Vet costs spiralling

[Jassmells]

As some of you will know I have a very poorly boy who needs an op tomorrow (kidney tumour, no guarantees of success).

On Friday I was told the op would be £700 but the vet needed to double check. I just rang to check and was told £1300-1500! I am in absolute shock. We can't afford this and how can it ever be justified? I know they are skilled specialist people but this is crazy money.

As an aside they "accidentally" overcharged me £40 the other day which was only picked up because I challenged the costs. I really fee it is all about the money at my vets. They admit they haven't done this op before and I am wondering if it is actually good for their CV rather than for my cat too.

No we don't have insurance. DH cancelled it last year as the monthlies were so high and the excess so high when we once needed it that he figured it wasn't worth it. Clearly it would be now, hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Anyhow I am trying to request the scans he has had done and I have paid for already so I can find another vet. Surely they should give these to me? I have spoken to another vet who says they did same op 2 weeks ago for £800 but they can't do him until Thursday by then it may be too late.

Please no bashing I am just trying to do my best for my boy here.

Personally I would go elsewhere if they can do it on Thursday. Good luck!!!!!!!

Just check if the estimates include after care or are just for the surgery.

I just hope he lasts that long 😬

No flaming from here. Yes the vets should pass the scans on if asked. And yes, all vet treatment is ridiculously expensive and it is worth shopping around.

However if you decide to PTS then you haven't failed your cat in any way and you are just being a loving owner.

You may have to decide to PTS . Our old moggie died from stroke at home the other day, he just made this weird motion on his bed and he was gone. . We don't know how old he was as he'd been a stray but we'd had him for 8 years and our vet said he was well into his teens. We'd love to rehome another moggie, but tbh, insurance and vet bills are putting us off.

We have insurance. I would still hesitate over her having what sounds like risky and unusual surgery. Because however much I love her, any pain or indignity or antisocial behaviour just isn’t something I want for her.

I’m not convinced that the high fees are only money grabbing. Genuinely, the cost of surgery is high: staff time and training, purchase and maintenance of equipment. Use of drugs and single use items. Support staff, rent, utilities. Absolutely no subsidy from NHS, the tax man or charity. And they do have to make something of a profit. Doesn’t mean that bill doesn’t sting though!

Sorry, I meant to add. A previous cat of ours had a mystery illness. Bloods and ultrasound and X-rays didn’t show anything. She was clearly extremely ill, rallied a bit then went down hill again. The vet was keen on exploratory surgery, with open ended costs as they had no idea what they’d find. The cat was insured up to about £5k, which would have covered it. Probably. We still PTS.

They are now being pissy about sending me
The ultrasound results. Told me if need to ring the other branch. I said for the money you charge do you not hold them centrally digitally and how am I supposed to ring the other branch when all calls go through to one branch?!?!