obscure2k

Took my 9-year old pug in for an exam the other day for a physical exam. (he has weakness in his hind legs). The cost of the exam was $55.00.
Of course, blood work and x-rays were extra.
$140.00 for spinal X-ray
$140.00 for blood panel
I live in Los Angeles
Curious as to how fees vary throughout the world.
BTW, appears the weakness in his legs is likely due to nerve damage as a result of a small stroke. No pain.

cepheid

It really depends, and prices have been going up lately. Currently, our primary vet is the VCA Bay Area animal hospital (one branch of a chain); I believe they charge about $50 for an exam, maybe $55. Re-exams (within 30 days) are slightly cheaper. Blood panels are anywhere from $70 to $150, depending on the "completeness" of the panel, and X-rays are typically $70.

When we don't need a major exam, we'll take our pets to the local clinic, instead... exams there are something like $14. You might look into the local SPCA or shelter, as well - they may provide somewhat lower-cost care, although I'm not positive if they can handle specialty cases.

To bring this onto a travel-related vein... When we need a health certificate for travel, the VCA charges not only for the exam but also for the certificate, so it can add up a lot. The clinic, on the other hand, charged us for the certificates (much less than the VCA did), and didn't even charge for the exam. It was something like 1/5 the cost.

Tummy

I think we paid $56 for an exam recently in Hoboken NJ, $100 for each x-ray, ~$400 for a spay.

CDTraveler

One large cat, in Silicon Valley:

$52 to see the vet.
Far too much for the medications!
No charge for the re-weigh and ear re-check by vet tech.
More than I care to think about for teeth cleaning under general anesthesia (vet is a specialist in animal dentistry, cat has gingivitis and tartar).

keith1569

To see the vet is $32 where i go

obscure2k

Where do you live?

RSSrsvp

I live in the upper westside of Manhattan and my vet charges $80 just for the initial exam. The cost of the tests will drain you faster than Bernie Madoff.

slawecki

and how much is an apartment, a parking space, a cheap lunch at a 2*, a cheap whore, etc. if you live in manhatten, one needs a $500,000 bonus just to afford the ny times and pay toilets and bmw payments.

jennj99738

My Schnoodle, Charlie, (I may have mentioned him once or twice in this forum ) got used as a chew toy by another dog at day care and I had to bring him to the vet. The charge for the office visit was $30. The cleaning of the wounds was about $20, the antibiotic $37 and the anti-inflammatory was about $13 for a grand total of $100.

I didn't think it was outrageous but a lot of money and I'm very angry that he got so bitten up. There were 8 puncture wounds on his lower back and one had abscessed. No one from the day care told me about it and they may have had so many dogs, they didn't know it happened.

I don't want to take him back there. I think they have too many dogs to adequately supervise. Unfortunately, it's the most convenient to home.

I do appreciate what my vet said which was first, that the dog was fine. Second, that Charlie loves day care and that the momentary pain he experienced was outweighed by his joy at playing with the other dogs. My pain in my wallet, however, was not momentary.

cepheid

That sucks about Charlie, but man, $100 is nothing for a vet bill. If I could get away with paying only $100 I'd be dancing all the way home. Maybe it's because I'm in CA, but any time we need anything other than a routine check-up, we're usually out $200-$300 on average.

That said, if the daycare didn't inform you of Charlie's wounds, I wouldn't bring him back there... they are clearly negligent. If you're feeling litigious, you might even consider a lawsuit for your "mental anguish." I hate lawsuits, but I hate seeing animals abused or neglected even more...

CDTraveler

Just got written estimate for teeth cleaning: $375, recommended annually.
<eerk>

Have decided to try interim program of nightly brushing the cat's teeth. Will see how long that idea (and my fingers) lasts...

jennj99738

This is strange, I know I submitted a reply to your post earlier but it's not here.

You're right. The bill could have been much higher but it still stung especially because of how it happened. It's virtually impossible to sue for mental anguish for pets because they are still considered property. I think that's wrong but I'm not going to fight it today. I'm not going to bring Charlie back to that facility because the staff obviously couldn't properly watch the number of dogs they had. It's weird because they do temperament test the dogs. Obviously, someone cheated on that test!

So, I will go back to PetSmart even though it's very inconvenient. Charlie will be just as happy.

cepheid

I didn't say Charlie's mental anguish... I said yours.

jennj99738

That teaches me I should be more careful what I type. The extent of Charlie's mental anguish occurs when I move his food bowl to fill it. And birds. He thinks they're evil and are messing with his mind.

phedre

My most recent vet trip last weekend came to $50 for the vet check, and $50 for the yearly vaccinations.

I've also shelled out for:
- teeth cleaning, $200
- bloodwork, anywhere from $50 - $120
- xrays, $120
- ultrasound, $600
- complete bladder blockage with emergency vet care and three days in the kitty ICU, $2000+, not counting follow up urinalysis, special food for two months, checkups, etc.

Pets. They're great, but ouch they hit the wallet.