Outrageous Vet Bill

[samrhett2]

I will try to make a long story short, but I just have to vent today.  I took one of my dogs to the vet earlier this week.  She was biting at her read end and sitting down when she walked.  She was hiding and acting sick and not eating.  The vet said it was glands (I know, sorry) and they took care of them and sent us home after I paid $60 for an office visit.

A few hours I went back home to check on my dog and she seemed in paid.  She would not get up and go the bathroom or even come to greet me.  I called the vet and asked if they took her temperature to make sure there was no infection.  I noticed she did not answer me but said that the dog probably was just having some paid and I should give her Rimadyl.  Thankfully, I had some.

This morning the dog was worse.  I took her in and asked if it could be a urinary tract infection.  They checked and sure enough it was.  They said that it was so bad that they wanted to do an Xray to make sure there were no stones causing a blockage.  The Xray showed no stones.  They sent me home today with an antibiotic and some cranberry pills and a bill for $217!  That is in addition to the $60 I paid a few days ago.

Does anyone else think that is outrageous?

First of all if they had taken the temperature of a dog that I told them was acting sick it would have clued them into an infection somewhere on the first visit.  Secondly, I can't believe the charge.  If I had a urinary tract infection the bill would not be $217! 

Can anyone else tell me if their vet charges this type of money?  I have been with this vet practice for 15 years but as of today, I am shopping for a new one.  They want me to bring her back for a recheck in two weeks.  I am not taking her back there.

[girlswin2]

Thats cheap compared to here in MS.  I had to take one of my cats to vet sick and vomating all nite.  Ended up being upset stomach that we have to use a special food that all my cats eat due to it being $51.00 a bag    and having to give him 1/4 of a pepcid pill daily.  Our bill for 4 days of test and meds was $789 plus the cost of special food and meds.   

[sammywantsya]

uggh dont get me started with those bills. i had to choose one of them.. its sad but true

[mzzsarah12]

I took one of the dogs in because she is a very picky eater and I was afraid that she might have been sick because she refused to eat. The vet charged 500 to do an ultrasound and X-ray . Long story short she has cooked foods now, she just didn't want the dog food.

[rogery]

It's not fun but I would say you got off pretty easy. I have friends that have spent thousands keeping their pets alive. Pick up a few active referrals and let FusionCash pay you back.

[potluck6]

i paid alot of money for antibiotics for my dog had to put him to sleep so the doc could look in his ears wouldn't be able to otherwise i think the bill was over 400.00 pet insurane is possible but not always good i might not cover everything

[bowrunner]

It's been my experience that vets in the suburbs of cities are very expensive.  I am in the country and my bills aren't anything like that.  I think the last xray was something less than $50.

[samrhett2]

I am convinced that I can get better prices.  One of the animal rescues recently started a vet hospital to help offset their costs.  They recruited a vet from another state and he writes a column in the local newspaper.  I am going to try that place next time.   Thankfully, the poor girl seems to be doing better today.  If they had bother to take her temperature the first time she was there, the second visit would not have even been necessary.  I don't mind paying for the care, but the part that make me mad is that it always take them 2-3 visits to even figure out what the problem is.

[kay7]

Oh Karla, that's awful!  I think your idea of trying the rescue vet is a good one.  I hope that works out better for you.  It wouldn't seem to be too complicated to at least take a temperature when someone comes in & says their dog is sick so don't know that I would want to trust them with any more care. 

[stellafly]

Sorry to hear about your problems with your baby.  It seems all anyone is interested in anymore is the almighty $!!!  You might try a product called Nu-Vet.  I recently placed my dog on a course of these tasty wafers.  They claim that this product not only treats present conditions, but also prevents outbreaks of any further conditions.  This is a totally natural, holistic approach to canine health care.  My dog is full of tumors with an exceptionally large tumor on her throat which was making her cough and gag constantly.  Since I have had her on this product  (since 3/15), the tumors have diminished and there has been much overall improvement in her condition.  The product is not outrageously priced and auto-ship is available.  You may want to visit Nu-vet website for further info.  In the meantime, hope your pet is much improved and sorry for your exasperation with your vet.

Good Luck!!!
 

[samrhett2]

Thanks everyone.  I am trying not to stay upset about it, but it sure does seem like the cost of everything has gone waaaay up.  I guess it is a vicious cycle.  The more things cost the more everyone charges so they can buy what they need.

[veronica773]

Karla sorry to hear about your dog, but I took my diabetic dog in and she had to run tests on him and xrays and it cost us $500. The vet also run bloods work on him.
 He had a really bad urinary tract infection.  He had to take two doses of antibodients, it was that bad.


The vet told me that an urinary track infection really makes a dog feel really bad.  I hope you dog gets feeling better.

[heather_sergent]

my vet had it to where you can do a payment plan.. I am so far in debt at the vet that I will never get out..

[catherinedwhite]

Hi Karla.  So sorry to hear about your dog.
I think shopping around for another vet may be in order.
My vet takes the animal temperature even if we are there for something simple.

[crazyzoo]

Sorry to hear about your dog I do hope she is much better now........the last time one of mine had a urinary infection my bill was 380.00 that was for 3 days there meds xrays and a complete blood work up my vet wasn't convinced that was his only problem so he did everything. I know my vet is always complaining about how much the meds are going up and the hospitals are charging for blood work ect as he sends it out . I've been with my vet for over 15 years I know he shows me what everyone is charging him and he charges just that nothing else. Maybe you can ask your vet to explain why it is so much I know my vet has never had an issue at all with anyone asking why??