Wow, that’s quite a price for a checkup. Sorry. Must have included blood work.

450 for a regular checkup?! The last one for my dog was 85 including rabies shot and heart worm test. Feeling for you with the watching for pee. My other dog had a UTI recently. I attached a little plant saucer to a mop handle to walk behind her. The soup ladle thing the vet suggested didn’t work. She will not go with somebody this close behind her.

My late Fifi had a couple of extractions and a cleaning, I don't remember the exact cost but it was around $500.

Yikes! That's a lot of money.....Just took Georgy in on Tuesday for check-up and shots and it was $218.

Pet visits (and everything else in Ontario, Canada is more expensive than in the U.S. I remember a few years ago when I posted the cost of a dental on a specific breed forum and all of the U.S. members were on my case until 2 Canadians posted that they had paid the same. Thankfully! It is worse in a big city where we live.

Jasdip, while we have a dog (who is really more like a cat) they seem to know when you have to take a morning pee sample - I have had to take a few and it is not easy. Even the vet had him out trying to get one and he kicked the container but fortunately there was enough left in the container.

It is harder for a cat than for a dog of course, but if you read on Dr. Internet (the funny parts that are true) you will read that many people have difficulty in taking a morning pee. Dogs and cats than are normally reliable will not lift their legs (if males); will lift their legs on the other side; will kick; will not "go" - you name it. I have been at the vet clinic when others have had to come in and admit that they failed and they didn't know why. If push comes to shove, your vet can get the sample - not the most pleasant of experiences especially for a male, but it certainly can be done. I have threatened our dog with a cysto! Our dog is white and weighs 25 lbs. with LOTS of fur - actually even I am currently horrified. Trying to get a sample in winter is harder than when there is no snow, but it is still hard, particularly when they know something is up and will not go where they normally do.

I have been out in the dark trying to get it. I use a Ziploc type of container (shove it under him and hope) - if I can't get it I try for the next day.

I know it is important before any surgery because depending on the kidney values the test reveals it may be necessary to leave the IV in longer than normal (this is what happened with our dog). Otherwise the outcome can be serious.

I dread having to take the next one. Re extractions, I have found that the canine teeth are the most expensive to remove (at least they were). Our dog has strong teeth but is very inclined to develop tartar as are some people. He has had quite a few cleanings and should he still be with us come late Nov. when he has his next physical I am certain we will be advised to have another one done. But he is 15 1/2 years old now - his meds take up a lot of room! But if there is food to be had he is right there - he knows when it is time for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and his snacks. He is deaf, has arthritis, has eye issues (sees a board certified eye specialist) etc. but all in all people think he is younger than he is.

I hope you are able to get Bud's urine sample. If not, remember there is always the vet, as horrible (and expensive) as that will be. We have to take our dog in the night before surgery and pay the $145 for the night because he can't be trusted if there is some garbage on the street, water etc. - not to mention not having the first of his breakfasts.

You might ask the vet whether you should put the sample in the fridge if you can't make it to the vet clinic say within 2 hours. Some will say yes, some will say no - so it depends.

The happiness you will feel if successful is wonderful. Good luck! And, yes, this is the same dog.

I am surprised that the vet did not take a urine sample when your baby was there unless it has to be a early morning sample. All of my cats, three, that have had urinary problems that is what the vet did. Taking a sample via catheter will do two things. It will be a clean catch. Secondly if there is swelling or obstruction it will be evident when trying to pass the catheter and the vet will stop vs doing an xray.

I have had the turn and "look at me, Mom" as they squatted and let fly so many times. The look on their faces both dog and cat are priceless.

Thanks for the reminder, I called the vet for a teeth cleaning appt. Peeka's due.

I don't know enough about cats to help....wish I did. Hope you got the sample.

I used to have a cat that got fairly frequent UTI's. I would normally call the vet and just stop by and pick up the medication. One time, he said to bring her in because they hadn't checked her urine so far that year. I could not find the cat carrier so I just went ahead and took her in. I held her across my chest in the waiting room, where she peed all over my shirt. When we went in to the vet, he could not stop laughing. He tried to get a urine sample, unsuccessfully. He then said he was not going to wring out my shirt for a sample and gave us the meds. :)