Veterinarian needed

I have a 5 year old Pug who's bottom two front teeth are in bad shape. We took him to our local vet here in San Ramon, (who we are really happy with) and they quoted us anywhere from $400-900 depending on if it's more than just the two that need pulling. After talking with other dog owners, people say the prices of vet procedures greatly vary, and I believe that to be true. When we got him neutered, it was like $80. Other people I know have paid more than triple that.
So what I'm wondering, are any of you NCKA'ers veterinarians? Or are you married to one? I'd like to get an opinion from someone I have some kind of connection with so I know I'm not getting taken for a ride. After all, if I'm ever going to get that new PA12, I've got to be smart with my money
Thanks guys! Id be willing to drive a couple hours for an honest opinion.

Jeff

RacinRobs wife is a vet I believe.

My wife could probably also ask at her work, Pacific Veterinary Specialists and Emergency in Santa Cruz, shes not a vet, shes a level 4 tech and could ask about pricing at her place.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pacific%20vet&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pvses.com%2F&ei=FHhXULrCIYWUjALnoICIBg&usg=AFQjCNFfBvW9MLIP3qgw189DKn5BJr3DAQ&sig2=VMgCvpnNe4JF37x17DpK1w

Berta is not in private practice anymore. She works at the Shelter now and can't see outside "patients".  She probably isn't even sure what the procedure would cost unless she saw the animal first. Bee ts wife is closer to the action now and would most likely have a better idea of cost.

Pricing can very. Do you want the new surgeon working from his trunk to do it, or an experienced Dr at a nice clean, safe, well established practice?

The common misconception is Vets make a ton of money because they charge too much. Overhead is extremely high at a vet practice. The same procedure on human, regardless of what it is, will cost much more than a vet would charge on an animal. They have the same education costs, same equipment costs, same tech( nurse) costs, yet charge a fraction of what an MD charges for similar things. That is why Berta left private practice. Way too expensive to make good money.

Good luck with your dog, but don't wait too long to get it done. I don't want your pet to suffer pain too long.

Rob

Yeah, your sure right about the Pay Scale for Vets and Nurses/Techs. Both seriously under paid!

the pricing sounds about right for an established vet with a brick-and-mortar practice. I use a mobile vet that lives near me and although she is probably a bit cheaper her work is still pricey. But her van has a full surgery in it and the low overhead allows her to cut her prices some. Plus she was the only vet that my dog accepted without a full-on snarly drool, I'm-gonna-take-you-out  posture.

Yeah, your sure right about the Pay Scale for Vets and Nurses/Techs. Both seriously under paid!

yeah, +2. The folks at the emergency vet that Porky refers to work with my vet's emergency patients, and the staff there saved my dogs life last winter.

Thanks for the replies fellas. I think I'll just go with our current vet then. Thanks guys!