Surgeons charge prices that they think their services are worth. The orthopedic surgeons i work for also charge $3000+ depending on what needs to be done.
maybe the orthopedic vet that does the procedure at the aspca volunteers her time and doesn't require payment for her part. she probably just charges for instrument and implant use, plus anesthesia and monitoring, which is why it would be cheaper.
the fact that the other surgeon charges more does not indicate them scamming you. he can charge $10,000 for the procedure if he wanted and there would be people that would pay that much for excellent services. contacting the BBB isn't the answer and you shouldn't report a good vet just because you don't like the price.
I doubt your vet and the surgeon have some type of "deal" together. the surgeon is just the one that's closest or the one that your vet feels is best for his clients. As a client of either vet your job is to do your own research and if you want to 'shop around' for the surgeon your most comfortable with then by all means do so.
I know the vets that refer to my hospital do so sor a few reaons: we are the closest referral hospital, the referral vets trust our doctors the most and know they are the best for the job, they've had bad experiences with other referral hospitals, etc...
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