Teeth Filing Question

In mid April of this year my Chin (Chili) had some over growth issues and needed to have her teeth filed. I was not really aware of any Chinchilla specialists in the area, so I ended up taking her to the VCA Animal Hospital (Dr. Dupen) down the street from my office after confirming that they saw Chinchillas.

I a few weeks later I had them perform the procedure which included sedation for a total of $353.60.

Now, five months later it appears that the procedure may be required again, and by searching this forum I found a local Vet that was highly recommended (Dr. Tamura @ Capri Pet Clinic in Tarzana). I took her in for a diagnostic appointment today which was $58.00 ($10 < VCA), and they were actually able to take pictures of her teeth using an Endoscopic Camera ($38.00). As a vet she seemed far more knowledgeable about dental disease and Chinchillas in general. I had her provide me with an estimate to perform the same procedure that VCA did 5 months ago, and the cost was more than twice as much $698.42. The Capri bid did include an xray, but that is still only like $150.00. I am not sure why the cost from this vet is so inflated compared to the last.

So for those out there that have had to have their Chin's teeth filed, what's a fair price for the procedure? Is it normal for prices to very from vet to vet by so much?

I think it varys somewhat from vet to vet. We paid about $200 at a local vet who filed one chin's teeth, but they'd only done it a few times before (and we knock on wood that they got it right). On the other hand, we went to this other wonderful vet who is a knowledgeable chin vet... between 2 sets of 2 x-rays each (one before, one after filing), the filing, the sedation, and the general visit fee, it was like $350-400. Granted, we know they did a good job cause the chin's fine now, but also because they're one of those knowledgeable vets, and I'd rather pay a bit more to make sure it's done right.

But I have to say, in your case... $700 seems a bit ridiculous for a teeth filing. I can't think of the exact figure, but I know dawn (ticklechin on this forum) had a chin that needed teeth filings and it was never anywhere near $700 each time. But I imagine some of the cost depends on the part of the US you're in and what vets charge.. but $700 still sounds a bit outrageous to me. Maybe someone else can chime in.

I go to Albany VCA in CA, Dr. Beers is a well known chin dentist, the filings cost 137.00. I also have used Adobe pet hospital in Los Altos-one of the most expensive areas in the USA and they only cost 175.00. X-rays cost 65.00 at each vet, exams cost 75.00. But those are not needed for a chin who has regular filings. I used to watch the filings so if you actually see what happens during a filing you would know you are being overcharged, it takes like 15-20 min and 1/2 that time is putting the chin under and having it awake.

I go to Midwest Exotic Bird and Animal Hospital near Chicago, IL. Initially, the first filing was expensive as it involved grinding down all of his molars, xrays were also taken. Every filing after that has cost $79 total and that includes the sedation. I was able to be present at one 1 filing visit and as Dawn stated, it took less than 20 minutes total time. They put my chin under, filed a few spurs that had popped up since the last time he was there and then woke him up.

If it is a simple filing my vet only charged me $90-$125 (total) and NJ is usually very expensive

i go to the same vet as barb above & richies teeth were just filed recently and including the sedation and appoinment & filing, it was not more than $120.

So I dropped her off at VCA Wilshire Animal Hospital this morning and the estimate was $410.00 (Anesthesia (~$155.00), Filing (~$200), Exam(~$50.00), & Waste Disposal (~$5.00)... Sigh....

I just got a call from the Vet and she is already be picked up and doing great. It looks like this is going to be a once or twice a year kinda of thing if not more. Now I just need to find a Vet to do it for < $200 like some of you.

I'll update the post with the right amounts when I get her back tonight.

You don't bring malo chins in twice a year for exams, you bring them in when they are ready. Malo chins are weighed daily and observed closely for symptoms-the first sign of weight loss occuring the appointment is made. That could be in 4 weeks, it could be 9 weeks, it could be 6 months. The chin mouth is dynamic and unpredictable so a malo chin owner is observant and proactive.