Letter to dvm360: Vaccination changes have hurt client visits and hospital revenue

I completely agree with the Dr. Christopher Allen's assessment of the ProSal formula in today's economic climate (“Put ProSal out to pasture,” November 2014). In describing the economic factors that have led to the financial decline of our veterinary profession, however, I feel that one of the most important contributors wasn't mentioned, which is the fact that the veterinary profession went from recommending annual vaccinations to recommending every-third-year vaccinations instead. This was a professionwide medical decision that unfortunately led to financial consequences. Combined with the current trend to vaccinate humans less often as well, this has led to a huge decline in clients bringing in their pets annually for physical exams and preventive care.

An offshoot of this is that many animals are never presented until their illness or condition is so advanced that the owner cannot afford the diagnostic workup or treatment required. In turn, this has led to an unnecessary increase in euthanasia as a default option. If an annual visit were still the norm, many of these animals would be diagnosed in early stages, the owners would have more opportunity to be educated about early symptoms, and problems could be averted or resolved with less overall cost to the owner and a better outcome for the pet.

This drop in veterinary patient visits combined with the economic recession and flat recovery rate are the biggest factors contributing to the decline in practice revenue and the inability of veterinary teams-owners, associates and staff members-to be paid a more deserving income. With hospital revenues unable to keep up with costs and inflation, it has become impossible to increase salaries in an appropriate manner without having to lay people off.

As a profession, we seem to be treading water and not doing ourselves any favors by continuing to encourage additional veterinary schools to pump out more students that will face little choice in employment and only be guaranteed huge financial debt. This perpetuates the dilemma of a profession that continues to be underpaid, from the kennel worker to the practice owner.

Sandra M. Wing, DVM

Winter Harbor Veterinary Hospital

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire