Cherry Eye Surgery: Toronto Vets vs. University of Guelph

[andy_joanisse]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum, but I've been reading about cherry eye treatment options for my 3 month old shar pei/basset Lola. We are probably waiting until she is 6 months to spay and get her 3rd eye tacked (unless complications arise), but like most others posting on these forums, I'm getting a wide range of surgery cost estimates.

Lola has been to the vet numerous times, and has treatment for parasites, kennel cough, and an ear infection. We are looking into whether or not Cherry eye would be considered congenital to look for some compensation from the breeder, but that depends on the vet certification. We have been referred to an eye specialist who told us to wait until 6 months.

I apologize in advance if this is redundant, or if I missed another forum, but I am looking for the names of Vet and Clinics in Toronto (and within a few hour range of the GTA, if highly recommended), that can provide good care with a relatively low cost. I've talked to forest hill with a 2,000-2,500 quote, down to around 800 with everything (spaying, and surgery for both eyes).

I'm wondering who has had personal experience (or knows someone) who has had surgery performed that was also affordable. Places outside the city where you have had success are great as well.


Has anyone ever gone to the University of Guelph for cherry eye surgery? How does the service and cost compare to most practices in the GTA? Any info will be useful, as I want to be well informed when we make the decision.
Thanks in advance .

Andy

[SnowDancer]

Not cherry eye but we have been to Guelph. But back to eye problems - I was going to tell you that the go-to guy in Toronto - or at least he was about 5 years ago was Dr. Goldstein - at Forest Hill Animal Clinic. We were referred to him by the McMurrich St. Emergency Clinic - after he came down with overnight primary glaucoma. As it turns out Dr. Goldstein sold my regular vets their practice over 25 years ago. Re Guelph, it is my understanding that pricing is better provided you are not in an emergency situation - particularly at night when the Small Animal Clinic has to call in an on-call surgeon - in our 2 cases it was a neuro. When that happens you pay more than you would for a Toronto surgeon and it is 50% of estimated cost upfront. But if you can book a regular day appointment then that should be cheaper. But of course you have to take into account the travel to Guelph - and the the follow-ups. We went for emergency surgery on our Dachshunds neck/backs - had to leave Toronto late at night. Neuros etc. do work out of McMurrich but they require a 24 hours work-up window - period. So they referred us to Guelph - and you have to have that referral and off we went. Our guys didn't have the 24 hours. At the time McMurrich didn't have an eye specialist which is how we ended up at Forest Hill Clinic. These days general vets seem to do only basic surgeries - spays, neuters, dentistry etc. We now have an American Eskimo -should he develop Patellar Luxation or ACL we would have a specialist do the surgery. I have to tell you though that while I absolutely adore Guelph's Clinic - I hope to never see it again! Best of luck.