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 of Cushings, 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)

Great post, Brit.

Scarlett's first year of vet bills was just under $2000. That included exams, shots, spay, retained teeth extraction (at time of spay), 2 ER visits when she hurt her leg and the veterinary opthamologist plus various meds for her "little white shakers" digestive upsets, ear infections and her sprained hip. That doesn't include flea and tick and heartworm preventatives.

Rhett has been healthier, but his bill is still around $1000.

As the saying goes, the dog is the cheapest part of the equation.

I so far have spent 1960.70. Taycie will be 2 in March. This includes her spay ER.visits and other trips to the vet. This is without toys, clothes, grooming supplies, RX food, harnesses, car seat, crates, x-pens... the list goes on and on and on.............

Yes, I do have Pet Insurance. What a blessing.

What a great Wake Up Call... These boys are expensive... and it woudn't matter if they were skin-babys or furr-babys... If you don't have the money for some continuing care, you shouldn't take one of these guys...they're expensive.