$$ A Trip to the Vet? $$

juliedn · 04-04-2011, 05:03 AM

I know I should not even consider not bringing Aiden to the vet in an emergency, but my vet's price is far too expensive (well at least for me). I was looking at something upon the lines of 20-40 us dollars. I inquired for an estimate and a regular checkup would cost me 80! I don't know any other place that provides medical care to hamsters.. I don't know what would happen in an event of emergency, because I'm 100% positive my parents will not approve of me paying that much.

How much does it cost you to go to the vet?

**Hope** · 04-04-2011, 05:27 AM

I think here is is about £20 so about 40 dollars. But is does vary alot from place to place. Then when you put costs for treatment, drugs etc on top of that it can quickly mount up. I always reccomend having an emergancy fund and adding a little to it regulary so that you are not totally stuck in the event of an emergancy.

Some vets here do the first consultation for free when you register online, my friend had this from her vet with her cat and I had theis alos when I tiook Boris to the vet, so soemtimes there are some offers out there that can help if you look around.

StarlightSerenity · 04-04-2011, 05:28 AM

This is something you should have looked into/considered before getting the hamster to be quite honest...

racinghamster · 04-04-2011, 06:00 AM

U.S veretinary prices do tend to be high in comparison to what we pay here in the UK. If I have to attend my vet with my mice or in the past, one of my gerbils or hamsters, it never costs me more than £10 and that includes the consultation! Sometimes it has been a little more, but that was due to having antibiotics other than Baytril prescribed or surgery costs.

It`s easy to say that people should look into veterinary fees before they acquire a pet, but with small pets like hammies and mice etc, you never expect the charges to be that high, when indeed, they are. Then if the parents are the ones footing the veterinary bills (if the pet belongs to a non-householder or minor) this can also result in them refusing blankly to pay such a charge. So they are responsible for researching what vets cost before agreeing to buy the $5 hamster from the store! It`s the same old scenarion. Buy the pet for peanuts but then expect to pay a small fortune if it needs to see a vet. It`s such a shame and yet, pet shops and stores are happy to churn out small pets to anyone who walks in their doors regardless of whether they would pay to see a vet or not. If you want a mortgage, first you have to provide proof that you have security on the loan. If you buy a hamster or other small pet, nobody cares.

I suggest a savings account purely for vet fees. Although it might take you a while to save enough depending on how you source it! Your parents should be responsible for half those fees though since they are responsible for buying the hamster in the first place? With all pets comes responsibility. Don`t let them forget that juliedn. If you love your little hamster, make sure you have some funds put away towards his care.

juliedn · 04-04-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

U.S veretinary prices do tend to be high in comparison to what we pay here in the UK. If I have to attend my vet with my mice or in the past, one of my gerbils or hamsters, it never costs me more than £10 and that includes the consultation! Sometimes it has been a little more, but that was due to having antibiotics other than Baytril prescribed or surgery costs.

It`s easy to say that people should look into veterinary fees before they acquire a pet, but with small pets like hammies and mice etc, you never expect the charges to be that high, when indeed, they are. Then if the parents are the ones footing the veterinary bills (if the pet belongs to a non-householder or minor) this can also result in them refusing blankly to pay such a charge. So they are responsible for researching what vets cost before agreeing to buy the $5 hamster from the store! It`s the same old scenarion. Buy the pet for peanuts but then expect to pay a small fortune if it needs to see a vet. It`s such a shame and yet, pet shops and stores are happy to churn out small pets to anyone who walks in their doors regardless of whether they would pay to see a vet or not. If you want a mortgage, first you have to provide proof that you have security on the loan. If you buy a hamster or other small pet, nobody cares.

I suggest a savings account purely for vet fees. Although it might take you a while to save enough depending on how you source it! Your parents should be responsible for half those fees though since they are responsible for buying the hamster in the first place? With all pets comes responsibility. Don`t let them forget that juliedn. If you love your little hamster, make sure you have some funds put away towards his care.

Oh I have enough money to pay for his appointment. I have hundreds already saved up in my bank account, but as I am still living with the rents I know they won't approve. I paid for everything for Aiden, including himself. xD

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

This is something you should have looked into/considered before getting the hamster to be quite honest...

Before I knew nothing about hamsters when I bought him. I know it was irresponsible of me to do so. As soon as I got him, I researched like crazy to know how to take care of him etc. I did not know vets even treated hamsters until then. At least I am taking the time to ask and worry rather than cluelessy just treating him like my friend says, "He's just a hamster. You change it's bedding and food and that's all there is to it. They're all the same." Now I have a wealth of knowledge of hamsters and will take all the responsibilities of buying a hamster next time.

racinghamster · 04-04-2011, 06:29 AM

Good for you! Sorry, I was thinking you were a very young kid or something! It`s a good idea to save yes. Ring round more than a few vets to ask what their overall charges are and ask questions. I know many vets are just Baytril pushers and charge vastly for their consultaion more than the actual treatments. It`s rediculous what they charge to dispense a few weeks worth of Baytril or just to check a small animal over.

Is Aiden a Russian dwarf?

juliedn · 04-04-2011, 06:33 AM

Yes he is.

I have found 2 others and will inquire for an estimate. Though the drive is quite a long ways. The 80 dollar vet is minutes from my house. >.<

racinghamster · 04-04-2011, 07:36 AM

I`ve heard of extortion money but that is rediculous. $80?

Did they say what that costs actually covers? I don`t know how they can quote a price like that when they hav`nt even seen the hamster or determined whether this is a total price for consultation, and any medications issued, but that seems to be a bit of a guess on their part.

Luckily, hamsters are usually healthy little pets as long as they have a good, varied, safe diet and live in a cage that has no long drops or pitfalls. You can never account for things like bacterial infections (which many are opportunistic anyway) and other failings like tooth problems, eye infections or internal issues. But as with most ailments, the major ones are usually clear to see and as you said in your first post, would be an emergency anyway. So it`s for these major incidents that we really need the vet, rather than simplistic eye bathing or treating at home if it`s a minor cut or mite treatment.

Daily checks should keep you well informed and watching Aiden`s characteristics. Prevention is better than cure in most cases.