Question:I just got charged 175.00 for a cushings test for my dog, this is in the southeast part of the U.S., nothing else was done. Is this normal or expensive. From: can't eat because of my pets vet bills help!
Answers:
I think it is expensive, and I hope your dog is going to be okay. My neighbor bought a back yard breeder labrador, "cheap", well, the dog had to have surgery about a month after getting it, major hip problems, couldn't walk, anyway, she has been having monthly "yard" sales to help pay for Sofie, she puts up signs saying "help Sofie" and she gets donated stuff, and seems to sell her stuff very well. The dogs bills were thousands, no joke, and she has already earned hundreds towards the bill. Maybe, you could do something like that.
Yes, we all know animals can and do have emergencies and are expensive, and it is rude to say we shouldn't have them because they "might" get sick, after all do we throw away our children because they "might" too? For some people their pets are their "children", now sad to say to get rid of the problem or make accusations of irresponsibility, you did the right thing to take care of your dog. Pat yourself on the back, I know it isn't easy and I am sorry for the attack answers towards you.
That's pretty reasonable for bloodwork.
In the future, tell your vet ahead of time that you are concerned for your pet's health, but that money is tight. They will probably be happy to work out a payment schedule or other arrangements with you.
I think that most vets charge an arm and a leg....Mine charges $40 when you walk in the door just to greet the cat and another $35 just to check her over, literally. So a well kitty check is like $75, add her normal vaccinations, throw in a flea preventative vial and you have well over $250 for a simple vet visit..ridiculous! And I know how you feel about choosing between eating and taking care of your pet....it seems that only the upper class can afford to have a pet anymore.....
I don't know about that particular test, but medical/veterinary care always seems expensive to me. I bought a year-long plan for my dog for $300 a few months back and I'm glad I did...
It really isn't that unusual to pay high prices for running tests on pets.
The prices are similar in most parts of the country. I feel fortunate that I have pet insurance for my dog, so the crunch isn't so bad when you get your refund. However, I just spend over $1,000 on my kitty that was diagnosed with vestibular disease this past week.
I feel your pain. Hang in there.
Is there a Banfield near you? (this is the vet located inside PetsMart). I ask because if you put your dog on a Banfield plan...you pay a monthly fee, barely have to pay anything out of pocket when you go to the vet, and if you do have to pay something..it's at a discounted rate. Lets put it this way: the neuturing of my dog was over a grand. I have all my pets on a banfield plan. so, when it was time to pay...my bill said $13. No joke. everything they did was covered under this plan pretty much. I absolutely LOVE looking at my receipts from the vet because it'll actually tell you how much you've saved as opposed to how much you could have paid without the banfield plan (we have five pets: each one, I have saved between $2,000-$4,000 a year just by having them on this plan.
Also, if you cant do that...and vet bills are seriously bothering you financially, you may actually have to give up your dog.
That particular test IS expensive - as is treating the disease - Cushings is a long term degenerative disease (depending on what stage your at) which will require fairly expensive regular medication and a diet change.The question is will it be a financial strain on you to try to keep your dog healthy? And what quality of life will he be able to maintain?
Good luck & I hope your dog gets better.
Yes blood work for your dog is expensive no matter where you live. Talk with your vet about payment plans. Pet insurance is only worth the expense if your vet accepts the insurance. Start a new savings account for emergency vet bills. If you don’t use it, you’ll have extra saved up.
If you can’t afford good health care for your baby, it is time to call the rescue league for your breed. They may be able to find a good home that can afford her treatment, or give you some financial help with the vet bills.
No, testing for disease is very expensive. One of the periodic tests I have to have done on a cat is $300.
Try your local humane society/ASPCA. They run low cost clinics. It might be a less costly alternative for the future.
Good for you for putting the pet first. He didn't ask to be in your care, you took responsibility for him. He should come first - after family of course.
I just had bloodwork done for my Chi - I live in Los Angeles - her bloodwork (for epilepsy/liver enzymes) was $95.00.
If you cannot afford that particular vet, call around to your local shelters and find out which vets they use to do the spay and neuters for their adopted animals.
The vet the city of Burbank uses wanted $250 to spay my Westie -- the vet the city of Los Angeles east county uses charged only $85.
You really have to research and find what best suits you. I compromised on location and comfort (the LA vet is not much to look at and in a run down neighborhood) -- but I found a fantastic doctor who is no-nonsense. Not much bedside manner, but he'll give it to you straight and won't gouge your wallet.
Good luck!
Did you go to an emergency vet? That is extremely expensive for one test. My vet only charged me about $65 for annual vaccinations, blood tests, fecal tests, and full physical. I would suggest you look into finding a different vet. I could understand if it was an emergency vet and they did multiple tests or gave you a prescription but that it a bit too much.
Don't you wish that some people would actually understand what you are asking?! I'll bet that people wouldn't be so horrible if you asked your ? about grooming fees! I honestly do not know the answer to your question, but I agree that you should do some calling around.
More Questions & Answers...