what would you do? vet costs...

[tinksmama]

ok, I'm reeling here... we got an estimate for Scrappys teeth problem today- we never brushed,well dh did from time to time, but it just seemed so..messy... anyway- that's in the past now... we can't change it- but the estimated cost for cleaning,etc,with extracting 2 nasty ones is :yikes: 983.00:yikes: :yikes:
what would you do? call around some more and ask for estimates? can we do that? I don't want to go in for another 10 expensive office visits to check on costs....
She's 11 years old, so she's got plenty of good years left to live, but this cost just floored me! it does include her 3 year rabies shot a heartworm test and another booster she needs- but this seems so high, (all that is around $60)
this is the 2nd vet office we've contacted,the 1st was extremely non responsive, I had to call numerous times just to ask what was happening with the dogs bloodwork, it took days to get through,and then I was told I had to come in again for the booster shots, which had a wait of 2 weeks for that,then wait 2 more weeks at least to do the procedure, so we switched to another in town, they came highly recommended, but is this cost normal?
we have learned...we are now brushing new dogs teeth, but we don't really want to mess with Scraps teeth till this problem gets fixed,we don't want to make thimgs worse-

 

[Sweet72947]

:yikes: That cost seems a little high. I got a dental for my cat some time ago, and it was $296, without any extractions. I think I would call around a little bit if I were you.

 

[Melissa_W]

It wouldn't hurt to call around, but I know that dental work for dogs is really expensive. I cleaning alone is $300 at our vet... and his prices are generally pretty reasonable. The cost is in the anesthesia, I think. Let us know what you find out!

 

[dr2little]

That does seem awfully high. I think that Amos's total for cleaning and 2 teeth extracted was well under $400.00.....I get a small discount but I'm sure not over 10% or so. Shots aren't that expensive....
I'd do some calling. Do you have many Vets in your area? Can you ask your friends with dogs what they think of their vets?

 

[elegy]

that seems extremely expensive. i'm not usually one for price-shopping as i think the ongoing relationship with your vet is extremely important, but i don't think i'd be willing to cough up that much money for a simple dental. how are their prices otherwise?

i'd call around, to be honest. talk to people you know locally and ask for recommendations. the cost of veterinary care varies so much by location, so what they're charging might be in line with what everybody else is charging.

where i work it's extremely rare for a dental cleaning on a dog, even with iv fluids and extractions, to go above $500.

 

[Love That Collie]

:yikes: WHAT??? I can't imagine.
I've always had large breed dogs and here they price also by weight of dog etc. I have always had large breed dogs and I think the last time I had a dog get a dental was about 3 years ago and it was about $200.00.
The dog was put on a weeks course of antibiotics prior to the cleaning for procautionary reasons because of the cleaning etc. He didn't have any teeth extracted but I KNOW it wouldn't have been $900.00 if he had. I would call every vet in the area if I were you.

 

[cata.m]

you should call around, and ask for more reasonable prices. but i have to say, extractions are not the easiest thing to do. if not done well, the chances of getting an infection are high.

 

[bubbatd]

If extractions are due along with cleaning , why didn't your vet recommend cleaning years ago ! In my 60 years of owning dogs I've never really brushed . Only one dog need a tooth extraction due to a cracked tooth at 13 . None have ever needed a cleaning . Why ??? Raw bones ! Why do the smaller dogs have more problems when it's easy to find small raw bones . I can't give my dogs a nice round bone off a round steak , a sirloin bone , a t -bone or a rib bone without a risk of swallowing whole . It's hard to find a large shank or knuckle bone . Sure , to start off they may be messy , but it sure beats paying hundreds later on . Sorry ... I find no excuse for bad teeth unless it's through breeding . All dog's have good choppers at some point . It's up to us to keep them that way .

 

[tinksmama]

well, she's been to checkups,and we've never heard a word so far,honestly, I don't look in her mouth...we just never had a dog in our experience have teeth that seem so bad- thanks for the various bits of advice, I think a good relationship with a vet can be great-but I have yet to find one with whom i feel totally happy yet- I will call around a bit,and see what i can find out- the dog isn't hurting - she eats fine,and is still energetic,but I know it needs taking care of-

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I don't know where you live, but it sounds like big time inflation. I would call around and get more quotes.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Sure you don't use my previous clinic

Cider was $760 to repair a quarter sized avulsion of skin. They claimed they kept the costs as low as possible, but dude, they cut off skin, cleaned it and sewed it shut....

My afghan hound breeder friend nearly died since her c section a year ago was a grand including ultrasound...

I switched clinics for this year's hw test, they were nice, and didn't have science diet in the waiting room, so next tiem we need a vet I'll be calling there first.

 

[SummerRiot]

Dont forget that you get what you pay for as well most cases.

The estimate doesn't sound to off at all (I work at a clinic). It all depends on the severity of his teeth, how many extractions need to be done etc etc..

Usually for estimates you need to get a consultation from other vets as well..

 

[GlassOnion]

That's a bullshit price. $100-200 is reasonable. 900..no.

Our dental cost is $80 for the cleaning and we've had people come down from as far as Dallas for it lol. They say we do just as good a job as their vets up there but for a fraction of the cost.

Edit: Oh and we charge $10 per tooth that we have to pull.

 

[showpug]

It depends on what teeth are being extracted. I know where I worked, it was very expensive to have carnassial (sp) and canine teeth extracted. Those two types of teeth were over $200 per tooth and that was just for the extractions withough the cleaning. I watched these extractions take place a couple of times and they take a lot of time for the vet to perform, which requires more anesthetic and monitoring and tech time. That all adds up eventually. I am sure they added in IV fluids and pre-operative bloodwork to your estimate as well.

Routine dentals aren't all that expensive, but from what you describe, it sounds like your dog has two serious extractions that need to take place. The tough extractions are more like surgery than routine procedures...

 

[Aussie Red]

Here it is $ 89.00 for a dental and $35.00 per extraction. I disagree that cheaper means less quality work. I think my vet is one of the best out there and the hospital and office is squeaky clean. My vet will sit and talk to you as long as it takes to have you thoroughly informed on your animals needs.
I have been to pricier vets and they are cold and rush you through to get the next one in and make the bucks.

 

[tinksmama]

Ok, I know she's not in pain right now,and neither vet i've seen indicated infection,the last one said it could get that way-but not now- so I am caling the expensive vet today to cancel,and I'll let them know why.
My big problem now is,how to find another- I have to go for an office visit,just to have them look at her, to tell me what their estimate is- ($49 to look at her) I now wish I had found a vet we love,so we'd know right away,and not have to stress now. Like my op said, live and learn-

 

[FoxyWench]

that sounds EXTREEMLY high. i had 4 retained baby canines and a cleaning done while dodger was already under for his neuter PLUS his back dewclaws removed and it only came to $600 and our vet is WONDERFULL. so $900 for just a cleaning and extraction is ridiculous.

id talk to any of your doggy frineds, ask them where they go for there vet work. customers are often the best referal, i used 4 different vets before i found the one ive been using now, and have had experiences in the realms of ehh and terifying (like one who told me it would cost $900 to neuter dodger because hes so small, which would of been fine if they hadnt added "we neuter alot of exotic teacups here") at which point i couldent help be both horrified and in hysterics.

 

[SharkyX]

It always amazes me how quickly people cry bullshit and that costs to much and so forth without any knowledge of how the pricing structure of that vets office or what the outright costs are for that vet.

Costs at one persons vet are not the same as costs at another persons vet.

Country vets pay less for space rental then city vets so there operating costs aren't as high
Different areas have different rates of pay depending on costs of living
Different areas have different taxes etc.

Just because a cost is high doesn't necesarily mean the vet is trying to gouge you. If they leave for a week to go to there condo in milan then maybe... but there's alot of factors that contribute to costs.

Also if the vet you got the quote from is very reputable and has alot of specialists then they will charge more, simply because they can and they have earned the right to be able to do so and there are people out there who happily pay it knowing they get the best care. Not to say somebody elses clinic who charges less doesn't take just as good care... but having the solid reputation to back you up just says something and offers peace of mind to some people which is really what they are after.

EDIT: time is another thing. If the vets think it will be complicated to remove teeth (or know it will be based on what they have seen in your dogs mouth) that is more time spent on just you and not being able to help any other clients, and also more time taking up anesthetic and an operating room. You get a higher bill because they are not able to use any of these facilities now to generate other income so that has to come from somewhere.

 

[Aussie Red]

I live in Las Vegas. Things here are very pricey and one must look at that. I had to have an eye removal done. Only 5 vets in the entire area to optical work.
4 of the 5 quoted me a start out price of 4000.00 to $ 5000.00 for the job and cost due to unforeseen could go up from there. The fifth vet said it is just crazy and he would do it for $ 500.00. All the extras were included in that price. Blood work, heart monitor, anesthesia, pre op and post op, hospitalization, suture removal, e-collar and the post op exam. Only extra charge was for the antibiotics. He has the same over head as the pricier vets do. They get their supplies from the same place. I asked why he could do this so cheap and his reply is because he was in it for the love of the animal and not to get wealthy. He also donates many surgeries to rescues and shelters for the cost of supplies. There are many good quality vets out there who are not so pricey and remember why they got into it to begin with. I do not say they do not have the right to make a good living because we all know that schooling costs are high and they have earned the right to make a good income. What I am saying is that if you want to pay that price go for it if not shop around. However do be careful when you do because some of them may not be worth the price saving. Check his standing. Look at the entire office. Check out the staff and the hospital. My dogs do not go where they wont allow me to.

 

[bubbatd]

Folks , in some cases the prices are necessary ......if you had a child that needed immediate treatment , you wouldn't even question the price ! Hopefully by the time you need expensive work , you know your dog's vet and "hospital " ! This is why I like to establish a REAL clinic or hospital . Not a Joe Blow at a PetSmart or whatever . Sure , you can save costs for puppy stuff and yearly checks , but you have to look ahead ! Your now baby will be a senior someday or have major problems that require a GOOD vet ! I had a Golden with skin problems due to allergies and my vet suggested a specialist .Thus saving me $$ in the long run rather than go by trial and error . To me good vetting is #1 .