You might remember I posted a few weeks ago about Porthos, who needs adrenal
surgery, and I want to thank everyone who replied, both on the list and
privately -- you were all a big help.  Now I've got another question: I like
our vet, I really do, however when Porthos was diagnosed with an adrenal
tumor the vet told me that it would be $450-550 for the surgery itself, plus
$55 for bloodwork and $175 for an ultrasound.  I spoke to the vet, and he
was willing to forego the ultrasound (which seemed to be the general
conscensus of the responses I got), so he went in for bloodwork yesterday
(Porthos, I mean, not the vet!) The written estimate I was given, not
including ultrasound, was $655-755.  JUST for the surgery.  I almost died
there on the spot.  My fiance and I had a hard enough time coming up with
the $500 we expected to spend!!  So my question is, can anyone recommend a
good vet in the NJ/NY area (we live in Bergen County) who is less expensive
than this?  His surgery is scheduled for Monday, but I have a real problem
not with the vet -- I'm not slamming vets AT ALL, he's a great vet and I
trust him -- but the bloodwork was $65, plus $755 will be $800... and as
everyone knows, pets aren't covered by any insurance... (They should be!)
 
If anyone has any suggestions for vets, even if it's a little longer
drive, in the NJ/NY area, PLEASE post or email me. Thanks -- FML members
are the best!
 
Thanks,
Stephanie
(and the ferrets Jiminy, Vixen, Valentine, Princess, Kokopelli, Porthos,
Peppermint, and Indiana Socks)
(plus the cats (Blackie, Tiger, and Missy) and Baby the parakeet)
[Posted in FML issue 1838]