DEAR EDITOR - I would like to reply to the letter from "Hurt Felines" that appeared recently regarding veterinary fees.

Veterinary surgery is one of the most difficult professions to enter and the reason that most people do so is because of their love and respect for animals. Vets are dedicated to their profession, which requires them to be on call 24-hours a day.

They have traditionally been undervalued with their fees being much lower than other professionals such as private doctors and solicitors. Although this situation has been redressed a little in the last few years, it is still not on a par.

Veterinary nurses have traditionally been no more than cleaners and general helpers in the profession. Today, however, veterinary nurses are highly trained and knowledgeable professionals in their own right. Their training takes a minimum of two years and as well as being rigorous in itself, studying is done at the same time as working in a very busy practice.

The majority of practices have the most up to date diagnostic and surgical equipment. Operations are performed with the same facilities and expertise that you would find in a human hospital.

All veterinary staff have continuous training to ensure that they keep abreast of developments in procedures, equipment and new (often expensive) drugs as they become available.

In countries where people have to pay for their own health care the costs of veterinary care are never questioned as pet owners realise the value they receive.

Years ago the answer to any serious illness in animals was to put them to sleep. We now have the diagnostic aids and expertise to ensure that pets live longer and healthier lives, for example hip replacements, heart pacemakers, MRI scanning.

Whichever veterinary surgery you use, I am confident that if you saw behind the scenes, you would agree that you were receiving exceptional value for the services provided.

With regard to pet insurance, I would certainly recommend it to all pet owners, not only for vets fees but also recovery fees for lost and stolen pets, holiday cancellation and third party liability insurance. I don't know of any policies, be it for car, household or pet insurance that does not bear an excess.

Veterinary surgeons should be able to offer the best possible advice regarding the options to investigate or treat a condition. Estimates can be given for each procedure. You are not obliged to take up everything that is offered to you.

Most veterinary practices are only too happy to discuss costs with you prior to treatment, they have nothing to hide.

Pam Hampson,

Practice Manager,

Clent Hills Veterinary Group.