Exotic Vet Referral & Fees

JaseChase

JaseChase

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I wasn’t really sure where to put this, here seemed like the most appropriate place

My piggie Patches has been referred to a small animal/exotic specialist after my local vet did some x-rays and an ultrasound due to his ongoing bladder issues

After the scans were sent over, I got a call from the exotics vet to book in an appointment and they gave me a cost estimate of £600-800. I asked if that was just for the appointment or if they had planned treatment based on the ultrasound but the receptionist couldn’t tell me over the phone. I’m nervous thinking he’s going to be going in for a procedure or testing and they’ve seen something on the ultrasound but couldn’t tell me without seeing him

Any idea what this sort of cost could involve, or am I stressing over nothing? My other piggie goes to an eye specialist vet every three-four months and that’s usually around £120. The only time I’ve had a fee near this was Patches’ mammary tumour removal which was £800+ for the surgery and medication

Patches’ symptoms so far have all been consistent with a UTI (squeaking while peeing, weight loss, bloody pee) but he didn’t improve on antibiotics. The x-rays didn’t show any bladder stones, but there was an odd shadow in his bladder ultrasound which was the reason for the referral. Trying not to jump to worst case scenarios, like another surgery, but it’s hard - would appreciate any similar stories
 
To be honest, we can’t be sure if the receptionist can’t tell you. But please remember that the vet can not operate without your consent. Whenever I’ve had a guinea pig operated on, I’ve had to sign a consent form so try not to worry.

I’m sorry for the eye watering estimate x
 
JaseChase said:
I wasn’t really sure where to put this, here seemed like the most appropriate place

My piggie Patches has been referred to a small animal/exotic specialist after my local vet did some x-rays and an ultrasound due to his ongoing bladder issues

After the scans were sent over, I got a call from the exotics vet to book in an appointment and they gave me a cost estimate of £600-800. I asked if that was just for the appointment or if they had planned treatment based on the ultrasound but the receptionist couldn’t tell me over the phone. I’m nervous thinking he’s going to be going in for a procedure or testing and they’ve seen something on the ultrasound but couldn’t tell me without seeing him

Any idea what this sort of cost could involve, or am I stressing over nothing? My other piggie goes to an eye specialist vet every three-four months and that’s usually around £120. The only time I’ve had a fee near this was Patches’ mammary tumour removal which was £800+ for the surgery and medication

Patches’ symptoms so far have all been consistent with a UTI (squeaking while peeing, weight loss, bloody pee) but he didn’t improve on antibiotics. The x-rays didn’t show any bladder stones, but there was an odd shadow in his bladder ultrasound which was the reason for the referral. Trying not to jump to worst case scenarios, like another surgery, but it’s hard - would appreciate any similar stories
Click to expand...
Have they got a website ? Usually a website will give you an idea of costs
It does seem a lot of money !
I would ask again for a breakdown…. you are entitled to know @JaseChase
As a comparison I’ve been given an estimate for my dog to have a dental clean with possible tooth removal for £540 under general anaesthetic at my ordinary vet
 
Thank you both 😊 it did seem steep for an appointment but the receptionist didn’t know very much. Might try giving them a ring again to get a better idea of what to expect, if he needs admitting or anything it would change travel plans

I appreciate it’s impossible to know a treatment plan without speaking to the vet - the receptionist said it was impossible to say without examining him first, which does make a certain amount of sense. I know this vet has a good reputation and I’m sure they’ll talk everything through before agreeing to go ahead with any treatment

Roselina said:
Have they got a website ? Usually a website will give you an idea of costs
Click to expand...

They have a fees breakdown on their website and nothing gets that high - a dog neuter is £250+ and a usual first appointment is £50 so I’m sure they must be planning some form of treatment for the estimate to get so much higher. Although I can’t find any small animal/exotic specific fees

I’m not even that upset about the cost, assuming it’s for a treatment and not a regular appointment - I’d just prefer knowing what exactly they’re expecting to do. Ringing them up again is probably the answer so I can prepare to have him admitted if need be
 
Sorry to hear about Patches and I hope the vets can help.

They won’t mind you asking for more clarification, I would try again, sometimes it seems to depend on who you get on the phone. Emailing with some specific questions might also be an option (what do they expect to be doing, what tests and treatments might they be looking at, do they anticipate an admission) I’ve done that before when it wasn’t clear and the vets don’t mind you asking. Ideally the vets will call you back and explain properly. They should also talk you through things on the day.

Our vets tend to give an estimate higher than needed, just in case, and we find the most expensive things are further tests and any time spent staying in the hospital.

Standard prices for our vets for other things are here Price list - Our fees - About Us - General Practice - Small Animal - Royal Veterinary College, RVC

It’s not very nice feeling like you’re handing over a beloved pet not knowing quite what to expect so do ask as much as you need. I’m sure he’s in great hands but it makes sense you would want will some further info to know what to expect.

All the best
 
Called them back and got a much more helpful receptionist 😊 they are expecting to admit him, and the vet provided the estimate as a guide to what treatment *might* cost if we determine at the appointment it’s what he needs. Still couldn’t discuss specifics until they’ve examined him, which makes sense

I confirmed it’s okay to bring Tofu along as a companion and that any options will be thoroughly discussed before we go ahead. Feeling better about what to expect now - thanks for the reassurance!
 
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