Cat Broke His Leg, Vet Wants $10,000

Saul Goodman on 26/04/2022 - 09:33
Last edited 28/04/2022 - 09:46

My cat broke his leg (tibia) on Saturday morning. Since then there has a been a lot of misleading information said to us from the hospital we took him to the same day. We were quoted an orignal price over the phone but that has now blown up to minimum $10000. They said they could do the surgery straight away but then after us paying a $4k deposit, they said they don't have the correct pin size. I do have vet insurance which will cover 70% but it's still going to be out of pocket a lot.

I'm just wondering has anyone had a cat or dog break their leg and how much did you have to pay?

UPDATES

Since some people mistook the whole meaning of this post I will clarify that I got him into our local vet within half an hour of the accident who did xrays and confirmed the break. Then I took him to this particular hospital immediately after because it was the only hospital that said they could do the surgery that day or next - but after doing their own xrays they said they didn't have the exact size pins/needles they needed for such a small cat. Not once have I said I am holding off the surgery and the only question I asked in my post was out of curiosity what other people had paid.

Surgery was Tuesday which all went well and we took him home Wednesday afternoon. He has a massive bandage, 3 pins coming out of his leg and has to wear a collar for the next 6-8 weeks.

Pets

Comments

    • cookie2 on 28/04/2022 - 14:06

      I think you read the OPs post wrong. They never said they were delaying.

  • djkelly69 on 26/04/2022 - 09:59
    +11

    One of our cats got attacked by a couple of big dogs and got a broken leg (amount other injuries). From memory it was about $6k to pin and set it, including when they had to reset it because she jumped off a table and re-broke it. She then had to spend about 6 months in a big cage for it to heal properly.

    Is amputating a possibility? I know it seems like a quite extreme option, but they do adapt to it quickly and can end up having a better quality of life than having a dud leg likely to cause pain, arthritis, etc.

    • cheese-crackers on 27/04/2022 - 14:43
      +2

      You're right about amputation and speedy recovery/adaptation. Our puss had one of her rear legs amputated as a result some nasty injuries. She was fully recovered within 1-2 weeks and still manages to run and jump and get stuck in cupboards and attack us in bed and catch unlucky lizards etc. If I recall the cost of the amputation was ~$2k in addition to the costs already incurred such as scans etc.

    • greatlamp on 29/04/2022 - 07:24
      +1

      can end up having a better quality of life than having a dud leg likely to cause pain, arthritis, etc.

      I wonder if a VET or surgeon would recommend an amputation where the quality of life would be better, foregoing a 10k paycheck.

      I don't have much faith in the moral compass of surgeons having met a few of them

      • resisting the urge on 29/04/2022 - 09:50
        +1

        they could even chop it off and feed it to some lizards, as minor payback

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/04/2022 - 10:00

    second opinion? I'd say this is one thing that will be a bit hard to shop around.

    • SlartiBartFozz on 26/04/2022 - 14:04
      +31

      Ozbargain option:

      • change the pets' ownership details linked to its microchip online -$10 fee
      • remove collar
      • leave it at the RSPCA office, as lost and found
      • after a few days have a friend come and pay the $0-200 adoption fee
      • pet will be now repaired, neutered, medicated and fed

      /s

      • brokenglish on 26/04/2022 - 14:14
        +4

        This is genius!

      • WordsToSayIt on 26/04/2022 - 19:32

        Change the pet ownership to who's details?

        • macfudd on 26/04/2022 - 21:07
          +15

          bikies

      • Drj55 on 27/04/2022 - 07:59
        +13

        Do you really think the rspca will spend 10k fixing up a stray's broken leg… Or $20 on the green dream?

        • SlartiBartFozz on 05/05/2022 - 20:44

          Animal shelters' real costs would be a miniscule fraction of the $10k quote from a commercial vet. Just like your dentist charges about a 10x markup on the cost of the resins and implants they use, you will pay a similar markup for what RSPCA (using their own veterinary employees) would incur to treat one of their pets. For a serious injury with uncertain recovery, they will surely just administer painkillers temporarily and euthanise if the animals' owner is not found. For a mild injury with a high chance of recovery, they will treat it before placing it in the kennels.

      • cameldownunder on 27/04/2022 - 22:28
        +3

        Changes of such a cat being put down? ~99%.

        I did bring a cat that was terrorizing ours, and not belonging to anyone to the pet shelter, which then forwarded it to the kernel, where if not picked up within 10 days, he would have been put down. I called them and said, that before putting him to call me, I would eventually have adopted him.
        Fortunately they found the owner and the cat was reunited with the owner soon after.

        • Yola on 29/04/2022 - 17:54

          Why would you adopt a cat that was terrorising yours? That is just asking for trouble. Your cat could get anxiety and start spraying or display other behavioral problems.

          • cameldownunder on 30/04/2022 - 12:29
            +1

            @Yola: Because they might get used to each other if the other cats gets treaded nicely

    • Saul Goodman on 26/04/2022 - 10:37
      +19

      Don't you dare make an accusation like that to me. I got him into our local vet within half an hour of the accident who did xrays and confirmed the break. Then I took him to this particular hospital immediately after because it was the only hospital that said they could do the surgery that day or next - but after doing their own xrays they said they didn't have the exact size pins/needles they needed for such a small cat. Not once have I said I am holding off the surgery and the only question I asked in my post was out of curiosity what other people had paid.

  • Donaldhump on 26/04/2022 - 10:22
    +1

    yikes, can anyone recommend pet insurance for a dog

    • holdenmg on 26/04/2022 - 13:48

      I like https://www.hif.com.au/pet-insurance
      woof :+)

    • SirCH on 28/04/2022 - 14:25

      I have Bupa pet insurance because I get 10% off alongside my Bupa human insurance. For the first few years I claimed about as much as I put in and all claims were processed with no problems. For the last few years I've claimed nothing, but at least it's there.
      FWIW, most pet insurance in Australia is underwritten by a couple of big companies, one is Hollard.
      It doesn't mean that the products are the same, but they are all going to be somewhat similar and have similar exclusions. Also IANAL and do your own research.

  • jv on 26/04/2022 - 10:24
    +14

    VET Wants $10,000

    How else will he pay off his holiday house at Flinders?

    • sjp1808 on 26/04/2022 - 17:08
      +17

      Vets are one of the most underpaid professionals when compared with what they do.

      • jv on 26/04/2022 - 17:12
        +1

        Vets are one of the most underpaid professionals

        Reported as a troll post…

      • TilacVIP on 27/04/2022 - 08:52

        It's not April 1, so you're not joking right?

      • Ozcelt on 27/04/2022 - 09:33
        +1

        Ha, ha, ha…thanks for the injection of some humour into this discussion. Maybe we should agree to do a whip around and make a donation to indigent vets. While we're at it, we could split the donation and help out all the homeless dentists….

        • bmerigan on 27/04/2022 - 22:10
          +8

          You are clearly ignorant and don't know any vets.
          They work long hours for average pay in stressful situations. You'll never see one driving a Mercedes Benz.

          • jv on 27/04/2022 - 22:44
            -1

            @bmerigan:

            You'll never see one driving a Mercedes Benz.

            Our vet drives a Range Rover.

            • SydStrand on 28/04/2022 - 00:39
              +1

              @jv: My boss drives a Mazda 3. But my tree lopper drove a decked out Cayenne. Your point?

              • jv on 28/04/2022 - 00:47
                -1

                @SydStrand:

                Your point?

                My point was for bmerigan, not you…

                MYOB…

            • tomfool on 28/04/2022 - 10:54
              +5

              @jv: You are confusing Veterinarians with large practise owners. A typical Veterinarian in Brisbane would earn 80K out of uni, after many years a skilled Vet Surgeon may earn 150K. For a practise to stay viable they need to be large, and have 2-3 vets working, they would also need to own a number of practises. Vets typically also have a much higher suicide rate, and depression rate then the general community.

              People tend to forget that the surgical equipment used in a vet surgery is equivalent to that in human surgery with the same cost and upkeep.

              I know a number of people in the vet industry and a number of tradies and the tradies are significantly better off.

          • OzCheapo on 29/04/2022 - 10:48

            @bmerigan: Graham Turner Im pretty sure drives one or something of that effect.

        • SydStrand on 28/04/2022 - 00:27
          +5

          You don't know what you're talking about. The average vet (not new grad) hovers just above the median wage, comparable to allied health professionals like physios, radiographers, and pharmacists. That's despite additional postgraduate study, higher hecs debt, and the pleasure of getting abused by idiots who take their public healthcare system for granted, and lump you in with dentists who average 3x your income.

      • Franky23 on 27/04/2022 - 22:01
        +4

        Absolutely. They are surgeons, doctor's, dentists, dietitians, physios and much more! Vets work crazy hours and the profession actually has one of the highest suicide rates in Australia.

    • bmerigan on 27/04/2022 - 22:10
      +3

      Ignorant

    • cameldownunder on 27/04/2022 - 22:28

      Palm Beach !

  • Qazxswec on 26/04/2022 - 10:27
    +29

    maybe tell the Vet that you want $10000 otherwise you will break their leg

  • [Deactivated] on 26/04/2022 - 10:39
    +5

    Just be thankful that you have pet insurance otherwise the hit to your pocket would have been much worse.

  • Caped Baldy on 26/04/2022 - 11:06
    +1

    Can you get a second opinion/quote?

    • thefinalproblems on 26/04/2022 - 11:16
      +2

      I agree, but also bearing in mind that your costs are currently mounting daily. Ask your current vet what they're specifically doing, what size pin, etc. and quickly call around. Don't forget to ask when the first possible date is for surgery at these other places. Ethically, you really should be moving as quickly as possible on this one if you think you're being taken for a ride.

      To be fair, I think that sounds about right. Spent about $3000 out of pocket (no insurance) to have a grass seed surgically removed from a dog's paw.

      Honestly, I think in your case there is a silver lining. a) You have insurance that will cover 70% and you haven't stated that the quote has exceeded the maximum cover and b) assuming this was an accidental break, it's covered by said insurance (as opposed to a pre-existing condition or certain types of other issues, which insurance tells you tough luck for).

  • c64 on 26/04/2022 - 11:07
    +11

    lesson learnt: don't have pets

    • Stopback on 26/04/2022 - 11:12

      a horse would be cheaper

      • Muzeeb on 26/04/2022 - 12:08
        +13

        No it wouldn't.

        Source: own horses

        • cameldownunder on 27/04/2022 - 22:29

          Nits would be cheaper.

        • Save Medicare on 27/04/2022 - 22:46
          +4

          If the Melbourne cup is anything to go by, standard treatment for a horse with a broken leg is much cheaper than $10,000

          • Muzeeb on 27/04/2022 - 22:49

            @Save Medicare: A horse with a broken leg needs to be put out of its misery immediately. A bullet is the quickest and most humane method. Green dream is effective but may require a sedative first. The costs to bury a horse range from $3k to $10k.

            • Save Medicare on 27/04/2022 - 22:51

              @Muzeeb: I am not a horse doctor but it doesn't make sense to me why you'd need an additional sedative if you're giving a lethal dose of barbiturates

              • Muzeeb on 27/04/2022 - 22:57

                @Save Medicare: Depends on the state of the horse. Quite often they are thrashing and trying to get up on all fours which is very stressful to the horse and witnesses. A bullet is immediate but can be difficult if the horse is stressed and thrashing. Once sedated you can pick your poison. A gun shot ringing through Flemington racecourse or even in a private paddock is not pleasant but is immediate. Pentobarbital euthanasia is quite a peaceful ending by comparison.

      • WT on 27/04/2022 - 10:00
        +2

        friend came off her horse, broke her hip and 6 months off. If it fell a few inches higher she would be dead.

        I would rather take my chances on a motor bike then a horse

    • thefinalproblems on 26/04/2022 - 11:12
      +5

      Or have pets, but be realistic and prepared for the potential costs.

      It's always interesting seeing people talk about the cost of adopting or buying a pet, but forgetting about the ongoing and unpredictable ones.

    • Caped Baldy on 26/04/2022 - 11:17
      +5

      or kids

      • OzCheapo on 26/04/2022 - 11:50
        +1

        just buy insurance

    • kaleidoscope on 27/04/2022 - 16:07

      yap. if and when feeling bored, go pet your mate's pet =D

    • DoaAn on 27/04/2022 - 17:50

      Better option if you like taking care of animals but can't afford the ongoing costs: Foster.
      Shelters are always looking for more foster carers. You get the satisfaction and joy of taking in cats or dogs who aren't old enough or tame enough to be adopted and helping them grow into happy, confident pets.
      Shelter pays for everything, only downside is having to give them back.

  • ChillBro on 26/04/2022 - 11:13

    Damn that sucks, OP. Even with insurance that’s a large sum of money. Do you know how your cat got injured?

    • Saul Goodman on 26/04/2022 - 11:26
      +2

      It was a complete freak accident. I was in the room when it happened - he was literally just playing on the sheets on the bed, jumped off and it happened. I'm still trying to wrap my brain over how it exactly happened but I'm guessing maybe he got his leg twisted around one of the sheets and then went to run off while it was still stuck.

      • Lockieasy on 27/04/2022 - 14:12
        +1

        Damn that's bad luck. I had a similar thing happen to a miniature dog I was looking after only her leg got twisted in the strap of her pet crate while I was driving down the highway.

        Fortunately I had a pocket knife on me so I could cut her free before she broke her leg (she was jumping and yelping like crazy).

      • jv on 27/04/2022 - 22:47
        +1

        Unlucky you don't live in the US where you could've sued the company that made the sheets…

  • Saul Goodman on 26/04/2022 - 11:36
    +67

    No one asked for a picture but I don't care. He goes into surgery within half an hour. Wish him all the best.

    https://postimg.cc/XGFDrk8f

    • Caped Baldy on 26/04/2022 - 11:38
      +6

      Best of luck, hope the surgery goes well.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/04/2022 - 11:47
      +2

      He is very cute and his side-eye is exemplary ;)

      Wishing him all the best for his upcoming surgery & recovery :)

    • Quantumcat on 26/04/2022 - 12:02
      +3

      Glad to hear, hope he recovers well and is back to his old self soon

    • Traveller107 on 26/04/2022 - 12:09
      +2

      So glad to hear. Wishing a successful surgery and a pain free speedy recovery for the little one. Cheers

    • Krankite on 26/04/2022 - 13:07
      +1

      Wishing him all the best, but also I need to see the MSpaint version to be sure.

    • Donaldhump on 26/04/2022 - 16:26
      +2

      the cats leg will have healed by time that image loads

    • Faithgrrl on 27/04/2022 - 10:35
      +1

      I will say a prayer to your God of choice for your cat. Praying for a speedy recovery, and happy and healthy long life with you. You have a gorgeous cat.

    • dbmitch on 27/04/2022 - 21:21

      I love that breed, so elegant! Speedy recovery!

    • Save Medicare on 27/04/2022 - 22:47

      Cat gets hartmanns' but the ward intern gives nanna with an AKI and metabolic acidosis normal saline

    • jv on 27/04/2022 - 22:48
      +2

      No one asked for a picture

      OMG

      Why did they have to shave all of the cat ???

  • OzCheapo on 26/04/2022 - 11:50
    +2

    You need to bring out slippin Jimmy to finesse the vet. But seriously, aside from the surgery, you need to pay for the drugs which isnt subsidised and then there's post op care which can take months. Ask for a price breakdown but I assume these are the areas where most of the costs are led to.

  • holdenmg on 26/04/2022 - 12:21
    +3

    I hope it all goes well.

    Make sure they don't charge for the Cat CAT scan…

  • [Deactivated] on 26/04/2022 - 14:54
    +1

    Neighbours dog cost $10k to fix had to pay $3k dog died anyway.

    • jv on 26/04/2022 - 17:15
      +3

      Neighbours dog cost $10k to fix

      that's a lot of money for a small snip…

  • JIMB0 on 26/04/2022 - 16:10
    +8

    Wow. Didn't expect they'd be charging and arm and a leg just to fix a leg.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/04/2022 - 16:12
    +3

    OP - how did the surgery go?

    • Saul Goodman on 27/04/2022 - 08:28
      +33

      Was a success and as long as he is eating normally today, we can pick him up this afternoon.

      • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2022 - 10:05
        +1

        That is great ……. good kitty

      • Some Human on 27/04/2022 - 20:31

        That's great news. The house feels so empty when your pet isn't there.

        I wish your puss a swift recovery.

  • rektrading on 26/04/2022 - 18:06
    +1

    We were quoted an orignal price over the phone but that has now blown up to minimum $10000.

    Owning property doesn't come without cost especially one with an emotional attachment.

  • zoner on 26/04/2022 - 18:19
    +1

    Thats crazy op.
    I would suggest asking for an itemised detailed breakdown, you may find some cost cutting options to discuss

  • leiiv on 27/04/2022 - 02:46

    How much is the cost of surgery if a baby human broke his leg (small pin size) and goes to a private hospital?

    • lgacb08 on 27/04/2022 - 08:42
      -7

      Human at least have the potential to make positive contribution to society and if you do put a decent input into it the outcome is guaranteed to be positive. Pet however only give personal enjoyment to the owner and most are bred for this purpose to the detriment of their survival instinct and genetic pool.

      • metrosilver on 27/04/2022 - 11:36
        +1

        Nothing is guaranteed. Many children from good homes have grown up to be incredibly detrimental to society. Pets aren't just an enjoyment but a big positive mental health affect on many people especially those who live alone.

        • lgacb08 on 27/04/2022 - 21:50

          meh, children gone astray mostly because of something wrong in the process, there's anomaly in every case but that's part of life. Raising a pet you'll need to learn to deal with a loss too, don't be fooled that such enjoyment will be guaranteed for life and there won't be mental consequence when such loss happen.

    • Muzeeb on 27/04/2022 - 22:42
      +1

      The private hospital would probably recommend you visit the nearest public paediatric emergency hospital for the best care.

  • MontyMacaw on 27/04/2022 - 08:36
    +5

    Cats don’t need 4 legs. It sounds insane but it’s true. If money is really the problem and you want to keep your cat this is the way to go. Yes I’m speaking from experience. You just need to get your head around it.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/04/2022 - 13:54
      -4

      they can get around with 3 but to deny them a leg over money is just cruel and irresponsible pet ownership. if you can't afford pets, you shouldn't have them

      • MontyMacaw on 28/04/2022 - 08:43

        In this particular case the vet said they could attempt the surgery and also quoted $10k but said the likelihood of success was low. Have you seen a three legged cat? I thought not. Your judgements sound like they are inflexible and idealistic. Most people would have put the thing down. This cat is far more than a $10k cat and a priceless member of a family. It wasn’t just his leg that was damaged. It took months of care and expense to give him a life. And he still needs daily medication for his good eye. Don’t preach to me mate!

  • TilacVIP on 27/04/2022 - 08:55

    A case of vet's in general taking advantage of people emotional attachment to their pets.

    $10K, GTFO!!!!

    • AquaDigger on 29/04/2022 - 23:27

      Nope, literally just the cost for materials plus labour (and no medicare subsidy…)

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