Feline tooth extraction

[beancounter]

We took our cat to the vet yesterday for a checkup. At the conclusion, we were told that there was a lot of redness in the gums around one tooth and it should be removed, although it wasn't an emergency.

We were handed an estimate for the proceedure...$565. Yikes.

So I did some research and found a post from 2012 in another forum from a lady saying her vet was going to charged about $100 for the proceedure. Two years of inflation does not explain the difference between $100 and $565.

So my questions are:
- Is redness around the gums justification for a tooth extraction?
- Is $565 a reasonable charge for this procedure?

 

[Calliegirl]

Did they do a cleaning?
Is there something wrong with the tooth or is the gum infected?
That price sounds a little high to me, but I haven't priced tooth extractions lately, so I could be wrong.

 

[Calliegirl]

With all this talk of red gums, I decided to check my kitty's gums since in the past I was told they were slightly red and a cleaning was recommended. It looks like he has plaque and red gums so I am getting a cleaning done next week.

I called a lot of vets and the cleanings start at $300 because of his age (10 years old), younger ones start at a little over half that. I was told it could go up to $600 depending on what needs to be done, although one vet quoted $1000.
I don't know if that's helpful regarding the costs.

 

[beancounter]

Thanks! that's good information. Unfortuntely, it seems that the price we were quoted was "reasonable"

 

[KLS52]

Wondering how kitty is doing and if you went ahead with the extraction.

 

[beancounter]

We plan having the extraction done in December. Right now we are saving up for it. The vet said it wasn't urgent so we're hoping a few months won't be a big deal.

 

[shyvas]

We plan having the extraction done in December. Right now we are saving up for it. The vet said it wasn't urgent so we're hoping a few months won't be a big deal.

How much is it going to cost ? I usually just ask for 2 or 3 months free credit when I have expensive bills to pay.

 

[beancounter]

How much is it going to cost ? I usually just ask for 2 or 3 months free credit when I have expensive bills to pay.

At least $565

 

[shyvas]

At least $565

That is very expensive which is not surprising. I always have expensive bills for Shyva when she goes to the vet.

 

[KLS52]

I'm glad you are able to wait. That is definitely a lot money. It just cost me close to $700 with Cybil's passing, Benjamin's wellness check, and Bratt and calico kitten's check up today. I can only hope they are all young enough and will stay healthy until next year. I even went out and bought a kitty toothbrush and toothpaste so I can attempt to help keep their teeth in good shape. The vet said Bratt's teeth are beautiful right now. But he's only a year old so I guess that's to be expected.

 

[Calliegirl]

I didn't end up getting my cat's teeth cleaned. After getting a better look, they seem to be fine. I was really worried about putting him under anesthesia at his age.

Did the vet say why the redness required an extraction? My cat had red inflamed gums in the back in the past, but it's fine now. I would think an extraction would only be necessary if the tooth was decayed. It seems like an extreme procedure if the gum is simply red and the tooth is fine.

 

[Clueless Git]

At least $565

Jebus!

Going rate or not that sounds expensive.

When my cats tooth went manky the vet managed to, quite literaly, finger-flick it right out of her gum.