am I getting a fair surgery price

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beccalee

am I getting a fair surgery price

Post by beccalee »

My cat was suspected of having pyrometra and had to have an emergency operation(after hours), she's spending two nights there with antibiotics and pain meds and nothing extra, no injections or anything like that. My total is going to be over 800 dollars, surgery being around 700. Is that right?
becca
Cleo
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Re: am I getting a fair surgery price

Post by Cleo »

Where are you located? I'm in lower New York and used to things costing triple what they would elsewhere.

The only surgeries we've experience so far was when my 3 year old Keeks had a dental cleaning with a diagnosis of stomatitis and six teeth extracted. The total bill with pre-surgical bloodwork was close to $300.00. Yeah sure it put a bit of a dent in my wallet but I would have paid 3000.00 if need be.

If the full price is too much for you to absorb right now, ask your vet about the possibility of a payment plan.

Here's wishing a healthy and full recovery for your kitty!
Cleo
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Traci
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Re: am I getting a fair surgery price

Post by Traci »

Becca,

Cleo is right, your location and services provided at your vet's clinic do play a role in the costs. Some clinics charge a hefty emergency fee, others charge more simply due to the services they offer, after-hours, etc.

Typically, a feline pyometra surgery, median range cost might be around $200-400, again, depending on the facility, location (this is for the actual surgery procedure alone, does not include extra clinical applications). However, one must also take into account the severity of the emergency. For example a closed or open pyometra, extent of infection vs life-threatening sepsis or peritonitis, pre-op bloodwork, anesthesia, IV fluid therapy before and after surgery and for recovery maintenance, drugs, pain medications, other medications such as antibiotics, etc. Plus, most clinics charge for hospitalization, per hour, and you must also take into account a vet on the premises at all times vs an on-call vet or technician on duty monitoring your kitty.

Don't be too sure about additional injections, she may need an antiemetic (i.e., reglan) in the event of vomiting. Pain meds can be used in the form of injectable butorphenol as opposed to oral administration. If a fever develops post-op, an injection may be given to reduce it. Antibiotics also can be given in injectable form, and in the case of pyometra, pen-G would probably be given at least once daily until her release, and followed by other oral tablets or suspension antibiotics to be given by you at home. Various post-op complications can occur and injectables are necessary to treat immediately and agressively.

If you are concerned about the cost, you can request an itemized quote, your vet is obligated to provide that at your request. It will only be a quote however, as you understand post-op complications could develop that would necessitate additional measures. Let's think positively though, chances are, she will recover fine (depending on the severity of the condition)

As Cleo said, you can discuss making payment arrangements with your vet, or even consider leaving post-dated checks if the clinic allows that.

Here's wishing your kitty a successful surgery and uneventful recovery.
..........Traci
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Mona
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Re: am I getting a fair surgery price

Post by Mona »

Well, my cat had knee surgery on her left rear leg and it cost me $885.00 for the surgery.

I had to rush her to the ER vet and is cost an additional $143.00. This is a rare case, where the surgeon did not give enough pain medication and had wrapped the leg too tightly.

If you cat is getting good care and the surgery was a success, yes I would say it is a fair price.

I do hope everything went ok, and yes areas do differ with pricing even County to County.

Mona, HOneybun and Little Chloe :)
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davet
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Re: am I getting a fair surgery price

Post by davet »

i retired too soon....
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