You call that "easy?"
I posted this on the Fuzzy Tales blog already, but am so shocked and disgusted that I wanted to post here too.
The estimate for Derry's straightforward, "easy" cleaning, of course. Click to enlarge.
This is why people don't take their pets to the vet. They simply can't afford to.
I called the clinic and very nicely (really) said I just couldn't swing this, that it was over half my monthly income (the high estimate definitely is) and that it was a huge increase from last year's $600 or so for Nicki. I asked if they had payment plans, but they don't.
I've been with that clinic since 2007, I've dropped over $10K there since February 2009, most of it as incurred debt.
I absolutely cannot express how disgusted I am. Even if Derry had no injections and no extractions (which he ought not to have), that would knock off only about $100.
I don't know if the clinic that neutered, and then took, Toby would be any better. All I can think to do is give them a try later this summer or early in the fall, since Derry's cleaning isn't urgent at this time. Still, I don't want to wait too long, because I don't want it to become a problem, especially given that he has chronic gingivitis.
Have I said I'm disgusted beyond words?
Comments
I must admit I've never taken any of the cats for dental work. So far, none of them have had any real problems with eating so I assume they are okay.
Of course, I don't see my dentist either...the costs are simply stupid for words, even with a dental plan.
I hope you find somewhere else with more reasonable rates. That's just nuts!
You are right that is a crazy price and it is made even more difficult by them not being flexible over payment.
Do you have any vet schools close by? Often they offer cheaper or free services and often better care as they have good facilities.
good luck, we hope you are able to find a better deal to help derry.
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx
I am >shocked<
I don't understand this at all.
I kid you not the time I had Abby's dental done plus one broken tooth removed it cost $125.
That was several yrs ago but still I know it's a given prices have risen but this is ridiculous.
Take care
x
I do love your blog, by the way. But I wanted to also express my shock at seeing the bill.
When I took my cat, Sweet Pea in (granted it was 2008) when he started bleeding from his mouth, they gave him an exam, said he needed at least one tooth extracted. Luckily I fasted him the night before and they took him in that day. They called later to tell me they had to actually extract four teeth. He stayed overnight and I picked him up the afternoon of the next day. Along with antibiotics and pain meds they gave me, the total bill came to around $350.00. This is in the Washington, DC area, not exactly a cheap place.
I would totally check out another vet.
A few years ago here - a vet tech offered tooth scaling at really reasonable rates, and without anaesthetic. You might need to check in to the doggy stuff in your area for that kind of info.
good luck Kim
huggs...la