Neutering--Vet vs. Low-Cost Clinic & Optional Costs

[Lindsay & Leo]

Hi all,

Leo (15.5wks) saw the vet today for his last puppy shot, and the vet said he's matured enough to get neutered. They gave me an estimate that ranges from $293 to $440. The local SPCA is $60. I'm wondering if (1) it's worth it to have it done at the vet vs. SPCA, and (2) are the optional items in the vet's high estimate worth it? I can and will pay the high amount if that's what's best for Leo, but if some of the extra isn't really necessary, I'd rather spend it on toys and paying his midday walker's college tuition ;)

The low estimate at the vet includes what I assume are the basics, plus post-op injectible meds and post-op oral meds.

The high estimate adds IV fluids and pre-surgery bloodwork with electrolytes.

I'm not sure what the SPCA cost covers and they are closed today, so I'm curious if anyone has any experience with them. Otherwise I will probably call on Monday.

Right now I'm thinking of doing it at the vet and adding the IV fluids ($25) but not the bloodwork ($125) because he's shown no signs of health problems. Opinions?

Also, is 4 months too soon? I was thinking of doing it next weekend so I'd have the long holiday weekend to watch over him.

[Vivian & Mojo]

My vet wants $450.00 for neutering...I find it very high and thought about my local SPCA. A friend told me about Friends Of Animals spay/neuter voucher. For neuter its $64.00 and there is a list of local vets that accept it. Mine didn't but the list sent to me had lots in my area. There is extra charges by the vets some more than others. The vet I'm using will charge $35 extra for meds. I just got the certificate in the mail and made the neuter appt. I feel better going to a vet than the APCA but I'm sure its fine also. http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html

[Lindsay & Leo]

Thanks--I did check on that and unfortunately there isn't a vet near me that will take it :(

[Angela Maynard]

I just had Charley neutered yesterday at our vet.  It was $194 and that included a microchip.  They did the bloodwork at his last well check-up visit and I think that was included in the price I paid yesterday.  I don't remember being charged extra for the bloodwork.  $400 seems like a lot.  I went with our vet too just becuse I felt more comfortable with that decision, however, if I was going to be charged $400, I probably would have gone to the County who does spaying and neutering for $60.  Good luck!

[Sue and Buddy]

The blood work is needed. It will show many things about his current health that can not be found out any other way. It will show liver and kidney function. Also it will help them determine how the best anesthesia to use. Neutering is a common surgery, but it is a major surgery since it involves the abdominal area. Buddy's was around $300 and they used a laser. I'm sold on the laser. He had no swelling, drainage or any problems. That also included the pain meds for after the surgery.

[Wynn, Fudge, and Willy]

I agree with Sue. The bloodwork is very necessary. Willy was neutered in June. His surgery, including bloodwork and staying one night at the vet was $131.50. It is standard practice for my vet to keep them overnight after surgery.
After seeing what others are paying I am thankful for my vet.

[Lindsay & Leo]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I made his appointment for this weekend and he'll be getting the bloodwork done.

[Sue and Buddy]

That's great.

I need to say that Buddy's neutering cost just under $200, not the 300 I quoted. I looked at the receipt and realized that I had forgotten that I had also bought several months worth of heartworm pills for my 2 dogs. Those pills are expensive, but I get a discount when I buy a box at at time.