My house call vet who doesn't perform surgery referred me to a specialist when she found suspicious lumps on my cats neck (lymph node and thyroid). $1600 later at the specialist we have found that it is most likely not cancerous, but an infection (he is healthy otherwise). The lumps aren't getting smaller so they'd like to remove them to the tune of $2000-$3000.
Here are the questions:
Now with what we have learned from the visits to the specialist what is the best way to shop around for someone to do the procedure at a more reasonable rate?
Can I ask the specialist to send records to other vets so I can get estimates?
Does anyone know if only a specialist can remove lumps from a delicate area, such as the neck and throat, or is it fairly routine?
Thank you!!!
2007-07-20 09:40:09 · 6 answers · asked by dorkas_67 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
These are tough questions, and you have to talk to your veterinarian to know for sure. I know that the veterinarian I work for removes lumps, but I have never seen her remove anything around the thyroid area. It is a delicate area, and it might be best left to a specialist to handle this procedure. Ask your house call vet what he thinks, and you can also talk to the specialist veterinarian about this. They might be able to tell you of a trust worthy vet who can do it for a more reasonable price. But cheaper doesn't always mean better....I'm sorry, I know this didn't help a whole lot...Good luck with your cat!
2007-07-20 09:46:47 · answer #1 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looking over your list and costs, you basically have what is needed. For one, there are so many homeless kittens at your local humane society, that need homes and they are basically no cost. I think they have them spayed and neutered at the shelter. But if you want to get one from a breeder, of course that is your choice. In the beginning, the most costly part of taking care of your kitten or cat is taking them to the vets and getting their shots and checked for worms, etc. Being that I have two, it was around a 100 dollars each initially. You can get alot of answers about this from your Humane Society but I have two cats I raised from kittens on up. On your list, I dont see Frontline, which you apply at the back of the neck, to kill fleas or you can get another brand. I use it though and for two cats its $16.00 but you just use it once a month. Also , I would advise a safety collar, that has a safelty buckle,so in case she gets caught on something and pulls away it will come off instead of her getting hurt. And an ID tag, (in case she gets lost), which you can make yourself in a machine at Petco. Other than that, you pretty much know what you need and the costs.
2016-05-18 21:31:01 · answer #2 · answered by antionette 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't mess around with that, go to the specialist. My vet can do eye surgery, but I need to consult the specialist. My vet was honest and said he will do it cheaper, but that's becasue they haven't performed this surgery before. No way will I let my baby be butchered, I'm just going to spend what I have to. I am not rich, in fact I am a full-time student, but I won't have anybody doing their first eye surgery on baby boy- what if he dies? I would never forgive myself. I wouldn't shop around for cheap surgery.
2007-07-20 09:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask for referrals. Then get the phone book out and call other vets, asking them for referrals as well as the general question of SHOULD you be looking for a specialist. With more info you can make an informed decision.
2007-07-20 14:47:54 · answer #4 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd get at least one other opinion. You can have your cat's records sent to any vet you choose, though if there are x-rays or ultrasound print outs you will have to have them sent to one place at a time, since they can't be copied easily.
An infection might be treatable with antibiotics, without surgery, or possibly with the minor surgery of having a drain installed.
"Shopping around" sounds rather cold-hearted and stingy, and you're neither of those things, since you are thinking of spending hundreds of dollars on your kitty. Just think of it as getting several opinions so you can take an informed decision.
2007-07-20 09:50:41 · answer #5 · answered by Kayty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to ask for a copy of the medical records. Do ask for other opinions. Do you have a veterinary school nearby? They will sometimes take cases and charge less for excellent care.
2007-07-20 10:19:30 · answer #6 · answered by Pam and Corey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋