To Sheena Staples: >My veterinarian refuses to put ferrets to sleep without administering a >gas that will render him unconcious [first]... The total charge for this >process is $80.00... He tells me that the gas is what is so expensive... I've heard of some tremendous rip-offs with ferrets, but this one is really egregious. While I applaud the use of some type of anesthesia prior to euthanizing a ferret - and gas is the best way to go, the amount of gas needed to euthanize a ferret is negligible - let's say, for argument's sake - a dollar (and I am overestimating here, but it's a nice round figure.) then the euthanasia solution (two dollars - tossing in compensation for the vet needing a controlled drug permit, etc.) Now the vet is allowed something for his time and hopefully, a good bedside manner - perhaps an office call ($25). I think thirty dollars is reasonable (for those vets who would charge anything. Many vets who had treated an animal all of its life for a good client would probably do it for cost or for nothing.) But $80?!!!! for an animal who is suffering? Outrageous!!! There is nothing wrong with a vet charging what the market will bear. But there is also nothing wrong for looking for a vet with ethics, compassion, and who won't lie to you about the cost of practicing medicine. Bruce Williams, DVM, DACVP Dept. of Vet Path, AFIP [log in to unmask] OR Chief Pathologist, AccuPath [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 1314]