Update: my 5 year old dog had what looked like an infected paw. I took her into VCA and the vet barely examined her paw & placed her on antibiotics. 10 days later her paw was no better.
Returned to VCA for second visit for same complaint. This time the vet examined her paw thoroughly and then encouraged me to get cultures (not mentioning the $250 price tag). The cultures came back and the vet had me pick up more antibiotics.
My dogs paw STILL WAS NO BETTER after finishing 2nd round of antibiotics. So I took her elsewhere and found out her paw was never infected in the first place.
I spent $750 in vet bills in 2.5 weeks & quickly realized I was taken advantage of.