There are plenty of dollars signs in the multi-billion dollar business of pets. Owners are willing to spend money on just about anything and everything when it comes to their furry companions.
But how many will shell out the dollars when it comes to their pet's health care?
"In this particular area, people want to do the minimum," said Dr. Jorge Araque of most San Antonio pet owners. "It's not everybody."
Araque is on the staff of veterinarians at Becker Animal Hospital. It's a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Balcones Heights. At the vet clinic, pet resort, and animal emergency room the case load is generally high.
"Probably 100 to 150 (a day). It's busy," said vet technician Derling Esparza of the animals they see.
In fact, there's usually a constant flow of pets into their facility after 5 p.m. each day. Possibly more on weekends. The goal is to be seen in 30 minutes. A clock sits outside each treatment room as a reminder.
You'll find little dogs wrapped in towels coming in for medical attention. There are also furry patients that have been tossed out of vehicles. Debbie Bulsterbam rescued a puppy less than six weeks old from the brink of peril not far from her home.
"A woman drove by and pitched a little puppy out the door," she said. "Didn't look back. Didn't care."
Fortunately, after being checked by the staff at Becker's pet ER, the puppy was not harmed. Even better, Bulsterbam ended up taking the little one home.
In the meantime, a plethora of pet patients are being seen. There's a cat with an ear infection so severe the animal's balance is completely off. The cry of another cat can be heard as its pain from chronic kidney failure is apparent.
A dog named Mandy is being prepped for hip replacement surgery. Buffy, another dog, is recovering from having a huge bladder stone removed.
Above his cage is Buddy the dog on canine dialysis. The staff said they tend to see more sick dogs than any other animal.
"I don't think that dogs are sicker than cats," said veterinarian Micrea Volosen. "I think cats can hide it better than dogs."
The vets think sometimes the real sickness occurs when pet owners find out how much treatment will cost. Becker's Animal Hospital doesn't charge extra for emergency services but some facilities do. Some owners come prepared to only pay a certain amount they said. Anything beyond that is problematic.
If you're thinking about getting a pet, the costs of taking care of one is very real. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a general analysis of what it will likely come from your wallet.
Back at the Becker Animal Hospital, the clock is ticking for a two week old puppy that has a huge cut inside its hind leg. The puppy's mother caused the injury trying to move her baby from one spot to another.
"It's already infected," said Dr. Araque. "I can see the bone."
Araque's recommendation is blood work and surgery at a $400 cost. According to the doctor, the puppy's owner was only will to pay $50. So, the puppy will have to tough it out.
Just like a human hospital things don't always turn out favorable. Yet, the frantic pace to save the animals' lives continue at this pet ER.
