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Original poster

Is it me or is this pricey?

33 replies

problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:28

Had an upsetting annual check for my puss today. Told he has a heart murmur and needs to see a cardiologist. He's only two! Trying not to worry.

Less serious is he also needs two teeth shaved as they're slightly digging into his gums. Unlike the heart murmur this is not covered by his pet insurance and the estimate is £1k. I can't have him in pain but wowzas! Seems a lot?

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 25/04/2017 22:36

I was quoted £300 to be seen by a cardiologist and an echo of her heart for Fattycat's heart murmur. I've not done it yet and don't think I will as she is asymptotic. Don't think dental safe that pricey. My vet charges around £100.

Wolfiefan · 25/04/2017 22:39

Is the cost more as he's suspected of a heart issue? May need monitoring or different drugs?

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:39

They said about £500 for the cardiologist referral which will be covered so I'll only pay a £60 excess.

For the teeth shaving the vet said he'll be referred to this leading guy who will need to do lots of things like scans and X-rays and that it will all come to about £1k...

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 25/04/2017 22:40

I would ask why the referral? That doesn't sound like an ordinary dental. (Normally a scale and polish and removing any dodgy ones.)

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:40

So the £1k is just for the teeth, to be clear.

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Toddlerteaplease · 25/04/2017 22:41

I was really worried about her heart murmur because the vet was very keen I should get her scanned. Previous vets had mentioned that she had it but said nothing else and never suggested further investigations. Everyone told me not to bother as she's fit and healthy and wouldn't change anything. She's 6/7 years old. In the meantime she's managed to dislocate her jaw twice so her heart has been the least of my concerns. The orthopaedic surgeon said not to worry about it as she has no Symptoms.

Veterinari · 25/04/2017 22:42

Teeth shaving?? Does he have a malaligned jaw? Is he a short nosed breed?

Toddlerteaplease · 25/04/2017 22:42

If it was my cat I'd just get the teeth removed. The referral seems odd.

Toddlerteaplease · 25/04/2017 22:43

I've just coughed up £1500 for a CT scan so that actually sounds reasonable.

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:48

Yes the vet did say the teeth was to do with his breed and face shape, he's a British Shorthair.

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Catzpyjamas · 25/04/2017 22:49

You are perfectly entitled to ask your vet to refer you for a second opinion to a specialist dental vet. (You should always do it through your own practice if possible.) That quote sounds VERY excessive.
Have a look at the British Dental Veterinary Association for advice.

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:50

My puss has no symptoms either like breathlessness so hopefully the heart murmur won't be anything...

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Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:51

Ah thank you I will have a look.

OP posts:
Catzpyjamas · 25/04/2017 22:52

Why is the dental work not covered by insurance?

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:56

This is him btw

Is it me or is this pricey?
OP posts:
Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 22:57

A lot of insurance policies don't cover routine dental work... so I've learned today!

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Catzpyjamas · 25/04/2017 23:02

It's just that it doesn't sound like a routine thing? A scale and polish would be but that just sounds unusual. If it's something that has developed and was not previously noted on past examinations (before today but after the initial insurance exclusion period) , it may be covered? Always worth investigating with your vet/insurance company.

Catzpyjamas · 25/04/2017 23:03

Oh, and he's very handsome Smile

dailydance · 25/04/2017 23:05

I get charged £500 for teeth cleaning. 3 times so far this year and it's only April Sad (2 cats, one of them may have an extraction the next time-she's had 2 teeth cleans this year so far, the other cat has had one clean... both had teeth cleaned last year. They are lucky to have me as a slave!

My cats are young but have shit teeth. I don't think what you have been quoted is ott.

dailydance · 25/04/2017 23:06

He's stunning btw :)

Original poster
problembottom · 25/04/2017 23:12

Thanks everyone this is all really helpful.

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Catzpyjamas · 26/04/2017 00:01

dailydance, that sounded quite high to me too. I thought maybe vet fees are just lower in our part of the country and I'm being unrealistic so I had a look online. This list of average costs from Tesco Pet Insurance was more as I would expect.

Veterinari · 26/04/2017 07:29

It's not routine dental work but it may be excluded as it's likely a congenital condition associated with the breed than a true 'health problem'

It will depend on the insurers.

For referral level dentistry this sounds about right price-wise. It may be worth discussing extraction also.

Toddlerteaplease · 26/04/2017 09:19

Omg what a stunning cat. Didn't realise BSH's had unusual face shapes. One of my Persians had a dental when she was in rescue and I don't think it was any different from cats with normal faces. She's completely flat faced.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 26/04/2017 12:22

BSHs always have that slightly persecuted look that makes me want to pick them up and snuggle them also handy for cadging food