Vets are expensive because they have to do a lot of training to be able to answer all the problems people present them with and expect answers to, and also to maintain surgeries full of expensive equipment with which to treat them. Now I am not saying I am a millionaire, but if I have an animal that I think may need a vet's advice or treatment I take it, despite the cost.
I wish other people would do the same, ok give them a day or two if its nothing serious, but after a week I think something needs to be done.