The Estimate

Here is a quick post regarding Chili and the estimate we received from the vet clinic.

Chili is no longer taking his prescribed steroids or his painkiller (Rimadyl). He couldn't keep either one down, so we decided it was pointless to try and keep giving them to him. (Although he misses the peanut butter!).

He is limping and holding up his hind right leg more frequently now. My in-laws came down and brought their Boston Terriers, so he had some low-key indoor playing, which may have aggravated things. Its beautiful weather here, and we're sad we can't take poor Chili for evening walks. I think we may buy a little wagon and strap him to it, so at least he can come on walks with Bridgett.

As some of you may know, Chili was featured on a website (that his mommy loves) called famous chihuahua (on Nov. 18th 2008). (www.famouschihuahua.com) Famous chihuahua has recently posted an article about the Luxating Patella, featuring Teaka the Famous Chihuahua. The article is located here: http://www.famouschihuahua.com/chihuahua-health-concerns/patellar-luxation-a-knee-problem-in-chihuahuas/

I was going to try and post photographs of his xrays. However, it costs $25 per xray scan, and at this time I just can't see justifying the cost. We did get the final estimate from the vet for his surgery. Here is what the estimate entails (this is the estimate from our vet clinic and the surgeon. Each clinic in different areas will have varying fees and items. I'm not posting this as a comparison of cost to any other facilities, I just want people to know where the money goes in a surgery. If you think this is complex, you should see one for a person!):

Charges Estimation
Biohazard Disposal Fee $3.25
Fluid Therapy (IV) $72.oo
Catheterization-Intravenous $39.00
Pre Op Blood Panel $52.25
Anesthesia- Induction $16.25
Isoflurance Anesthesia $87.50
Analgesia (Pain Medication) $25.00 - $48.75
Ortho- Patella Lux Repair $1050.00
Surgical Monitoring $15.50
Injection- Single $18.00 - $36.00
Surgery Room Fee $68.00
Bandaging- Routine $18.00
Radiology- Additional View $51.75
Radiology Interpretation $30.50
Cephalexin 250mg Capsules $9.10
E-Collar Tie On $13.00
TOTAL COST: $1569.10 - $1610.85

Is it worth it? I think so. I love the people at our vet clinic and have complete trust in them. Little Chili is totally worth it. They did mention some things may not be needed, such as the E-collar, and we may need more of some things, such as the pain meds. Luckily, we are able to save up for it. We also know enough that we need to save for his other leg in a few months. Some people may not understand spending so much on a dog, but he is our family! It may cost thousands to get him feeling good- but having a happy healthy dog will be priceless!

**NOTE: The estimate posted is put up as an example and to further education only. Constructive questions will be entertained, but any comments judging the estimate will be abruptly deleted. I did not post the estimate to enduce criticism to our vet clinic or surgeon. Every facility has different charges, and after doing my research, I feel the charges in our estimate are justified. I encourage people who get estimates from their vet clinics to ask questions if they do not understand the need for a certain charge.