[cricket1001]

I am just so, so very sorry for your loss of your precious, Morgan!!! I have bawled and bawled when I have had to put my pets down due to illnesses. It is so hard. They do become part of our families. Take care!!!! Sending hugs your way!!!!

Originally Posted by jabacon6669

Most difficult to discuss at this time, as we just put down our 9 year old golden just two days ago, But feel my opinion and current costs are very relevant to this discussion,
She had some arthritis in an elbow but otherwise seemed healthy. Was at a vet up north just three months ago for annual check. All was good. The day before we put her dow, she wouldn't eat, wouldn't get up, etc. next day we got an appointment at Paws Animal Hospital. Actually called us back and got us in sooner. Dr Johnson was the Vet. Very nice, caring, and informative. We feared the worse, having been thru this with several other Goldens over the years. Our other golden was with us and she allowed us to bring her in so they could be together. Long story, short was she had a mass on her spleen which ruptured, causing it to bleed. common with Goldens. She could do a red blood cell count to see if surgery was allowable $40. Surgery was approx. $2500, removing the mass and spleen. But only if it had not spread to the liver. A liver scan was $450. Which in past experiences it already had. We decided with a heavy heart and tears raining that she would be best served to letting her go. If, was a very hard decision. Here I am crying again. But, both my wife and I agreed.
Dr Johnson and her staff were excellent, Our Morgan drifted off without pain or discomfort.
So, we did not have all the costs listed above. But, that was not the reason for our decision. Stress, quality of life and age all factored in. Tuff, Tuff day. I'm sure many of you have been thru it.
So, here is our final bill, Level 3 exam - $59. 2 views digital radiographs of abdomen - $159, Euthanasia - $179, Cremation 51-85 lbs. w/ returned ashes. $296. Total $693.00.
I've been thru this before. It's difficult, my wife and I had had previous talks on what we would do, if this occurred again, making a cleared and conscious decision. And, not making a wrong decision while under stressful and upsetting conditions at the Vets.
They were excellent, and I'm comfortable with the Invoice. Hope this helps.

[LicketySplit]

Agree! Overpriced and they traumatized my dog.

[Darield]

Originally Posted by Bobcuse

Everything costs more today with inflation but my vet prices today for the exact services as last January are up 26% excluding the distemper Parvo vaccine which is up 46% over 3 years ago. The prices have skyrocketed since VCA corporation bought out Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital. Basic 60 second exam now $70 and DAp2p vaccine now $67.75! Prices are now increased 2x yr to minimize the sticker shock.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a quality vet with more reasonable prices?

We are also looking. We just got a fecal sample at a 350% price increase from 3 years ago. When VCA bought our vet in Colorado, we had problems with them. I am looking the Oxford Animal Hospital and Mulberry Grove Animal hospital. I have heard Mulberry is a little pricey but I can't imagine anyone is as expensive as Buffalo Ridge.