My dog has just had stitches and a drain put in his leg, will the vet charge to remove them?

[TheCunnyFunt]

Just that really, I had to cancel his insurance because we couldn't afford and am going to reinsure him as soon as we're back on the straight and narrow. Spent £181 at the vets today for a dog bite and I was wondering if the vet will charge to remove the drain and stitches. The receptionist said "£181.32 altogether." so hoping they won't, as we really cannot afford anymore big vets bills.

Ring and ask. They didn't charge me for removing stitches

Sorry to hear about the dog bite . Mine wouldn't charge, it would be included in the cost of putting the stitches in.

The thing is, if they do charge for removing stitches I happen to know a lady who is an ex nurse who has been approved by her vet (same as mine) to remove stitches herself when her dog has ops (he has them a lot). So I'm more concerned about the drain removal I think.

I don't even know exactly what or how the drain is fixed! It's a little peice of rubber pipe sticking out of his leg but I haven't a clue how it's in him! Is it just a needle thing that can be pulled out or what??

I need a vet on the thread!

They shouldn't do.
The price you pay for an operation usually includes all the aftercare. The fact the receptionist said "altogether" would indicate that they abide with this policy.
You could ring to check if you're worried.

I don't have insurance either. Being a breeder/ show person all my life meant it just wasn't economical to have it for all my robust terrier lot, though I did insure puppies transferring to the new owners for the first few months. It worked out much better for me to have my own vet bill fund that was always in credit. Perhaps shouldn't say this, but I found that all the vets I used over the years usually asked during consultations if I had insurance & I became convinced (sometimes with justification) that if I had had insurance the bill would have been considerably higher.

I have never paid again after the initial operation costs so I would think it is all paid for. Hope your dog gets better soon.

Yes I was asked if he was insured.

I'm pleased to hear that generally they don't charge for the removal of things! I hope this is the case with the drain, I don't know what it is or how it's fixed in, so haven't a clue how it's supposed to come back out!

It would be unusual to charge for post op visits on surgery done in your own practice.
Drains are fixed in a variety ways by different vets.
I would suggest you phone and check about charges to put your mind at rest.

No, I wouldn't imagine there would be an extra charge.

Was your dog bitten by somebody elses? I would be expecting them to pay the bill tbh.

Yes somebody elses dog, but it was all my fault and the dog that bit him was acting in self defence. It was a stupid mistake on my behalf and one which I won't ever be makng again.

Lizcat you're a vet aren't you? (apologies if I'm mistaken) The drain looks to be fixed in with a stitch, how would it be removed? Is it simply pulled out after the stitch is cut? I don't even know exactly what it is, I know what it does, but what's it made out of? Is the bit that's stuck in him just the same as the end that's poking out? It looks like a roll-up cigarette end tbh :o like it could be sponge inside the tube or something like that. I'm sorry, I'm asking a lot of questions but I'm too scared to google and I have no idea what to expect when I take him to get it removed :(

I expect they will take him to the back room (or ask you to wait in the waiting room) while they remove it. I shouldn't think you'll have to watch. You'll get peace of mind from the vet checking that it is all healing well, too (just occasionally stitches have to stay in a little longer). I hope it all heals up nicely and your dog is back to normal in no time.

Sorry I didn't explain that bit very well, when I said I don't know what to expect I meant will they do it there and then or will they want to hang on to him and I pick him up later on?

Thanks though Red :)

Oh sorry! I think they will do it while you wait, at least that is what happened when mine had his stitches out. You could always ring and ask though if you want to know what to expect.

It's ok, my fault (seems as though everything is my fault at the moment!), I imagine stitches will just be a few snips and then pull them out, is that right? He has 9 or 10 I think, inc. the one holding in the drain. I'm just curious to know exactly how they will remove that!

Usually the drain comes out at about 5days then stitches at 10. It is hard to guess from a description as there are several different types of drain. If they are concerned enough to put a drain in to remove fluid they really need to see it again.

They don't charge for removal, phew!

Well he's had it out, he must have balls of steel! Considering he hasn't got any :o the vet snipped the stitch and pulled the drain straight out, all 4 inches of it and Sprocket didn't even flinch!! He now has a hole in his leg and is due to have his stitches out in 10 days time. Poor boy :(

What a brave dog. I hope he gets well soon.