Originally Posted by Two Bills (Post 2289785)

Used to clean all our greyhounds teeth with toothbrush and paste daily, and give them a marrow bone to gnaw once or twice a week
Never needed a vet for teeth cleaning.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2290145)

Brush their teeth every day? Leave it there. I dare not even think about what other "personal services" your (obviously well loved) dogs recieved. Makes me wonder how animals survive in the wild without a health care system. Still, their "choppers" generally look pretty good. They aren't actually wearing "doggie dentures", are they?

Originally Posted by biker1 (Post 2290154)

Probably about the same as humans; not particularly well. I assume you brush your teeth and go to the dentist?

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2290166)

Yes! Far more then I like. And don't forget doctors.
Actually, was surprised by daily tooth brushing for dogs. All my dogs were well loved and healthy. They got checked at the first sign of a problem. Regulated diet with bone and Milkbone for cleaning teeth. Shots were up to date. Since dogs didn't get candy, cake, bread, etc, their teeth faired much better than my own. Maybe if they had lived as long as I, used and abused their bodies in the same ways, they would have had some of the same problems. What do you think?

Originally Posted by PugMom (Post 2290137)

you are correct! animal workers are frequently encouraged to get a rabies vax, esp if rehabbing wildlife. i had mine over 40 years ago, & instead of getting boosters, i get my titer checked. last i knew, about 25 years ago, my titer showed i did not need the booster. i havent been checked since out of the business

Originally Posted by jabacon6669 (Post 2290113)

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.

Originally Posted by Bobcuse (Post 2289440)

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?