This is a great thread. Actually, some of us had been thinking about a "real life vet costs" thread a while back, and never did it. If this thread turns into something we want on file, we can put it in the Library later
. Many people thinking about getting a dog/puppy really have no idea what the costs can be.
Wylie (age 7) -- his misdiagnosis, diagnosis, and med-titration period (2+yrs) cost around 2k. His monthly meds are somewhere around $40-50 or so. He will need regular testing for Cushings and his Hypothyroid for the rest of his life -- so that'll be around another $1500. His skin issues due to Cushings (seeing a Vet Derm) - about $500. His cataract (seeing a Vet Ophthamologist) - $400. And, just his regular vet care prob totals around 5k so far.
Marcel (age 5) -- giardia as a puppy - $1500 over several months, easily. Allergy testing and shots - $800. Atopica - prob $500 so far. Other vet care - easly 5k +.
Pfeiffer (age 2) -- she had a weird blood level as a puppy, which of course had to be checked out fully (internist, ultrasound, biopsy etc etc); that was around $2500 or more. Tooth removed later - $400. Regular vet care - prob about $1500 so far. We did get insurance for her when she was a young puppy, and I'm SO GLAD.
So, a rough total of all that is: $22, 080 (breaks down into $3154 a year, over 7 years; and monthly it breaks down into $262) (not counting food or anything outside of vet)