cat needs tooth extraction -- vet quote seems high

[Anonymous]

Cat owners: have you had your cat put under for a dental cleaning and tooth extraction? What was the cost? My cat needs to have a tooth pulled (poor kitty) and then while she's under they would do a full dental cleaning. The vet's estimate came to about $800, which seems really high to me. I'm in Arlington and am thinking I should get an estimate from one or two other vets, unless this is just the going rate. If you can recommend your vet and/or let me know what you paid for a similar surgery, I would appreciate it! Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I had my cat anesthetized for a tooth cleaning and a couple of extractions a few years ago. Unfortunately I don't remember the cost, but I know it was no where near $800 b/c I would not have done it (I was unemployed at the time). My guess is it was closer to $300-$400. I no longer have my feline friend (passed at 20 years!) but I highly recommend my vet--Dr. Adam Jaffe at Montgomery Animal Hospital, 301.881.6447. You can always call and ask receptionist about the cost to get a comparison.

[Anonymous]

Our cat had 3 extractions in the fall, with bloodwork it was about $500.

[Anonymous]

Drug the cat with catnip and pull it out yourself.

[Anonymous]

17:12 -- where did you have it done? I'd love to get the name of the vet! Thanks

[Anonymous]

Drive 1-2 hours away from the city, then find a vet there.

[Anonymous]

My cat had it done at Kingstowne Cat Clinic and it was certainly not that much. I can't remember what it was, but the most expensive thing we ever paid for the cat was the $600 endoscopy and I was choking on that for a long time.

I like Kingstowne Cat Clinic (off of Van Dorn Street in Alexandria) b/c they only do cats.

[Anonymous]

Look at Columbia Pike Animal Hosp. in Annandale. They run a special on dental work every February- so you could get a discount right now- we've done it before and definitely not $800.

[Anonymous]

That's ridiculous. Find another vet. One of my cats just had a tooth pulled in January and the bill was $352 and that included $50 of optional blood work. That was in MD though. Consumer Checkbook ranks vets for price and quality. You might want to get a subscription.

[Anonymous]

sounds high --- which vet/clinic is this?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions, and for the reality check! I've been going to Capital Cat Clinic in Ballston for years and I really really like them, but I had a feeling their charges are on the high end. I will check out some of these other places PPs have recommended.

[Anonymous]

I used to go to Capital Cat as well. They are wonderful, but it is significantly more expensive than most other places in the area - for all procedures.

[Anonymous]

A few years ago we had a cat have to have numerous teeth extracted during a teeth cleaning. We ended up paying about $900 I think because they had to remove 3 or 4 teeth. We went to Centreville Animal Hospital.

[Anonymous]

we've been going to VCA Barcroft Cat Clinic for years ... the vet we loved has retired but we still go there, they are thorough and nice folks, if a little corporate...

wife took one of our cats back to Arl. Animal Hosp on Columbia Pike, which she took a previous cat to for yrs., they charge less but were also less thorough in some ways that surprised me (not even suggesting a blood profile on our 9 yr. old cat -- not that we'd have to get it but I do think it's a valid suggestion annually at that age).... but we had good experience w/ them too (though unlike VCA they are not cat-only).

[Anonymous]

I've been to Palisades Pet Clinic, VCA Barcroft, and Columbia Pike Animal hospital for my two cats and have found Columbia Pike to the best -- both in terms of time spent and thoroughness, but also price. VCA Barcroft I always felt like was gouging me on extra exam fees, etc. Definitely get a second opinion.