rotten in Texas regarding the practice of veterinary medicine, and if it's the last thing I do while on this planet, I intend to change it.
As the two-legged buddy of a recently deceased feline companion of 12 years, I would like to toss a little more fuel on the fire concerning the treatment of animals in the Austin area [“The Bloodthirsty Killers of Circle C,” News, Dec. 9].
It is tempting to tell the whole story behind Kiki's illness and death, but I have done my grieving, and now it is time for some action.
I was referred by our principal clinic to a local "emergency animal hospital,” and when I arrived there was refused treatment because I did not have the entire fee on hand, to be paid in full before the "EAH" would admit and proceed with treatment.
The following day, Kiki died of feline hepatic lipidosis, the consequence of feline anorexia (neither of which I had ever heard of, and had not been apprised of, either).
That an emergency animal hospital would put profit above medical care is an obscenity.
It is reasonable, of course, for the business entity to pay its bills, and to turn a profit on its services.
However, there are many ways in which such a business can cover its losses other than sacrificing an animal on the altar of the almighty dollar.
Something is rotten in Texas regarding the practice of veterinary medicine, and if it's the last thing I do while on this planet, I intend to change it.
James Grant