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| - Here because my poor cat Tom has meth mouth. No, not really, but he has been having a battle with his oral health and we have to be proactive and it's time for a dental cleaning and possible tooth extractions.
I had an appointment and arrived ten minutes early, but waited +30 minutes after my regularly scheduled appointment time, but Tom and I are uniquely patient creatures for our respective species.
I really trust and like the environment of Gateway, although their prices are reasonable compared to other vets, the price transparency is not as well as I think it should be.
Ofcourse I get that there are plenty of variables when it comes to health and diagnosis, but I overheard a man getting mildly upset who was having a surgery on his dog and was not quoted a price until he demanded one. I didn't think anything of it until I asked the doctor a few questions about possible extractions and the prices for them, and she also couldn't give me an estimate as to how much it runs, or even what teeth may need to be extracted in Tom when she looked in his mouth. In addition, I was quoted $170 for a full mark up blood work that's optional (but recommended) before any procedure. When I commented on the price and asked questions on how imperative it was/weighed my options on the drawbacks and expressed disinterest, the doctor gave me another quote "base" blood work test for $50. Then, I was recommended the shot for antibiotics for him before surgery, but I asked them for an alternative that I could administer orally to Tom before his surgery (because I wouldn't be able to make it into the office again in the two weeks that the shot required before the procedure) and low and behold they have one and it's cheaper than the shot.
Look, I think most people want what's best for their pets, but I believe vets and other businesses should try to be as transparent and not potentially exploitive of concerned pet owners as possible. I think it's important to do additional research, ask questions, and ask for alternatives so that your pet doesn't have to suffer if you can't afford an expensive quote (or lack of one) given to you right off the bat.
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