SquirmyPoodle

I just received a quote from my vet to neuter my 2 y.o. 6lb toy (it's mandatory in Los Angeles for dogs his age so we don't really have a choice).

They gave me a range (based on the amount of fluids, meds etc. that he'll need during surgery) and I'm pretty sure it's outrageous but I'm new to this stuff--get ready for it:

$590-$760

Is that ridiculous or normal? Knowing that the county does it for something like $60, I was a bit shocked! I don't really want to take him to the county-I don't believe in going to the lowest bidder for my healthcare and I feel the same about him.

If I pay that much at the vet am I getting ripped off?

WonderPup

I love my babies dearly but I doubt I would be willing to pay quite that much for a neuter.... Thats just me. My vet I think charged me like 200.00 tops for my smaller dogs? I'm not entirely sure why it would cost more than 700 except that in your area it's required and soooooooo vets have a bit of an advantage there. One more reason I am against this type of legislation.
That said, I understand where you are comming from about not wanting to go to the cheapest place for healthcare. I wonder, is there a vet that you would trust that has prices someplace in between?

SquirmyPoodle

Wow Wonderpup- that's hugely cheaper!

I priced out a vet my friend recommended and they seemed cheaper at first, but if you add in the initial exam (since it's a new vet) and the initial blood panels, it comes to about the same anyway. Long-term that vet seems cheaper, but if I change vets right now the cost of switching and initial exams eats up the difference in cost anyway.

Hey los angelinos--have any recommendations?

starkeeper

My maltese which is 6 pounds was neutered at nine months (and had retained puppy teeth pulled while under and microchipped) for $250 which included an IV and antibiotics and pain meds.

SECRETO

OMG thats outragious!

I payed $90.00 for my 17 lb Rat Terrier last yr. I would certainly check around because $500.00 is what I would expect to pay at my old vet for my 95 lb Pit Bull.

You should have a low cost spay/nuet vet or one your county can recommend for that procedure. Ecspecially since its mandatory where you live. I would call your local shelter. Im in Cali as well but Nor cal.

Of course, unless you don't mind paying $500.00.

SquirmyPoodle

Haha of COURSE I mind! I did some research before I asked the vet for a quote and I know that I can go to one of the low cost clinics- they have them available at all of the LA area shelters, but I am just skeptical about taking him there b/c my vet is so much cleaner. . . I don't know if my vet is $500 cleaner though!

SECRETO

LOL....Ya maybe not huh!

I know our shelter refer's out to the vet clinics here in town. Luckily, the one I go to is very clean and my dogs have recieved great care the few times Ive taken them now. I do know that low cost vets don't monitor the dogs during the procedure like reg vets do and you normally have to pay for additional pain meds if you request them. The meds are cheap though.

I would only choose to have a procedure done with minimal monitoring if my dog is young though. I wouldn't if my dog was older and or had a medical condition.

Well, let us know what you decide.

Blue Fox

Ohh good lord I just did the conversion to Aussie dollars and thats over $900 for us
That is highway robbery as far as I'm concerned, pain meds or not! Our vets might charge $100 for a neuter on that size dog, if you wanted them gold plated and returned to you you might pay $500 our money but $900!!!!!

Michelle Underwood

Oh my! I just had Baxter neutered a few months ago and it was just under $100.

gwtwmum2

For Wrigley to get neutered (he is a standard poodle) I'm looking at around $80. I'd definitely shop around!