Hello! New to Yorkie Talk!

[mammamia23]

This seems like a nice friendly place for people who love Yorkies!

I have a Yorkie (or possibly a Silky terrier) who was a stray, wandering the streets and very skinny and matted when my friend found him. It has taken a while until I had the money to bring him to get groomed and to the vet, but these were my first priorities when I got my income tax money this year! He is very healthy, has his vaccinations up to date, and was tested and vaccinated for heartworm when I brought him to the vet. Through a program at our local humane society I was able to get him neutered for a reduced cost. Next week I am bringing him back to the vet to get his teeth cleaned and get the last of his booster shots, and I hope this is the last of the big expenses for a while!

I am wondering if anyone else could tell me what the costs for medical procedures are in your area? I was told by the vet's staff that teeth cleaning is going to cost $118 because they have to sedate him while cleaning his teeth, but that seems expensive...more than I would pay for my teeth! But they also mentioned if they had to do xrays, extractions or other procedures it could run up to $400! I told them I definitely want to be called before they do anything that expensive, because I'm on a limited income and just can't afford some treatments. I can save up for it, if it's absolutely necessary, but just can't jump into a huge bill!

[BabyGirl Rosie]

First welcome to YorkieTalk!! As far as the cleaning, I think you are being quoted a good price. My vet charges $125 and yes it is more than my cleanings are also! With that said, it is very important for a Yorkie to have their teeth taken care of. Teeth problems can lead to other problems. I would get an "emergency fund" sat aside for your Yorkie if you have a limited income. Rosie has had to go to the ER vet a few times and each time was $300 -$400. You might also check into insurance. Good luck and again welcome to YT!!

[shelimcallister]

Welcome to YT!! Yes. The teeth cleaning sounds right. You did the right thing rescuing your new furbaby. I hope someone can give you advice on how to find cheap dental care for Yorkies. Good luck, congrats and enjoy!

[yorkieusa]

Welcome to YT and bless you for taking that little guy into your home. It sounds like you are doing everything to get him the care that he has been lacking for a long time. The price you were quoted really is very reasonable.

He's very cute. What have you named this little guy?

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Hi and welcome to YT! So glad your little one found you.

The amount for the teeth cleaning sounds about right. Maybe your vet can work out a payment plan with you. Is there maybe a vet school near you? I would make certain though that they are familiar with little dogs.

It sounds as though you are a good yorkie/silky mommy already and are going to give this little guy an amazing life. Good luck and we would love to see pictures of him.

[Lilymo]

Hi there and welcome. Dont know what its like in the states but here in the UK pet insurance dont cover dental unless its the result of an accident..insurance in my experience is definately worth it. For a few pounds or dollars a month it gives piece of mind if expensive treatments are needed.

[MY OSCAR]

HI WELCOME TO YORKIE TALK.
BLESS YOU FOR RESCUING THIS DOGGIE.
I HEAR YA, VET EXPENSES CAN BE OVERWHELMING ESPECIALLY THE
EMERGENCY ONES. THE DENTAL WORK IS VERY IMPORTANT THOUGH
BECAUSE IT CAN LEAD TO MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IF LEFT UNCHECKED.
THEY HAVE A THING CALLED CARE CREDIT. FIRST SEE IF YOUR VET ACCEPTS IT OR FIND ONE IN YOUR AREA THAT DOES THEN APPLY.
I HAVE NEVER USED IT BUT I HAVE HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT IT.
HERE IS THE WEBSITE:

CareCredit Veterinary Financing for Pet Care, Pet Surgery, Vaccinations & Other Veterinary Medicine Procedures

[zowiandnikasmom]

welcome to yorkie talk and thank you for taking this little one in. he is very lucky to have found you!

as far as the dental, when my 2 girls had their last one (i do them regularly every 2 years) in february 2011 the total for everything was $900 for both of them. this included pre op bloodwork, heart check, fecal, medicines, and my older girl did have one extraction. so the price does sound pretty fair to me.

wishing you the best with your new little one! sounds like it was totally meant to be for both of you!

[Joyce Adams]

Hi there and welcome to yorkie talk..that sounds about right for teeth cleaning. Yoshi had his done last year and that is what I paid...

[mammamia23]

Thanks for all of your replies! I appreciate your candor regarding the vet cost...while it has been a big expense I am grateful that my little Courage gets all the best care I can afford! I'm aware of insurance for pets, and actually have a Care Credit account for myself, just didn't think to check and see if it would cover his expenses. I'd rather pay out of pocket when I can, but it's true that there can be emergencies that arise and I wouldn't want him to suffer needlessly. Thank you again!

As I mentioned, his name is Courage and I think it's very appropriate given that he was a stray on the mean streets of Flint, MI for some time before we found him! I'm sure it took lots of courage for him to survive that! I am not sure which threads allow photos, but I have a youtube channel with some videos of Courage:

Courage and the Bunny - YouTube