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Is vets estimate excessive?

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Leigh P

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I would really appreciate some thoughts on my question...

I went to the vets with my boar piggie a couple of weeks ago as I noticed that he had a squishy lump near his bottom. The vet confirmed that it was a cyst and suggested cauterising it, but I opted for anti-biotics to start with as I don't really like small animals having surgery. Unfortunately the anti-bs haven't really worked (the lump is much softer and a bit smaller, but still there). I called the vet today to ask for an estimate on how much it would cost to go ahead with the cauterisation (bearing in mind that it was explained as... a little bit of gas to make him sleepy, then a small incision to drain the liquid, then a further course of anti-biotics)... only to be told that it will cost £272! I was gobsmacked!

I really cannot afford this (partner on long-term sick, normal bills, etc etc etc) and am upset that I can't sort this out for my piggie.

Is this excessive or the normal cost for this sort of thing? I would really appreciate some feedback as at the moment I feel terrible that I can't go ahead and make my piggie better.
 
It sounds excessive to me really for something so simple.

If your partner is on long term sick you may qualify for housing or council tax benefit? In which case the PDSA might help you out. Id suggest you get insurance if you cannot afford say £200 in vet bills as you could at some point in your pigs life face bills much larger than that or save about £50-£100 a month as a vet fee fund.
 
Hi, thanks for your comments. Unfortunately not entitled to any help, long story but one that many face (who are employed but not being paid).

I will keep an eye on the cyst and if it starts to get bigger will take him back (or maybe to another local vet to see what they say). I may even ring around to ask for other estimates.

I have always taken all my fur babies to the vets when needed, but it always seems to happen at the wrong time!
 
It does sound rather alot. About 2 months ago Midge had an abcess drained under g.a, as well as going home with antibiotics all for just under £60.
 
It does sound a lot. Just from when I've been to the vets for dental work recently, these are the prices. I know it's not the same treatment but I still paid for antibiotics, anaesthetic etc

Antibiotics (baytril) - £9.50
Consultations - £5 (at low-income vets) £20.50, £27.50
General anaesthetic - £23.25
Cost of teeth filing - £16.00
 
It sounds a lot to me, i know its not the same but one of my boys has lumps at the moment, i took him to have them looked at and they took a fine needle biopsy which cost me £80.00 for about three needle fulls of stuff.

I would certainly ring round if you can x
 
I have just called the vets again and asked for a breakdown of the cost. Here is what they said:

Anaesthetic (gas) for 30 mins : £67.00
Hospitalisation for 1 day: £16.49
Surgical procedure 10 mins: £90.00
Anti-biotic injection: £14.77
Gut stimulant: £14.56
Painkiller injection: £15.00
Baytril course to take home: £6.27
Surgical consumables used: £27.00

Not sure whether to call around to other vets now to see what they say. Have seen a vets in Twickenham listed on this website who are cavy savvy, they may be able to advise.
 
When one of my sows had an abscess on her neck i was quoted £80 for immediate removal, post op checkup and any anti-biotics.

I wasn't really impressed by the vets itself so i sought a second opinion and she was put on 4wks worth of anti-biotics with 7 day checkups, eventually the lump(s) went and no operation was necessary. I was told that should they return she would need an op to remove them - thankfully they never returned and that was 11months ago.

I would go elsewhere for a second opinion - if it's made no difference with anti-biotics then you could ring round the vets explain the situation and ask them how much an op would cost....
 
You're definitely entitled to seek a second (or 3rd or 4th) opinion. That sounds excessive to me.

Good luck.
 
Yep, I phoned 6 vets to find out prices for Charlies teeth. There was a massive difference - our normal vets wanted £85, pets at home wanted £160!, another said it would be £45...
 
I have just taken in 2 boys as "a favour" - one has large lump - cost was £17.50 consultation - £60 for biopsy from which 3 samples were taken and sent to an outside lab for analysis so with vat it all came to £85 - have been quoted between £60 - £100 all in - so would be £60 if only took a short while to remove lump up to £100 if it took longer and was more complicated (this is because the lump is attatched to a muscle - so may take a bit longer)- that cost also includes a gut stimulant etc. so i would defo ring round.
 
That does seem very excessive. I would get a second opinion. Are you able to get to Broxbourne at all?
 
I too would seek some more opinions, I would imagine vets would be happy to give you an idea over the phone as you know exactly what needs doing and you're able to give an accurate description. Personally I wouldn't expect to pay more than £100 I supose?:{
 
I agree with the above. It does sound excessive and I would say you should call around some other practices. When I was arranging to get my boy neutered I called around and was quoted £35 for one practice, £50 at another and £95 at another. In the end I went for the £50 one as it was a recommended practice and the other 2 didn't seem to have as much experience with pigs. Its definitely worth looking around and getting some more opinions and quotes.
 
Sounds very excessive! its disgusting , no wonder people have their animals euthanised because they can't afford these rip off prices to treat them !
 
Sounds like the price is high because the vets are not necessarily that experienced in guinea pig medicine and have "over-quoted" to cover themselves as they do not realise what the procedure really entails. Surgical procedure at £90 for 10mins is really OTT - I'm wondering if this is an error?

I note you are in Shepperton - can you travel to see Jenny Towers at Tilehurst vets in Reading or Anne O Meara at Goddards in Ewell - both are very cavy savvy vets and reasonably priced..

http://www.activevetcare.co.uk/practices/tilehurst.asp

http://ewell.goddardvetgroup.co.uk/about-us/

Perhaps if you ring them first and get an estimate - I think you will see the difference.

If you don;t drive/can;t travel but you want your piggie to see one of these two vets - please shout as we may be able to help.

HTH
x
 
Thanks for all the useful information... I am definitely going to ring around. Have also been told that this can be done without GA (just numbing of the area), so will ask about this too.
 
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