vet costs - YorkieTalk.com Forums

kanda · 12-31-2007, 12:18 AM

I am still doing my homework, I dont have my furbabe yet, but I always hear people talk about how expensive vet care is. Of course I hope that mine will be 100% healthy, but I know that is not realistic. Can anyone give me an idea of what things cost out there? I've just read in the health and diet area that someone paid $225 for a neuter, full blood work and...gosh, I cant remember what else now. That doesnt sound bad at all. I know that the neuter/spay costs are the least of my worries, but I'm wondering if you all can give me other typical yorkie vet costs.

MrsPeanut · 12-31-2007, 12:22 AM

Well get ready to put a BIG HOLE in your pocket. Yorkies are exspansive. I have Superior VPI pet insurance. I pay 400.00 a ever six months so that when I take my dog to the vet I can get at least fifty percent of the money back. Usually when I go to the bet its usually a 100.00-200.00 vet bills for checkup, shots, and anything else you need. It depends on the problems the dog has and how exspansive the vet is. My dog gets collitis easy and she has allergies so I am at the vet at least every other month. Frankie

kanda · 12-31-2007, 12:26 AM

So you think insurance is worth it then? I used to work in a financial type industry and it was pretty common knowledge that insurance for smaller ticket items (meaning anything other than house, car and life...and mortgage) it was *usually* best not to get it. I guess I have always just assumed that pet insurance fell into the "small ticket item" category. But if vet bills are that high...maybe it is worth looking in to.

MrsPeanut · 12-31-2007, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanda

So you think insurance is worth it then? I used to work in a financial type industry and it was pretty common knowledge that insurance for smaller ticket items (meaning anything other than house, car and life...and mortgage) it was *usually* best not to get it. I guess I have always just assumed that pet insurance fell into the "small ticket item" category. But if vet bills are that high...maybe it is worth looking in to.

Peanut needs her dental work done, we were quoted in the 550 range possibly even more if they had to pull teeth.....the superior plan pays for either complete dental each year or spay and neuter. I think its absolutely worth it for as much as I have to take my dog to the vet. Plus I am a worry wart, every time I hear a little sneeze I make a vet appointment. Maybe thats a little extreme but I care very much about my dog and her health. I would spend my last dime if that meant she was going to be okay.

Frankie

kanda · 12-31-2007, 12:42 AM

Thanks Frankie, sounds like you are a great mom! I used to be a complete worry wart with my skin babe...until a kind ER nurse told me that maybe I didnt need to make so many 3 am visits. (Gotta love the Canadian health care system). Now...I still worry, but I'm also a big believer in preventative health. But, it is easy for me to be like that with my skin family because we dont pay for our health care, so if the worst happens, its taken care of by the government. With a pet...its all on my dime. I'm going to do some reading into this before I get my little girl. Thank you for the info.

MrsPeanut · 12-31-2007, 01:03 AM

No problem, If you want to check out the insurance I use, its called VPI pet insurance and they have different. I used to work in the medical field so I cant help but worry. I know humans are different from dogs but medical symptoms are always the same and I know what to look for. I love my little girl, she is my kid........I know I know she is a dog.

kanda · 12-31-2007, 01:10 AM

well my dog will be my kid...so I know what you mean

fannie · 12-31-2007, 06:28 AM

Vet costs vary extremely from one area to another. My vet is fantastic and only charges $40 for a neuter. The best thing you can do is call around to the vets you have available and see what their prices are. You'll want to find a vet that is specifically a small animal vet if you can. You need to be finding a vet anyway, so now is a good time to get one picked out BEFORE you actually need one or have an emergency.

And honestly, I don't believe that finding a baby that's not 100% healthy isn't possible. All of them should be before they leave the breeder. That's also why it's important to get a good guarantee.

Ellie May · 12-31-2007, 11:51 AM

Our Costs:

Low cost spay by a good vet $85
Preop bloodwork $97
Heartworm blood test $33
Vaccines $16 or so each
Titers instead of vaccines for parvo and distemper $85
Office call $38 plus meds
Recheck if problem didn't go away $23
Meds $10-$50
Xrays $80 per view
Cytology $17
Dental cleaning $165 without anesthesia and blood work
Oral surgery with 9 adult teeth pulled including everything $600
Liver biopsy without anesthesia $255
Bile acid test $77
Hospitalization fee $28

MrsPeanut · 12-31-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Our Costs:

Low cost spay by a good vet $85
Preop bloodwork $97
Heartworm blood test $33
Vaccines $16 or so each
Titers instead of vaccines for parvo and distemper $85
Office call $38 plus meds
Recheck if problem didn't go away $23
Meds $10-$50
Xrays $80 per view
Cytology $17
Dental cleaning $165 without anesthesia and blood work
Oral surgery with 9 adult teeth pulled including everything $600
Liver biopsy without anesthesia $255
Bile acid test $77
Hospitalization fee $28

Wow that all sounds about right......hence why I got dog health insurance.

TLC · 12-31-2007, 11:54 AM

If you do your homework and get a healthy pup - free from genetic defects - you won't have major $ to shell out.

We have spent around $8,000 so far in Vet Bills

MrsPeanut · 12-31-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLC

If you do your homework and get a healthy pup - free from genetic defects - you won't have major $ to shell out.

We have spent around $8,000 so far in Vet Bills

Not all "reputable breeders" disclose genetic defects that certain pedigree could have. Also somethings you cant predict to happen.

kanda · 12-31-2007, 10:58 PM

I will have to call around and find a vet that specializes in small breeds. I've gotten a few referrals in my area, so this is a start.

I am definately not going to get a puppy with known health problems (unless it is more of a rescue type situation), but from what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, some things dont show up in the first year. Especially as he/she gets older.

About health guarantees from the breeder...generally, if something goes wrong, do they help pay the vet costs or offer to exchange for a healthy dog? In my mind a health guarantee doesnt do me much good if they offer to exchange, because the day that I get him/her, he/she will be family...and I just couldnt imagine exchanging him/her. Maybe this varies breeder to breeder?

Thanks for all the input...I just wanted to make sure that I wont go bankrupt on my pup

In your experience...or to the best of your knowledge...what is the most costly medical treatment? Lets say worst comes to worst and surgery is needed...what is the most costly?

Judy in Waco · 01-01-2008, 04:28 AM

Another idea you might consider is talking to the vet techs at the office you choose. Ask who handles their financial/billing and talk to that person. He/she can probably give you some straight-forward advice about costs and insurance. I feel certain that he/she would gladly offer some suggestions and advice. I'm afraid that too often they have to deal with the consequences of a pet owner who is not able to afford treatment.

Some people also have a vet care savings account. They put in so much each month.

I checked out some policies and I noticed that a lot of them did not cover things like LP and livershunt surgery, so choose carefully if you go that route.

s13silviagirl · 01-01-2008, 09:04 AM

Kanda, I just wanted to say that I wish a lot of ppl would do the research that you are putting into this! Kudos to you!

12-31-2007, 12:18 AM	#1
kanda No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 231	vet costs I am still doing my homework, I dont have my furbabe yet, but I always hear people talk about how expensive vet care is. Of course I hope that mine will be 100% healthy, but I know that is not realistic. Can anyone give me an idea of what things cost out there? I've just read in the health and diet area that someone paid $225 for a neuter, full blood work and...gosh, I cant remember what else now. That doesnt sound bad at all. I know that the neuter/spay costs are the least of my worries, but I'm wondering if you all can give me other typical yorkie vet costs.

12-31-2007, 12:22 AM	#2
MrsPeanut Stop PuppyMills Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Murrieta Posts: 1,061	Yorkie Costs Well get ready to put a BIG HOLE in your pocket. Yorkies are exspansive. I have Superior VPI pet insurance. I pay 400.00 a ever six months so that when I take my dog to the vet I can get at least fifty percent of the money back. Usually when I go to the bet its usually a 100.00-200.00 vet bills for checkup, shots, and anything else you need. It depends on the problems the dog has and how exspansive the vet is. My dog gets collitis easy and she has allergies so I am at the vet at least every other month. Frankie __________________ Frankie Proud Momma of Peanut : Tigger : Chewy President/Creator of California Yorkies and member to The Little Gentlemens Club

12-31-2007, 01:03 AM	#6
MrsPeanut Stop PuppyMills Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Murrieta Posts: 1,061	No problem, If you want to check out the insurance I use, its called VPI pet insurance and they have different. I used to work in the medical field so I cant help but worry. I know humans are different from dogs but medical symptoms are always the same and I know what to look for. I love my little girl, she is my kid........I know I know she is a dog. __________________ Frankie Proud Momma of Peanut : Tigger : Chewy President/Creator of California Yorkies and member to The Little Gentlemens Club

12-31-2007, 06:28 AM	#8
fannie Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,693	Vet costs vary extremely from one area to another. My vet is fantastic and only charges $40 for a neuter. The best thing you can do is call around to the vets you have available and see what their prices are. You'll want to find a vet that is specifically a small animal vet if you can. You need to be finding a vet anyway, so now is a good time to get one picked out BEFORE you actually need one or have an emergency. And honestly, I don't believe that finding a baby that's not 100% healthy isn't possible. All of them should be before they leave the breeder. That's also why it's important to get a good guarantee. __________________ Steph, Mama to 6 skin babies and beautiful yorkies!

12-31-2007, 11:51 AM	#9
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Our Costs: Low cost spay by a good vet $85 Preop bloodwork $97 Heartworm blood test $33 Vaccines $16 or so each Titers instead of vaccines for parvo and distemper $85 Office call $38 plus meds Recheck if problem didn't go away $23 Meds $10-$50 Xrays $80 per view Cytology $17 Dental cleaning $165 without anesthesia and blood work Oral surgery with 9 adult teeth pulled including everything $600 Liver biopsy without anesthesia $255 Bile acid test $77 Hospitalization fee $28 __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

12-31-2007, 12:26 AM	#3
kanda No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 231	So you think insurance is worth it then? I used to work in a financial type industry and it was pretty common knowledge that insurance for smaller ticket items (meaning anything other than house, car and life...and mortgage) it was usually best not to get it. I guess I have always just assumed that pet insurance fell into the "small ticket item" category. But if vet bills are that high...maybe it is worth looking in to.

12-31-2007, 12:42 AM	#5
kanda No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 231	Thanks Frankie, sounds like you are a great mom! I used to be a complete worry wart with my skin babe...until a kind ER nurse told me that maybe I didnt need to make so many 3 am visits. (Gotta love the Canadian health care system). Now...I still worry, but I'm also a big believer in preventative health. But, it is easy for me to be like that with my skin family because we dont pay for our health care, so if the worst happens, its taken care of by the government. With a pet...its all on my dime. I'm going to do some reading into this before I get my little girl. Thank you for the info.

12-31-2007, 01:10 AM	#7
kanda No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 231	well my dog will be my kid...so I know what you mean

12-31-2007, 11:54 AM	#11
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	If you do your homework and get a healthy pup - free from genetic defects - you won't have major $ to shell out. We have spent around $8,000 so far in Vet Bills __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

12-31-2007, 10:58 PM	#13
kanda No Longer a Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 231	I will have to call around and find a vet that specializes in small breeds. I've gotten a few referrals in my area, so this is a start. I am definately not going to get a puppy with known health problems (unless it is more of a rescue type situation), but from what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, some things dont show up in the first year. Especially as he/she gets older. About health guarantees from the breeder...generally, if something goes wrong, do they help pay the vet costs or offer to exchange for a healthy dog? In my mind a health guarantee doesnt do me much good if they offer to exchange, because the day that I get him/her, he/she will be family...and I just couldnt imagine exchanging him/her. Maybe this varies breeder to breeder? Thanks for all the input...I just wanted to make sure that I wont go bankrupt on my pup In your experience...or to the best of your knowledge...what is the most costly medical treatment? Lets say worst comes to worst and surgery is needed...what is the most costly?

01-01-2008, 04:28 AM	#14
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	Another idea you might consider is talking to the vet techs at the office you choose. Ask who handles their financial/billing and talk to that person. He/she can probably give you some straight-forward advice about costs and insurance. I feel certain that he/she would gladly offer some suggestions and advice. I'm afraid that too often they have to deal with the consequences of a pet owner who is not able to afford treatment. Some people also have a vet care savings account. They put in so much each month. I checked out some policies and I noticed that a lot of them did not cover things like LP and livershunt surgery, so choose carefully if you go that route. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

01-01-2008, 09:04 AM	#15
s13silviagirl Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sunny Southern California!!!! Posts: 1,877	Kanda, I just wanted to say that I wish a lot of ppl would do the research that you are putting into this! Kudos to you! __________________ My cute little Turbo butt! YES, we are also avid members of the CRAZYCLUB & Little Gentleman's Club! Turbo 's Tumi!!!