vet fees

Question
Randy:
I just called my bunnies vet to take her in for diarrhea and was informed the office visit fee has gone from $59.00 to $96.00. This is not something I can afford.  Is this a standard rate for vets specializing in exotics? Who can afford to have pets anymore??
Thank you
Coni

Answer
Hi Coni,

That is quite an increase.  And depending on your location, the fee is high (as compared to NC).  I would suspect, based on visiting many clinics, that the average office visit is in the $70 range.  There are many considerations in setting the fees.  Has anything changed at the practice....maybe a new doctor or practice manager coming in? It is quite costly to the doctor to be trained to treat exotics.  Rabbits, chinchillas, degus, hamsters, guinea pigs and wildlife are something that is not normally taught at a vet school.  How do I know?  Many of my animals are used to train senior vet students doing clinicals.  So basically, it is up to the individual doctor to seek out training....and that costs money that has to be recovered.  The treatments now are much more detailed than they were just a couple of years ago.  A digital x-ray machine is very costly but it's effective....but the costs to have that benefit must be supported by the client.  The few doctors that are actual "exotics" specialists can pretty much name their price...it's the law of supply and demand.  I do see more vet students going into "exotics" so that should help some...but not immediately.

My suggestion....talk with the practice manager.  Ask for an explanation of why the cost of an exam went up.  Don't be shy about asking for a discount if you are a long time client or if you treat multiple pets.  Depending on your location, you might be able to use the dollar to negotiate a better rate...but only if there is another rabbit savvy vet in your area.  Ask for a detailed writeen estimate before you agree to a procedure.  I was given an estimate on some reconstructive surgery for a special needs we have and it was over $1300.  By the time I finished with the estimate, the cost was less than $300.  We call that "dumbing down"....and it's not a put down for the client.  They write estimates assuming you know absolutely nothing about caring for you rabbit....and they have to.  So my next suggestion is to learn to do as much as you can to treat your animal at home.  In the case of a runny gut....look at husbandry.  Most times with an upset stomach it can be traced back to too many pellets or treats.  I always suggest getting back to a proper diet....lots of grass hays and limited pellets and greens.  The reason I am where I am today is that I found out very early in our rescue (over 7 years ago) that rabbit vets were sparse and it will cost when you visit one.

But to directly answer your question...there is not a guideline that vets use to set fees.  They can't legally discuss charges among practices since that would constitute collusion....which is illegal.  The driving forces behind increasing medical costs are the same as in human medicine...lack of highly skilled doctors..that's the law of supply and demand...and the escalating costs of equipment, training and people.  And don't even think about the drug costs....it's ridiculous.  But don't be shy about asking for reasons or discounts for being a loyal client.  There is not really a good answer and I feel your frustration.  I wish I had a better answer for you.

I can also most likely help you get the upset GI under control.  Just let me know what breed your bun is, her age, weight and exactly what she has been eating for the last 4 or 5 days or so.

Randy