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...

if you truly believe your Vet is in "cahoots" with this surgeon then by all means, find a new Vet. I'm sure he or she would have a hard time ever recommending someone to you.

Best of luck with your babie's surgery!

OMG that really is alot...WOW I just had my big dog (90) pounds have ACL surgery this weel and it was ALOT less than both your vets.
I am afaide to tell you how less. But about half is what I'll say..
I hope that you can get something worked out.

She's in New York, though. Vet's prices vary around the country and New York prices are very steep.

I'm sure a lot of it has to do with where you live. BIL & SIL just had thier lab's ACL surgery for $1000 at a private vet, here in Indiana.

Sorry But I do not see why this is like this.! I mean shoot she could have brought her pup here for surgery and saved at$ 3000.00 at $1,200 cheaper price! that is just really sad. I am so sorry you were so OVER charged. I would never go to a vet who is in it for just the $$$$ My vet truly loves animals.

Unfortunately not all of us have the luxury to actually be able to pay that much money even though we would love to be able to. I understand that more money USUALLY means better results/qualifications, but 1500$ isn't pocket change, and I have never heard any bad stories from friends going to places such as these (i even had a friend go to the University of Georgia veterinary school) for treatment on her dog....whereas I have heard horror stories from people going to normal surgeons etc.

So I think it is circumstantial and I wouldn't hold it against her for preferring the less expensive procedure...

I'm happy to see that you found someone to help you out. Sometimes it might be wise to check around before you allow anyone to touch your baby. Just because one vet states this person is good, you can always find at least two people that would state something else.

Good Luck :)

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My thoughts exactly and the most expensive surgeon isn't necessarily the best surgeon. Just because you pay more doesn't guarantee that you will get more and the most expensive isn't necessarily the best. I don't have unlimited funds and doubt that very many of us do. I have to consider the quality of care and the cost of care. I'm lucky to live where those costs aren't the highest, but I would check everything out and make an informed decision. You can't blame anyone for considering the cost along with the quality of care. I want the best for my furkids, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to pay the highest prices someone wants to charge. There are some money-hungry vets out there just like in any other profession. You need to be sensible and pay attention. I don't see anything wrong with going to the ASPCA for surgery. It's not hard to check up on a vet's credentials and you could probably find some folks who have taken their pets to him/her. Some of the best vets in the world volunteer at the ASPCA.