March 3, 2010

A Client Asks:

“My daughter has a new Japanese Chin puppy (almost 4 months old)….

The puppy will need to have 4-month immunizations around March 10 and [be] neutered in 2-1/2 months…[T]here is a possibility [that] 2 teeth will need to come out, which can be done during neutering, because of an overbite…

Could you tell me what you charge for these services?”

Our Response:

First of all, congratulations to your family on the new addition!  This must be quite an exciting time for you!

In regards to your inquiry, this is actually a pretty tough question to answer, mainly because we don’t know your pet’s history and lifestyle—or expected lifestyle.  For example, by this time, we may expect that a puppy has had three distemper vaccine boosters, a bordetella vaccine, a canine influenza vaccine, a leptospirosis vaccine, a lyme vaccine, and multiple fecal exams (intestinal parasite checks) and dewormings.  However, some puppies may not fit into this exact schedule depending on what they did or did not receive with the breeder or previous owner.  Also, pet owners and veterinary staff usually discuss what the dog’s lifestyle could be.  Will he be a hiker, jogger, and camper?  Will he need routine grooming?  Will he be in daycare or boarding regularly?  Though we consider all of the above-mentioned vaccines and testings to be part of important preventative care, sometimes vaccines, such as leptospirosis, are lifestyle-dependent.

Check out our “Puppy Visits Checklist” to see a generalized schedule.  At about four months, we perform your pet’s Annual Health Exam, checking everything from weight to joints to skin condition.  Though prices are subject to change, our Annual Exam runs $49.  Vaccines and preventative testings range from $24 to $35.  We would also like to make sure that your puppy is on monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative; costs for these vary based on the brand and the amount that you decide to purchase.

Additionally, while the neuter on the surface is a routine, predetermined procedure, there are actually quite a few pet-specific components of the surgery as well.  For instance, every pet will need a pre-surgical exam with screening lab work to check that organs are functioning properly and can expel the anesthetic gas.  During surgery, all pets receive fluids to maintain hydration and safe blood pressure, and we also monitor their blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, heart rate, and respiratory rate.  Yet each surgery really is unique.  For instance, the breeder may have already microchipped your pet, but if not, the neuter surgery presents a great opportunity to do so.  While most pets are not bothered by it, the needle to implant the microchip is on the larger side, so if we can do it while the puppy is asleep for surgery, so much the better.  There is also the possibility that one or both testicles have not completely descended (known as “cryptorchid”), in which case the surgery is more extensive and invasive.  We can also perform radiographs to check for signs of hip displaysia; when your dog is asleep, we can get near-perfect positioning for these x-rays.  Post-surgery pain management plans are individualized, too. And, as in your daughter’s puppy’s case, retained baby teeth can be removed at this time.  However, without our staff physically seeing his teeth, we don’t know exactly how extensive the extractions may be.  All of these factors can change the cost of surgery either nominally or significantly, and the cost range is pretty vast, from $270 to upwards of $1000, depending on each case.  See our "Surgical FAQ's" for more information.

So, this long-winded response is really to say that it would be best to speak to you directly about your individual pet.  If you would like to give us a call, a receptionist or technician could help you formulate an estimate for the next round of vaccines based on what the puppy has had so far.  Then, at the vaccine visit, you can discuss the surgery with our staff, and we can create another personalized estimate for you once we know exactly what the surgery should entail.

We look forward to hearing from you, and we can be reached at (703) 723-1017.  We hope that our response helps you and your daughter make an informed decision about the new puppy’s healthcare!  Congratulations again!