The worst part is that different vets charge different prices for the same treatment.
We had a wonderful vet in Ballarat and because we had been going to them for so long we had an account. Initially records were kept on a card and our particular vet had trouble keeping up with his accounting, so that when he did get around to it he would quite often knock bits off. Sometimes we waited 6 months for a bill. once it went on the computer not only did the prices go up but the bills came regularly. However, he knew wolfhounds where a lot of vets didn't know much about them at that time, so we were very lucky. At one time we had 11, and were breeding as well, so the bills were quite high at times.
Then we moved down here to Blairgowrie and were given the name of a vet clinic that were not only good and caring, but didn't charge the earth. Lucky again! The only trouble we have here is that the surgery etc could do with more space to cater for big dogs. Only 2 dogs now, but we have every faith in our vets, thank goodness!!
I don't bother taking a dog back to have stitches out and I've had plenty of practice with that, but if I couldn't afford to pay the vet for anything else then I don't think I would have a dog.
Funny isn't it, how a lot people that don't have a dog (or cat) think those of us that pay out so much money to treat ours, are mad. They don't know what pleasure our pets give us, and what unconditional love!