Mr Cory need thyroidectomy! How much?

[Corygal]

Poor little Mr Cory has a growth on his thyroid gland. He's having either one or both sides of it out soon. I heard the word 'growth' and immediately consented regardless of the cost. But anyone got any idea of the financial damage? He's not insured, with FIV it's not worth it.

Also, is it good form to ask to be able to stay with him in hospital overnight?

Vets vary so much in their charges it's very hard to say. I would think around £300 or so would be average. And it's not usual to stay in overnight.

TCN, thanks a million. I am desperately skint at the mo - work cancelled a massive job half way through, paying me nothing, the day after I bought new computers etc, naturally.

Am stomping around flat looking for things to sell. Would happily lose a kidney for Mr C, however.

Ask your vet for an estimate. And don't be afraid to shop around. Ring other vets for a quote. Costs can vary hugely.

One of my old cats had an overactive thyroid & had to have half of the gland removed. It was around £300, as TCN says (just under 300 I think) and he was discharged home the same day. My vet seems to have a local reputation for being a bit on the pricey side so you may find it cheaper. Also may be worth asking if they would agree to payment in instalments? I know some places won't do this but if you are a regular customer you may be lucky.

So of it will depend on whether he has one or two thyroids removed and if there are complications.
For me one thyroid very straightforward just under £300.
Both removed with complications of calcium homeostasis requiring intensive monitoring £650-700.

Thanks Lone, that is most helpful.

Mr Cory is back from vet unscathed and stealing a packet of M&S ham all over the sitting room floor, which I dropped oh-so casually earlier to distract him from medical stresses.

We had a nice cuddle when the nurse delivered him into my arms and I found myself saying 'Pumpkin not to worry. Mummy sell her silly kidney.'

Would they let you pay in installments?

we were quoted 200 pounds but as our cat is 19 and senile and has had a stroke already I felt putting her through thyroid surgery would be a bit much. So she's on the tablets at £1 a day. She's now putting on weight and doing well.

Thanks all, that is really helpful. Fluffy, I have asked about the instalments and they will 'let me know'.

'Let you know' likely means that they're considering how much. If they didn't do it, you'd probably get the 'Oh No, Dear. We can't do that......'

I am hoping the same cozie. Have offered direct debit alluringly.

Good luck.