Neutering, possibly enlarged testicle

[Parajaka]

Had my 8 1/2 year old pom checked out today by the vet. He said one testicle is slightly larger than the other and that something could be going on. He wants him to get neutered ASAP.

My problem is, they want to charge me $190 to do the procedure. I'm sure I could get it done elsewhere for cheaper, but is there any risk in doing so? Especially considering his age.

I've been with this vet for over ten years and he's been great, but yeah, I was a little shocked by the price.

 

[elegy]

i would go with the vet that you know and trust.

 

[filarotten]

I would do the same, stick with the vet you trust.

 

[LabLove]

I would get him neutered as soon as possible. $190 does sound like more than my vet would charge, but I would go with whoever you trust the most. Perhaps he is including some type of pre-op testing (CBC, blood chemistry panel, etc.)?

 

[colliewog]

That's less than my vet would charge, but I don't like price shopping for surgery. If you like and trust your vet, you're paying for expertise and care.

 

[-bogart-]

That's less than my vet would charge, but I don't like price shopping for surgery. If you like and trust your vet, you're paying for expertise and care.

this , the old saying you get what you pay for comes to mind.

 

[Parajaka]

There's a reputable clinic in the area that charges $49 for the procedure. That's why I'm a bit flustered by the high price from the vet.

I do trust the vet's care a lot more than a low cost clinic, so that will probably be the route I take.

 

[colliewog]

There's a reputable clinic in the area that charges $49 for the procedure. That's why I'm a bit flustered by the high price from the vet.

I do trust his care a lot more than a low cost clinic, so that will probably be the route I take.

But your dog's older and KNOWS the clinic where he currently goes (and you know the staff too I assume). I just couldn't allow strangers to do surgery on my dog, no matter their reputation, unless it were a specialist or emergency situation and my vet couldn't take care of it ...

But you're right, the $49 clinic could just as easy do the surgery if you're unable to pay your regular vet's fees.

 

[Renee750il]

Part of the higher price may be, as Lablove suggested, there is testing included, perhaps a biopsy to determine whether the enlargement is due to something benign or malignant.

Going with a cheaper clinic often ends up costing a lot more in the long run.

 

[Bigpoodleperson]

Just be careful with the cheaper cost you were quoted! One clinic around here plays the game where they quote you for the procedure cost, like 49$ for the neuter. They fail to include the cost of anesthesia, monitoring, catheter, etc. I would also go with the vet you know and trust. Because of his age the vet is probably including labwork and an IV catheter (which i consider mandatory). Go with who you trust and who knows your dog.

 

[Doberluv]

You could ask the low cost clinic what all is covered by the $49.00. They're going to be licensed vets, most likely and experienced with this common surgery. Compare the two vets....see if they both do the pre-blood panel to make sure the kidneys and all are working well before they give anesthesia. See if they're both planning to do a biopsy or any other procedures along with the neutering. Compare. I've used the humane society vets for neutering a couple of times and they were cheaper, even with the pre-surgery blood work-up. and I felt confident in their ability, seeing as how they do a TON of neutering and spaying surgery. And 8 years old isn't that old for a pom, generally speaking. Good luck with whatever you decide.