visit to the vet cost/advice

[yygms1978]

Hello

Cody and I are due for our bi yearly vet visit. We have been doing this twice a year for almost 5 years. Each time I incur a cost of about 400-450 including blood tests and office visit. I neeeeed to keep cost down this visit. I am wondering if there are certain tests more important than others. I am concerned we may end of needing an x ray also to determine arthritis and this could end up a 600 dollar visit which i cannot do! PLease advise...Id like to be able to specificy which tests I feel most important to run.. Thank You!

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I typically go the the vet for my older cats one every 1 1/2 years. Otherwise it is every three years to get rabies and other core shots. Sometimes they go unscheduled when the need arises. I get bloodwork done during the 1 1/2 year visits or during an interim visit visit fi the need arises.

 

[tiffmaxee]

For a healthy cat that is over 10 I go every six months. I find that if I don't do blood and urine I regret it as I need to return. I would skip X-rays. You could treat for arthritis and see if it helps.

 

[Daphne]

My local SPCA has a low-cost veterinary clinic for families that make less than $45,000 a year. It's strictly for non-urgent visits (as it often takes 1-2 weeks to get an appointment), but it has really helped me reduce veterinary costs for routine care. If there is something similar in your area, see if you qualify.

Otherwise, you may want to call other vets in your area and ask them about their prices. You'd probably want to ask how much a wellness visit, a full blood panel, and an x-ray costs there. You'd be surprised by how much costs can vary!

Sometimes clinics will run their own tests (like the blood panel) in-house or they can send it out to another lab. Typically sending it out costs less and you get your results the next day.

When medicines are recommended, compare the vet's price to prices online. If the price difference is big, ask if they'll price match. If they won't, ask for a prescription and get it filled online. (If you find your vet is overcharging for medicine, this may suggest they overcharge in general and you should for another vet to reduce costs.)

In a lot of offices, they recommend treatments and no price is mentioned until you get the bill at the very end. Tell them upfront that costs are a concern and ask about prices along the way. They can't know you're operating on a budget unless you tell them.

You may also consider credit, a regular credit card or something like carecredit. Many credit cards have a promotional period of no-interest. Just make sure you understand the terms very clearly. Maybe you can't afford the $600 lump sum right now, but if you get 6 months without interest and can pay $100 a month, you're good. Of course use credit wisely! And if you can't pay it off before interest begins, you're digging yourself into a hole.

Your vet may allow you to do a similar payment plan as well directly with them. Ask!

I didn't realize how much prices could vary at vet clinics until I called around. I used a lot of the advice above at my previous overpriced vet and they did work with me, but ultimately the best financial thing I did was find another vet.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

14 years old is an elderly cat, so some tests are really needed yearly. I think the standard blood work up included a blood chemistry panel, complete blood count, thyroid function test. Do you need a glucose for a diabetic who is being regularly tested at home? Maybe not. The vet should listen to the heart and lungs. Visually check the teeth and gums. Feel the body for abnormalities.

As much as we want to do the best we can for our 4-legged family, we also shouldn't break the bank for routine care. I would go in and tell them you can spend only "X" amount for routine exams for the entire year. Ask them which tests are absolutely necessary. Ask if you are better off getting a wider range of tests once a year or a limited number of tests twice a year. Refuse extra's like routine x-rays. If your vet sends out the blood work, ask if they can do it in house cheaper.

Good luck!