I just wanted to point out that sometimes there are HUGE differences in the charges at different vets.

I've been taking my dogs to the same vet for years. I just assumed all vets up here were as expensive as mine. The yearly necessary vaccinations, exam, etc. added up to $250.00 per dog.

Once I had to bring Max in for quill removal during daylight hours and she charged me over $300.

One night Max got quills in his chin again, and my vet wasn't available, so I called a vet about 50 miles from here. The quill removal at 3:00 am there, including anesthesia, was less than $150.00. The annual vaccinations/exam are about $100.

The new vet also is much better than the old one - it's a larger facility, with several older and more experienced vets who are always available, and generally more professional overall.

So - if you think you're being overcharged, don't be afraid to shop around. You DON'T necessarily "get what you pay for".

Just my two cents.