Cost to neuter a male kitten

[Alainlechat]

Hi All

Just booked up to have my male kitten neutered at a cost of £85. The receptionist then said there was a pre op health check of an additional £50. I don't remember that with my other pets albeit it was a few years ago.

Is that pre op check standard these days?

Didn't have it when I had my girl spayed last week. The extras were fit fluids and pre op bloods. But both optional.

We never bother with the pre-op checks. Had six kittens neutered over the years.

A few months ago we were offered extra blood tests pre-op for about £80 (neuter cost was around £80) but it was not mentioned until I dropped him off. I felt a bit backed into a corner but said no to them. They said they were voluntary but they insist before anaesthetic if the cat is over 8 years old. Seemed like a money making thing to me but I was annoyed to just have it thrust upon me on drop off and not mentioned beforehand.

Thanks all, there was no mention of this being a voluntary check more this is the cost and that's it.

I wonder what they check for £50. Guess I'll find out soon. I have to stay there for the check and if he passes it he can have the op.

Pre-op checks are normally checking bloods etc.

I've never bothered and they certainly can't force you to pay for it.

Yes it's becoming commonplace to do these pre op health checks. One of the reasons being many animals who are booked in for surgery are found to be unsuitable for surgery on the day either due to being too immature/balls not dropped/bitch coming into season etc leaving surgeries with massive gaps which other patients could have had.
Pre op bloods are recommended because they can flag up any problems, not common in young animals but they do occasionally show abnormalities which could mean postponing surgery. Fluids during anaesthetics help maintain your pets blood pressure. You're not offered these for your pet to rip you off, you're offered them because they are best practice.

@RVN if they're best practise, why aren't they given as standard?

@margotrose

Because not everyone can afford that and clients have to be given choices. Certainly in some patients/procedures fluids would be non optional.

@RVN interesting. Not sure I agree with the logic but thanks for the explanation!