Vet fees

[Anonymous]

We're trying out a new vet to have some procedures done on our dog. I feel like we're being scammed, so I want to see if you all thought these were normal. In addition to some other work, we're having her teeth cleaned. We purchase a dental cleaning that was supposed to be all inclusive (plus extraction cost) but the anesthesia and extractions come to $800. We have her teeth cleaned yearly (plus we brush weekly), but obviously they're bad as she's an older dog.
-$18 dispensing fee for each prescription (4x)
-charging by the minute for extractions versus charging by the tooth.

[Anonymous]

Also, why would there be rimadyl injections plus rimadyl pills? ($100 worth). Wouldn't the pills be enough?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're trying out a new vet to have some procedures done on our dog. I feel like we're being scammed, so I want to see if you all thought these were normal. In addition to some other work, we're having her teeth cleaned. We purchase a dental cleaning that was supposed to be all inclusive (plus extraction cost) but the anesthesia and extractions come to $800. We have her teeth cleaned yearly (plus we brush weekly), but obviously they're bad as she's an older dog.
-$18 dispensing fee for each prescription (4x)
-charging by the minute for extractions versus charging by the tooth.

Seems high to me, but I am in a lower cost of living area. I have never paid a dispensing fee to a vet.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Sorry after we paid the dental fee, the extras in our estimate come to $800. So all in, we've will pay about $1300.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry after we paid the dental fee, the extras in our estimate come to $800. So all in, we've will pay about $1300.

Doesn't hurt to shop that around. I bet you can get it done for considerably less. Call and talk with a few other offices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, why would there be rimadyl injections plus rimadyl pills? ($100 worth). Wouldn't the pills be enough?

The dispensing fee sounds like BS. OUr dog has rimadyl ($80) but has never had injections. And we are talking severe arthritis. Also, Rimadyl has a mail-in rebate so ask the vet about getting the form for that. They seem to always be running a promotion and our vet is pretty apologetic about how much rimadyl costs so they always point us to the brochure and rip-off instructions on their counter when we pick up a (non-dispensing fee) prescription.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, why would there be rimadyl injections plus rimadyl pills? ($100 worth). Wouldn't the pills be enough?

The dispensing fee sounds like BS. OUr dog has rimadyl ($80) but has never had injections. And we are talking severe arthritis. Also, Rimadyl has a mail-in rebate so ask the vet about getting the form for that. They seem to always be running a promotion and our vet is pretty apologetic about how much rimadyl costs so they always point us to the brochure and rip-off instructions on their counter when we pick up a (non-dispensing fee) prescription.

There is also a generic, but most vets make more money on prescribing the name brand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, why would there be rimadyl injections plus rimadyl pills? ($100 worth). Wouldn't the pills be enough?

The dispensing fee sounds like BS. OUr dog has rimadyl ($80) but has never had injections. And we are talking severe arthritis. Also, Rimadyl has a mail-in rebate so ask the vet about getting the form for that. They seem to always be running a promotion and our vet is pretty apologetic about how much rimadyl costs so they always point us to the brochure and rip-off instructions on their counter when we pick up a (non-dispensing fee) prescription.

There is also a generic, but most vets make more money on prescribing the name brand.

Yea, we use Vetprofen. Literally the same thing except it costs $45 for a 90 day supply (100 mg) at Costco.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry after we paid the dental fee, the extras in our estimate come to $800. So all in, we've will pay about $1300.

If you already pre-paid for the cleaning and were told it was all inclusive, how can they then try to tack on extras? I would push back on them and if they insist, demand a refund. That's pretty shady of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, why would there be rimadyl injections plus rimadyl pills? ($100 worth). Wouldn't the pills be enough?

The dispensing fee sounds like BS. OUr dog has rimadyl ($80) but has never had injections. And we are talking severe arthritis. Also, Rimadyl has a mail-in rebate so ask the vet about getting the form for that. They seem to always be running a promotion and our vet is pretty apologetic about how much rimadyl costs so they always point us to the brochure and rip-off instructions on their counter when we pick up a (non-dispensing fee) prescription.

Our dog was given a shot of rimadyl in addition to the pills to take home after a very bad reaction to a vaccination. They just wanted to make sure he wasn't in any pain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry after we paid the dental fee, the extras in our estimate come to $800. So all in, we've will pay about $1300.

If you already pre-paid for the cleaning and were told it was all inclusive, how can they then try to tack on extras? I would push back on them and if they insist, demand a refund. That's pretty shady of them.

OP here. Yes! This is exactly the case. I knew extractions would be extra, but the xrays? anesthesia? fluoride? Rimadyl? Dispensing fees? Shouldn't that be included in their set dental fee cost? I really, really feel scammed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sorry after we paid the dental fee, the extras in our estimate come to $800. So all in, we've will pay about $1300.

If you already pre-paid for the cleaning and were told it was all inclusive, how can they then try to tack on extras? I would push back on them and if they insist, demand a refund. That's pretty shady of them.

OP here. Yes! This is exactly the case. I knew extractions would be extra, but the xrays? anesthesia? fluoride? Rimadyl? Dispensing fees? Shouldn't that be included in their set dental fee cost? I really, really feel scammed.

Wait. They did not disclose the full cost upfront? Yeah. They are taking advantage. I would not use them again and let people know why.

[Anonymous]

I have never heard of a prescription dispensing fee. Rimadyl is expensive. You can sign up for a Rimadyl rewards card. Or get the generic carpofen. Insist on getting a prescription from your vet and shop around for the best price. Costco sells pet medications. Dr. Foster and Smith is a good online source. You will pay a heavy markup at the vet's.
I suggest you avoid this practice in future.
Are you in the DC metro area? The forum usually makes good vet recommendations.

[Anonymous]

What vet is this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have never heard of a prescription dispensing fee. Rimadyl is expensive. You can sign up for a Rimadyl rewards card. Or get the generic carpofen. Insist on getting a prescription from your vet and shop around for the best price. Costco sells pet medications. Dr. Foster and Smith is a good online source. You will pay a heavy markup at the vet's.
I suggest you avoid this practice in future.
Are you in the DC metro area? The forum usually makes good vet recommendations.

OP here. Yes this is in the DC area. It's too late for me I guess? I've already purchased their scam dental package. We also already started blood work before they would even give me the estimate.