Bunny surgery vet fees – these quotes seem outrageous. Am I wrong?

[meridiian]

Hello

Ive been on BinkyBunny for some time so I have read many, many posts about bunnies being seriously unwell and requiring surgery.

Today my otherwise healthy and very well cared for bunny stopped eating and pooping. She is four and has had no health issues.

Watched her for a few hours very closely but she started breathing rapidly and so immediately rushed her to an emergency vet. Its nighttime here.

The vet examined her and said possibly GI but maybe a blockage.

Agreed to the necessary Xrays and tests on the spot BUT when I asked what the proposed treatment would be and the costs… she said if its GI then the cost will be in the ballpark of $2,500. If its a blockage it will require surgery and the cost in that event might be as high as $5,000.

Usual visits to the vet for checkups etc are always less than 200 even with innoculations.

I almost fainted. I love my bunny and Ill do everything possible to save her. But do these fees seem excessive to you? I had to agree to all that they can do on the spot but this will put me in a real bind financially. I love her so much I will find the money but really want to feel I’m not being taken for a ride.

I live in Sydney Australia btw.

Well wishes for Tipps would be greatly appreciated!

[Deleted User]

Bombur has enterotoxemia in October, and that was a $3000 bill. He was kept in a heated ward for 36 hours with round the clock fluids and motility drugs being pumped into him, as well as being on a painkiller and an antibiotic, he also had several x-rays and blood work. So that first number doesn’t seem outrageous. I don’t know about the surgery, but I’d assume it would be in the thousands.

Sending vibes to you and Tipps <3 (((Tipps)))

[meridiian]

Thank you for replying. And the well wishes! Greatly appreciated! 

[Deleted User]

Would the emergency vet be the one performing the surgery? Emergency care is notoriously overcharged. Could they determine if there was a blockage?

[Bam]

Many vibes for (((((Tipps))))) I have alerted FL Azerane to the thread. She is in Australia. She might know what price range is reasonable.

The only member I know of that have had blockage surgery performed on their bun is Muchelle. But she’s in Italy. You could still PM her and ask though.

[meridiian]

Bunny is staying overnight. Waiting on result of her x ray. As I understand it an exotic vet would be performing the surgery if required in the morning. She is on a drip and being monitored.  Expected high fees for attending after hours but when she started talking about thousands possibly I think I went into shock. Possibly because I was already freaking out about her condition. I’m sure you understand.

Hoping for more info from them soon. Whatever it takes, she will get it. I love her.

And thank you for replying!

[Gordo and Janice]

Well wishes and lots of vibes for (((((Tipps)))))

[Deleted User]

What a great bun parent!

(((((Tipps))))))

[meridiian]

Thank you, Bam. Sending the (((vibes))) on to Tipps. I so feel for her alone in a strange place. We made a good home for her and its all she knows. She looked so afraid when I had to go.

I feel almost guilty about freaking out over costs but it was just a real shock on top of my concern for her. But she is family so… whatever it takes. Just want her free from any pain and back to herself. She might be missing us right now but we miss her more. 🙂

[meridiian]

Thank you BunNoob. Really appreciate that. All bunnies are a special gift from nature. They are family. 🙂

[meridiian]

Thank you Gordo and Janice! Sending on to Tipps. She’s proud to be part of the bunny community here with you all. 🙂

[GarfyTheLop]

Wow! That seems like so much money, can you not get insurance in Australia?
I’m in the UK and when Garf was a baby I signed him up for pet insurance, it costs me £13 a month but covers almost everything.
I hope your bunny is ok! Sending all the positive vibes to you both

[meridiian]

Thanks Garfy! But no, you cant insure rabbits in Australia. Wish you could. Ill send on your well wishes to Tipps. She will appreciate it 🙂

[meridiian]

Thank you so much to everyone who responded. its 3 am. taking her her toys to the hospital. if I’m paying 1000 overnight I can do what I want. and I’m doing that. I don’t want her to feel she is alone.

[Azerane]

Meridiian I’m very sorry that your bunny is ill.

Regarding costs, I’m in SA and vets do vary a bit but $2500 seems extremely high just for treatment and no surgery. What is it all for? If they’re not doing surgery where is that cost coming from? I’ve never had a bun stay overnight for stasis but when I take them in during stasis they get subcutaneous fluids, and some gut motility meds. If you add painkillers onto that you shouldn’t be looking at any more than $150-200 for consult treatment. I don’t know the cost of x-rays, they may have been a few hundred alone.

The only overnight stay and surgery my buns have had was a non-invasive surgery so I’m sure the cost differs quite a bit, however with the initial consult, then the surgery and overnight stay at the vet, painkillers etc. I think it was $500-600. Keep in mind it was non-invasive surgery and according to the full receipt the surgery only took 10-15 minutes. Surgery on a blockage I imagine might take at least double that. This was at an exotics vet, the biggest cost on the receipt is the anesthetic, $93.50 for that 15 minutes. I would ask them to give you an itemised break down of the expected cost, and not just the cost as a whole, it might help you to understand it better They might be reluctant because they can’t fix an exact price but you can still ask so you have a better idea. So I’m really not sure if the surgery cost is unreasonable or not, it is a pretty intensive surgery for a bun. Perhaps you could ring some other exotic vets and state that your vet wants to do such and such surgery and you’re wondering roughly how much they would charge for it.

I don’t know if that helps sorry, but it might be worth ringing around, and definitely ask for a break down of the costs so you at least know what you’re going to be paying for.

[meridiian]

Hello Azerane

Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.

Firstly an update: She has GI stasis and was in a bad way but X-rays etc dont show a blockage requiring surgery. She is on IVF Infusion pump and received Buprenophine (Temvet) injection – I think that was for pain. They say she seems to be nibbling on small amounts of hay and has done some poops so this is a massive relief. They are keeping her for observation but she might be ok to return home later today. It’s morning here in Sydney.

Yes, thank you for your information and suggestions… I have a detailed invoice for what has been done so far. Radiology at $385 and the IVF pump ($250) the biggest items. As well as after hours fees and consultation and overnight stay etc etc. just over $1000 so far .

As for that scary cost they quoted if required surgery – ie possibly up to $5000 if surgery required – yes you bet I would have requested a complete breakdown – well as far as they could project in advance. Very scary figure when I was already in shock that she was so poorly. And had to say on the spot that should they have to do surgery after x ray results, I agree to the cost.

Fortunately Tipps is responding and the x ray showed that surgery isnt required. If she returns home today she will go back for a checkup next week.

Thank you again. Both Tipps and I appreciate all the help and well wishes from everyone who replied above.

Xxx

[Azerane]

Goodness, well I am glad that she has been showing improvement. How is Tipps now? Did you get to bring her home?

The cost of the radiology doesn’t surprise me, I suppose once you add that in and some pain killers and an overnight stay things do really add up quite quickly. At least it’s not at that $2500 dollar mark yet. Though I suppose it’s all worth it in the end to make them better

I was a little bit hurt when I had Luna’s surgery done and my family gave me one of those judgemental comments about how “yes, that is a lot of money” even though it was only just over $500 and I would have have spent 10 times that much if she’d needed it. Like my bun wasn’t worth it. But what can you do.

Wishing her all the very best.

[meridiian]

Hello Azerane

Bunny is home and is active though she does seem tired which is to be expected. Have pain meds and something to help her gut move.

She is eating some hay and greens, not a lot but that’s a good sign so far … but have a question.

Havent seen any poops yet after several hours – the vets said she did a few there – I read it takes time but how long before I should be worried no poops are appearing? Im checking her every 30 mins or so hoping to see something! Am I worrying too much? How long should I let it go if I dont see anything?

Thank you.

Btw. Total was $1750 including extra nights stay. Totally understand your point above. So much money…on a rabbit? Im asked. Yes…. and worth every cent I say. It’s wonderful to see her free from discomfort… and out of serious trouble. Im just anxious to see her pooping! 🙂

[LittlePuffyTail]

((((Healing Vibes))))

I’m way over in Canada so can’t really compare prices. I’ve had some pretty hefty bills, though, for sure, but never over $1000. No Bunny Insurance here either.

[meridiian]

Hello LittlePuffyTail!

Thank you for the healing vibes. Both Tipps and I appreciate it.

Was pretty costly in the end but worth it 🙂

She seems to be regaining her appetite and waiting for poops! She has done some.. but her cecos seem healthy so I think that’s a good sign.

Would love to have bunny insurance here but it will never happen. So I guess its a good idea to have a separate bunny fund for these emergencies.

[Bam]

Continued healing-vibes for (((((Tipps)))))

Keeping fingers crossed for poop! Healthy-looking cecos is a great sign!

[meridiian]

Thank you, Bam!

Yes, her cecos look well formed and very healthy ( I thought that must be a good sign)… and some poops are now appearing!

[Azerane]

That’s wonderful news that she has improved and is now eating and piping so well.

Have you managed to work out what sent her into stasis?

[meridiian]

Hi Azerane

No, this happened out of the blue. No changes to her diet, always same brand Timothy hay and Oxbow pellets (when she is allowed a small portion as a treat) Same vegs, fruit that she enjoyed without issues for four years.

Her environment unchanged, and the areas in the house where she roams and plays are bunny proofed and checked before she is allowed out. In case something was dropped that she might eat.

So its a total mystery. One day she was fine, the next day she was poorly.

Vets said she is healthy otherwise. Good teeth, not overweight etc etc. They were at a loss also.

The good news is she has a real appetite now and is lively and now pooping! She will be off her meds tomorrow, there doesn’t seem to be a need for more painkillers and her tummy is working.

Ill watch her though, of course.

Thank you and everyone who offered advice – and positive vibes!!! – during this crisis.

Tipps thanks you also.

[lorree]

So happy ur bun is improving

As for vet prices, I was recently quoted $10000 for back surgery on my bunny. ?
I nearly passed out, then the vet said the surgery might not even help. So my little bun is disabled now

I’m so annoyed we can’t get rabbit insurance here (I’m in Perth), I have 3 cats all insured. From now on I’m creating a “bunny bank” so that I’ll have some funds when needed

[meridiian]

Hello Lorree

I am sorry I didn’t reply to your message. I didn’t see it until now!

Thank you, my bunny has recovered and is doing well 🙂

$10,000??? Yes, and no guarantee it will work.  I have read horror stories like that. 

I’m so sorry your bunny is disabled. Our love for our bunnies is limitless but that cost is a hard reality to face. 

Like you, I set aside money each week as an emergency bunny fund. We will never have bunny insurance here like that available for dogs and cats. 

Take care and (((love))) to your bunny. Hope she is ok despite her disability.

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