Proin question

[catzndogz22]

My 13+ year old retriever has been on proin for 4 years and it has worked very well for us. She had her annual wellness exam in June where they took a urine sample and checked her blood pressure.

I’m trying to get the prescription renewed for another 6 months. The vet’s office originally called me and said I needed another BP check. Which I expected. I just got another message that they want another urine sample as well. This is the first time they’ve required a six month sample. Is this normal?

The clinic was recently acquired by a corporate interest and I can’t help but be suspicious that they’re trying to add unnecessary services.

[hoopoe]

It can cause issues with protein in urine. At 13yr old it is also a good, quick snapshot of kidney health.

But, truth to tell, I would never choose or stay in a Corp clinic. Im sorry you are facing this.

[catzndogz22]

Thank you!

I probably won’t be staying with them after this appointment. No matter what they tell me I’ll always question whether their priority is my pet or the corporate profit. A new privately owned clinic opened nearby.

[Saskatoonian]

Sad to hear that you have grounds to be suspicious of your vet practice. My 7 year old has had a proin prescription for a couple of years, and no rechecks required. She gets annual blood work, but not a urine sample.

On another note my vets of 20+ years sold the practice to a corporate outfit. I had no idea - and it was sold a couple of years ago - so corporate isn’t all terrible.

[catzndogz22]

I know veterinarians pursue their career path out of a love for animals and I trust that they want to do what’s in the best interest of my pets. I also know that many corporate owners put pressure on them to bill services. Some (all?) treat it like a commission based compensation - the more you bill, the more you get paid. Puts a young veterinarian with a lot of debt in a tough spot.