My poor Ozzy.

3v3

kara7758 wrote: »

... He isn't insured as he is too old (14 and half ) and insurance wouldn't pay for treatment anymore...

Is this correct? Is there an age where insurance companies simply refuse cover? Or, is this the experience of a particular company and not all?

I'm so saddened to hear about your Ozzy and can only imagine how you must be feeling.

Judi - is your cat the same age as the OP's? I'm wondering if age would be a factor in levels of sedation for the extractions?

Having Ozzy PTS for little more than dental issues would be heartbreaking when he seems well otherwise. And I'm sure that you can see from the replies, it cannot be the only option. Person_one has given you some good areas to explore; Tiglath has offered the suggestion of deferring until you can afford it and, as a last resort, Dunroamin has offered a practical suggestion for raising the funds.

Hoping you find a solution for Ozzy.

System

3v3 wrote: »

Judi - is your cat the same age as the OP's? I'm wondering if age would be a factor in levels of sedation for the extractions?

Sorry should have said that my 'cat' is in fact a dog. Would it make much difference?

3v3

kara7758 wrote: »

...
To be honest I think its quite disgraceful what some vets charge irrespective of the treatment. I have been attending this vet for 20 years with my animals but won't be going back to them anymore.

Twenty years of service vs one episode you are unhappy with?
To be fair, had you been able to find insurance cover for Ozzy, would you still be feeling the same way towards this vet?

I know you are feeling emotionally raw right now, but, that isn't the vets fault.
He is a business and charges certain rates.
You are the pet owner, without insurance or the means (yet!) to pay those rates. I can see why you feel disgruntled, but not necessarily at your stance.

I do hope you are able to raise the funds, or find a vet that can perform the necessary treatment at a price you can afford and at a standard you can trust.

3v3

Judi wrote: »

Sorry should have said that my 'cat' is in fact a dog. Would it make much difference?

Quite possibly, but, I'm no expert.

Cats are cheaper to neuter than dogs; small dogs cheaper than large dogs.

Cats have smaller jaws than most dogs, so I can imagine (only imagine ) that it would be a slightly more delicate "operation" and maybe more fiddly?

Then, of course, where you live can make a difference in how fees are calculated; the expertise of the staff performing it; the number of staff required to be present/cover other duties at the same time. As I say, I'm no expert, but I do think there are variables and that would be reflected in the prices charged.

And not just for vets

farfromhome

Sorry to hear about Ozzy. But I must say that the cost quoted is only slightly more than I paid for my 18 year old cat for the same dental treatment and tests in 2009; this is in SE England. I didn't have insurance either but I have been with my vet for over 30 years and never felt they over-charged, so I was more than happy to have her treated and make her pain free.

I used an interest-free credit card to pay - would that be an option?

I had this cat for another year before she had to be put to sleep. I would not have missed this extra time with her for anything.

SnowyOwl_2

I gave the response I gave (ie that I thought the rate quoted was extortion) because my cat is due to have a dental, including extractions, next week. The vet told me the basic charge is £60, maybe a bit more if there is more work than anticipated to do. So that £60 covers the anaesthetic, the prep, the nurses, the post-surgery care, the needles, the anti-biotics and the vet's time.

I've had three cats teeth done at the same surgery, it never came to more than £100. The final cost of each op were different due to the length of operation time, ie one cat needed more teeth out than another, therefore the op took a bit longer involving a bit more anaesthetic, and a bit more of the nurse's and vet's time.

If your local vets are all charging very high rates, then perhaps you could travel to a vet further away if you have a car, or if someone is willing to give you and Ozzy a lift there and back.

BTW with regard to dental work, to my knowledge tooth decay and gingivitis are not insurable risks, so insurance wouldn't cover a dental operation regardless of the cat's age - therefore don't beat yourself up over not having insurance for Ozzy, it wouldn't have made any difference now anyway.

Don't give up on Ozzy, he might have another five or so years left in him.

kimbyanne

A few years ago I had to pay out near on £500 for my Persian to have dental work. I put it on my credit card as I don't have that sort of money lying around - there was no way I would have had her put to sleep.

She passed away a couple of years later. In all honestly there is really no amount I wouldn't spend - I would always find a way.

Zingara

I have had to have a stray recently treated for gingivitis, age unknown but thought to be 8ish. He had to have most of his teeth extracted and extra fluids as his liver enzymes were raised. All in all it was about £250. Without the fluids it would have been under £200.

I would certainly take a second opinion from another vet - wouldn't hurt to ring round a few for prices.

kara7758

Thank you to everyone for your considered and helpful replies.

I got a copy of Ozzy's blood work from the usual vet and I found another vet today who has seen Ozzy this evening and will complete his treatment for £180 including 5 extractions and aftercare!!

I am overjoyed and so grateful for the assistance in thinking this through logically from everyone. Many many thanks. He will have is dental work done on Monday and all should be well! Once again thank you all.

southcoastrgi

well done & you have £20 over to treat you & Ozzy