Affordable SF rat vets?

Question
  Hello, one of my girls has a tumor in her groin area and I'm searching for a reasonable vet in San Francisco to remove it. Can you make some suggestions? What is a decent inital visit fee? The few vet offices that I have e-mailed would not give me any general price range for tumor removal. Is this normal? Also, my rat is about a year old, should I have her spayed when I have her tumor removed? Will this help prevent more from growing or is it too late?? What is a good price for spaying? Thank you for your time!!

Answer
Hi there;
I'm over 12 hours from San Fran, so I can't honestly give you an idea of where to go. It's fairly normal for them not to give you a price estimate because it varies depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the general health of your rat and the arteries involved in the tumor. The more difficult the removal, the more expensive it will be. I've found that tumor removal generally starts at around $120 and goes up from there.. but that's down here in San Diego, I have no idea what the prices are like in San Francisco.

If your girl is in good health and this is her first tumor, I'd recommend having her spayed. It's a good way to try and prevent future estrogen-fueled mammary tumors, but not a sure fire 'cure' for them --- it very well may extend her lifespan a bit though. I have been quoted anything from $125 to $170 for a spay.


Good luck!