whats the typical vet bill?

[ouijaouija]

Hi, before i buy gerbils, I need to know everything..

That includes the cost of treatment, should the gerbils become ill.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks

[RW]

I use two different vets. One charges $32.50 (US) for the base exam, the other charges $40 for the exam--plus whatever extra amount for any meds or procedures. A few months ago, I took one of my boys to an emergency clinic and the exam fee was $125...and the vet misdiagnosed him.

The least expensive vet bill I've ever had was $32.50 (just an exam), the most expensive was almost $200 to have a scent gland tumor removed. I'd say my average bill totaled between $60-75.

RW

[Mud Pony]

It's about the same for me. It just depends on what tpe pf treatment is needed.

[pepandmax]

Yeah, I agree that it depends on what is done, but like RW said, it also depends to a large extent on whether it's regularly scheduled or an emergency.

We take our guys to a research/ teaching vet school, so they get really awesome care but it's not as expensive because it's interns that do most of it. The vet intern program is incredible and the interns and residents are all very capable.

Today I took the little guys in for an emergency appointment and it was $76 for the appointment, $10 for the record fee (first time patients), and $14 for all the medications and junk I had to get, so $100 (US) on the nose.

If it had been a scheduled appointment, I think it would have been $20-40.

Plus, follow-up appointments within a certain window of time are free.

So, I think it's best to find a vet and get the prices before anyone gets sick, so there are no nasty surprises!

[AndreaS15]

Always call around, not just for prices but to find out IF they even see small animals, and if they say they do then ask how many per month.
The Vets in my area have no clue about gerbils and other small animals, they were asking me questions.

As for Bills, I've paid $40 for a tail amputation, and $60 for an exam and meds. Another Vet only charged me $15 for the med's (my old Vet who was great with small animals). Emergency vets will always cost you more with any animal you take there.
(PS mine quotes are all in Canadian Funds)

[felix]

my old boy suddenly got very ill on sunday, and so i had to take him to the vets to be put to sleep. this cost me 55 pounds, (i would have rather they had come to mine, so that i didnt have to make him travel in that state, but a call out would have been 95 pounds). it wouldnt normally be that much - was just the fact that it happened on a sunday.

[caz]

Hi Felix,
Ooooo, so sorry about your gerby Poor thing

That's a disgusting amount to charge - even if it was on a Sunday!
Crikey, when I had to have our delightful Hammie PTS our vet only charged £12!

Caroline

[rnltred]

It seems to vary from region to region and vet to vet. When we take any of our "exotics" to our vet it's $20 for the O/V plus any extras. We paid $100 in Maine to have a scent gland tumor removed from one of our Gerbils. But, the cost is a non-issue for us, they are like our kids.
Keith & Luana
Green Mt. Gerbils

[woestrat]

I pay (the Netherlands) 20 euro for an apointment. (that's what you always have to pay whatever is wrong)
Then If there need checks or an operation it will cost extra ( 20-80 euro)
Meds ar not expensive. between 5 euro an 20 euro