I got updated info for the teeth cleaning (anesthesia free)

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Sieden

Sieden

Member Since 2016
I called Petcare Express and asked them some questions and now have all of the information that I need. I thought that I would share what I found out so that you guys can tell me what you think.
Please understand that if I could afford the top notch, most expensive place out there then I would but I simply cannot and I feel like doing something is better than doing nothing.

The office visit is 9.00 for a precleaning evaluation and overall physical exam
If the exam reveals severe dental decay then they will do an xray which is 20.00
The cleaning starts off with Ketamine to relax them and get them into a feel good place so that they don't feel what is going on.
Then they begin the cleaning, it's deep cleaning, scaling and polishing of all teeth.
They don't pull any teeth that aren't already loose and ready to come out.
IF the cat has any other dental issues such as cavities or seriously damaged teeth that need removing then they will give me the information on where to take him to get that done.
When they are done, they will send me home with some antibiotics (if he has teeth removed) and some pain medication if the tooth was near a nerve or something.
The entire cleaning is 75.00 if there are no extractions and 125.00 if there are extractions, no matter how many there are.
 
I can't comment on the prices but I did have one of my other cats have Ketamine for bronchoscopy and nasal endoscopy exam. She had been coughing a lot and turned out she had managed to inhale a piece of grass which had got stuck in her nasal cavity, vet and I were both surprised at how she had managed to do it! The Ketamine made her act as though she was drunk and took a few hours to wear off, so you might want to do some extra testing if Peanut is acting a bit strange afterwards, chances are it will be the Ketamine and all will be well but worth checking.
 
Ketamine is an injectable general anesthesia drug. It used to be more widely used with other injectable drugs to initially sedate an animal so that the endotracheal tube that administers the anesthesia gas oxygen mixture can be inserted.
The endotracheal tube also prevents material and water used for scaling, cleaning, and polishing from getting into the lungs. It sounds like they are not such a tube.
Also, with a general anesthesia the life sign have to be monitored. The minimum would be a plusle-ox meter that measures pulse and oxygen saturation of the blood.
I would not do such a "dental" on any of my cats. If I did not have the money I would just put it off until I had the money for a real dental.
I have done on a fully anesthetized animals real cleaning, scaling and polishing when I worked at a vet. I do not see how they can safely do anything beneficial.
 
Thank you Alex, Larry and Chis .I will read those articles but as it stands I am unemployed and I have to ask my boyfriend to give me the money to get it done. Saving any money just defeats everything because then again he would that I had ben hiding money and of course I would be. I'm still leaning towards getting this down but I will stop and ready Chris' articles first.
 
I was TIRED as hell when I read this threat and my response show it. I will read the article when I can keep my eyes open and thanks for the information, after reading your posts again, I have decided to do some more homework before I get anything done.

Can you guys give me some advice on how to find an affordable doctor, one that doesn't financial rape his customers / patients but still does a good job at cleaning?
 
Sieden said:
I was TIRED as hell when I read this threat and my response show it. I will read the article when I can keep my eyes open and thanks for the information, after reading your posts again, I have decided to do some more homework before I get anything done.

Can you guys give me some advice on how to find an affordable doctor, one that doesn't financial rape his customers / patients but still does a good job at cleaning?
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Just thrown' out my two cents here:

Honestly, dentals, in most practices are going to be on the expensive side, no matter where you go. I worked for 3 different practices, and they usually were around the $300.00-$500.00 dollar mark for a scaling, cleaning and polish, not including extractions. It's a time consuming procedure, even for a basic dental. My practice, once extractions were involved, the client was then charged per 10/minutes of anesthetic.

Not trying to discourage you, but it's one of those more costly procedures. The only reason I was able to afford to get my cats' done is because I worked there, and I did them myself or someone I worked with did.

I would certainly call around, but make sure the practice is reputable, and get them to give you a full breakdown of cost in a quote and have them print/email it to you to compare.
 
It is probably a bit of a hike for you but it might be worth looking into the Texas A&M veterinary school.

I live in Michigan and have traveled an hour to take Bama to Michigan State University to see specialists and the prices are actually pretty reasonable. The first visit was pretty expensive but I was having quite a few tests run that would have cost at least double if they had been spread out and performed at private practices. My second follow up visit with a small bottle of Lantus was $90!

http://vethospital.tamu.edu/small-animal-hospital/dentistry
 
I wouldn't do it. It's just not worth the risk.

Can you perhaps find a vet who will accept a payment plan for you? Put down a small down payment and make regular payments?

Bama's suggestion of a vet school might be a good option.
 
I've used carecredit to pay for all of my cats' dentals, and it's worked really well because it's allowed me to break up the dentals into more affordable monthly payments. Most vet offices will have promotions for reduced or no interest for at least 6 months--you just need to ask what they have available.

I remember when Bandit needed his first dental his old vet quoted me well over $1000--I was looking into other practices at the time because I wanted to ditch her anyway and his new vet did the dental (with extractions) for about $700 so I would definitely call around for quotes. If you have an idea of how many extractions he may need when you call, that will help the quote be a bit more accurate.
 
Dentals are scary... I agree that I would not do anesthesia free.
I hope you can find a school or a reputable clinic that can give you a good safe cleaning....
:bighug:
 
I can't get approved for care credit but thank you for that suggestion. I don't think that I would complain too much about the price if it were only 1 cat but I have 2 so it's just unbearable to think about spending so much. The Texas A&M school thing sounds promising BUT it's about 2 hours from my house and that's without traffic. I don't know, I'll call them and ask for a quote to be sent to me and see if I think that it's worth it.

Larry, my general location is southeast houston, pasadena / clear lake area.
 
Sieden said:
I can't get approved for care credit but thank you for that suggestion. I don't think that I would complain too much about the price if it were only 1 cat but I have 2 so it's just unbearable to think about spending so much. The Texas A&M school thing sounds promising BUT it's about 2 hours from my house and that's without traffic. I don't know, I'll call them and ask for a quote to be sent to me and see if I think that it's worth it.

Larry, my general location is southeast houston, pasadena / clear lake area.
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what about pet insurance? I've never looked into the options, costs, etc. but you don't have a pre-existing condition, I assume, under the situation you've explained. might be worth it? just a thought.
 
I thought of something else as i was drifting off to sleep last night! There are private agencies that financially help out people having trouble paying for vet care. Can you do some googling to see if there is one in your area? I,m not sure how to find one but there's at least one i know of in my state (MA) so there are bound to be other charitable agencies across the nation.
 
Hi Jen,

Misterbeesmom said:
I thought of something else as i was drifting off to sleep last night! There are private agencies that financially help out people having trouble paying for vet care. Can you do some googling to see if there is one in your area? I,m not sure how to find one but there's at least one i know of in my state (MA) so there are bound to be other charitable agencies across the nation.
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I wonder whether the one near you might have a list of other agencies in different areas if @Sieden can't find anything on a web search?


Mogs
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I called some other places and found this
Thrive Affordable Vet Care
Dental cleaning starts at 150.00 and full anesthesia is included
Extractions are extra and will be discussed at the time of the pre surgery exam
The pre surgery exam is 10.00 and the pre surgery blood work is 71.50
Total is 231.50 without extractions. Now that's affordable.
I'm thinking that while I'm there getting the exam that I can request a refill on the insulin too since I am no longer seeing the doctor that originally prescribed it.

I did try to get insurance for the kitties but the dental wouldn't be covered because it's a pre existing condition.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
From their website Thrive seems good.
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Thanks, I think so too. Even though they are an "affordable" place, I didn't hear any barking dogs or anything which makes me feel better for myself and for my kits.
With Petcare Express, it's a nightmare. It's walk in only except for surgeries and teeth cleanings. I took Peanut there once when he had a hematoma on his ear. We had to wait in the HOT, un airconditioned waiting room for 2 hours with screaming kids and barking dogs... Never Again!
 
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