Spaying in Chicago area?

[geekchic]

My mini rex, Pandora, is approximately 6-8 months old, and has just started displaying some aggressive tendencies. She has always been very personable, and sometimes snuggly. Lately she’s been running around my feet and nipping at them. Then she will jump up onto the couch with me, but instead of cuddling she will dig and sometimes even nip at my skin. She has nipped before at my clothing to get my attention, but this is different.

I think it’s her hormones, right? I plan to get her spayed. However, I’m having trouble finding a vet that will do this for a good price. I’m in western suburbs of Chicago, and the cheapest I could find was $200, and that does not cover meds or pre/post-op exams. The most expensive–over $400! There is one place by me that does neutering for $75 (a friend just got it done), but when I called to ask what they charge for females she gave me a lecture about how I should not spay my rabbit unless she is living with males. I mentioned the increased risk of cancer, and she said that was a myth. And when I mentioned the behaviorial issues she said it was probably because it was winter (burrowing) and not getting enough attention (nothing about this has changed though).

Does anyone know of a vet in Illinois that might be less? Otherwise I will have to see if the $200 will accept payment plans…this is more than I can afford at the moment, especially right after Christmas  I’ve done tons of searching online, but I thought I’d try here too to see if anyone had any suggestions. Thank you for any help you can give!

[jerseygirl]

I will just give you link to this thread as it has some vets listed toward the end.  https://www.binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/a…spx#150286  (Chicago HRS recommended list + recommendation by a Chicago member)  Hopefully those who live there will soon be able to give you more specific info. i.e. names and prices etc.

[Beka27]

Welcome! My mini rex was not spayed until 7 months… and let me tell you… that last month with her hormones raging was NOT FUN. Immediately after the surgery, she was a perfect angel again.

I’m in Cleveland, I had her spayed, including pain meds, for $185 two years ago. Now the same vet is charging $280. So, honestly… $200 is not a bad price. It’s not likely you will find a price for much lower. You can definitely search out vets in surrounding areas, but you have to weigh if the reduced cost is worth the trip, especially if she needs to go back for a follow-up. I don’t know of any vets in Chicago, but like Jersey said, check with the HRS and see who they recommend.

Edited to add: The Chicago HRS lists 22 recommended vets, so that should give you plenty to work with!  They even list which vets work on their shelter rabbits.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome!!!

There is one place by me that does neutering for $75 (a friend just got it done), but when I called to ask what they charge for females she gave me a lecture about how I should not spay my rabbit unless she is living with males. I mentioned the increased risk of cancer, and she said that was a myth. And when I mentioned the behaviorial issues she said it was probably because it was winter (burrowing) and not getting enough attention (nothing about this has changed though).

ALL I can say about that-is *HEAD DESK* and a little bit of ZOMG!!
wow!

Good you know your stuff!! I feel bad for any owners of female rabbits who do not know their stuff and phone that clinic though

I agree-200$ is actually a really good price-but it doesn’t *hurt* to phone around-get more quotes AND check out the vets too -make sure you like them.
Ask what’s included.

Also -and I can’t say this loud enough -pain medication is a must. If a vet tells you they don’t need it-and you request it anyways and they won’t oblige-run far far away It doesn’t hurt to give a few doses of pain med (it’s by mouth and easy to do) and imo always gets them feeling better and eating sooner

[wendyzski]

I adopted my Pepper already spayed so I can’t help with what the “going rate” is.  The House Rabbit Society is headquartered in Westchester IL so they have LOTS of vets in the burbs.

[geekchic]

Thank you all for your help! I called around a few more places, but you were right in that I really couldn’t find anything less expensive. I am going to call the $200 place back again. Turns out they’re on the HRS recommended list, so that makes me less nervous about the whole thing. But I will still make sure to ask about pain meds, stitches, and make sure the vet I get is really experienced with rabbits. Thanks again!

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