Blood Test at Vet increased by 78%

[IUsedToRuleTheWorld]

My dog has got an ongoing stomach condition where he does not absorb nutrients properly due to fluid and inflammation. Treatment is steroids, blood tests to check things like albumin. Also he takes a special diet which he hates.

Anyway he has been keeping pretty well recently but had started losing weight/not eating as well and so I though 'Here we go, time for the steroids and special food again'

Went to the vets to get the usual blood tests done (have had these done about 12 times over the last 2 years so I am well aware of what they consist of and what they cost). Last time we got it done was autumn last year and it cost £90.

This time the cost was £160. I got some crap about how they were charging it wrong before and everybody has been pulled up on it and told to charge it this way now. So that's almost 80% increase. The test takes 5 mins. They run it through their own lab and I get the results within 20 mins.

Strangely I thought the vets was very quiet today - usually it is mobbed. Perhaps that is why.

Consultations have gone up to £66 each but I get them free because I am a member of their 'pet club' which costs £40 per month.

I'm seriously hacked off as such a huge increase. He'll be 13 this year and quite honestly I thought I would always have a dog but I am now seriously thinking I won't get another one (not just the vet fees, they are a huge commitment as well)

Sick of being held hostage by costs going up and not having any control over them.

Standard blood test are £150 ish at our vets and have been around that price for at least the last 5 years. I remember paying £100 ish many years ago for our old dog. Just be pleased that you have paid much a much cheaper price so far.

Pets are expensive so you’re right to pause before having another if you can’t afford or don’t want to pay the costs involved. I think people don’t realise the real costs of healthcare and vets give them an insight into it.

Hope your dog is ok.

Do you have the option of a different vets practice?
We go to an independent vet who charges £57 for a consultation. I can't see the blood test fee, but a titre test (so blood draw + testing) is £125.

Thanks for posting. So it seems the new price is in line with others then.

Yes I'm very glad it was so cheap before then.

He's my first dog and I have loved having him but it has been much more of a commitment time wise and cost wise than I realised.

Luckily he has wanted for nothing but once he goes i will think long and hard before taking on the job again.

Mind you the house will be so quiet I will probably last about a week before I cave in.

You are right though. Vet costs make us appreciate the NHS. He had to go see a specialist in internal medicine 2 years ago and that was £2800 for a few tests including a bioptsy. Ouch.
He got his cruciates done when he was two and that was about £7000 for 2 ops which was thankfully covered by Petplan. Unfortunately I don't have insurance now and boy do I regret cancelling it.

If I get another dog I will certainly never cancel the insurance!

I have to admit I'm loathe to change vets just because they have all his history and they are a 24 hour service with a vet hospital. So really convenient if anything urgent happens overnight or on weekends. Costs ££££ though.

I'm over the drama a bit now. It was just a huge jump in price which kind of shocked me. Good job I love the furry little monster!!