Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / April 2004

David, do you have a veterinary teaching hospital nearby? I know that the
veterinary college in Prince Edward Island here in Canada will sometimes do
surgeries on animals in the course of teaching, at a reduced rate.  You
don't get surgery of less quality, they simply use the opportunity as a
means of teaching the students.  I was lucky - I had a cat who needed a
tumor removed and got a quote from my vet of $600 plus taxes for the
surgery, and then $150 for a biopsy on the tumour  - a vet in our area who
deals with mostly strays did the surgery AND the biopsy for $250.   Also, it
might help to ask someone who does feral dog rescue in your area - sometimes
they have veterinarians who will charge a bit lower fee.
Good luck with the pup.

check into schools that teach vet techs and vets - we did a dog this
semester that had a perianal tumor.  The owner declined testing on the
tumor - the dog was 13 and she'd rather not know and just make him comfy and
see what happens.