Business ProfileforAnimal Care Center of Topeka

I took my cat Sampson to the clinic because he had wobbly legs. The initial quote on the phone was $67 to get in the door and probably around $200 with the blood work. I had just opened a Care credit card and a $800 credit limit. When I got there they took us to a small room to diagnose. They didn't recommend x-ray or brain scan. They had him walk a couple of steps (not enough to diagnose his walk). Then they took him to do his blood work. When they came back, not a word about his walk or possible concussion. They presented me with their recommendation. They said his kidneys were failing and they would need to keep him for 3 days for IV fluids. Then they presented me with a bill of $780 (all but $20 left on my new card. I told them they should have presented me a quote before they did anything (even before the blood work). Then I asked what could they do to lower the bill. They said I could take Sampson home and administer the IV at home. They told me how to do it, but didn't send me home with any instructions on how to do it. Later I came back for more fluids and again they told me how one time and again no instructions sent home. I had to Google for instructions on everything, and so far he's surviving. I think this place should present a quote before they do any work and not surprise people with an outrageous bill. And they should send instructions home like all hospitals do. My research says that 14 yo cats kidneys will decline because he's so old. I'm a veteran of the Navy (no pension or disability) and live on $1300/mo. So a $780 bill I can't handle. And it's ironic that my credit limit was $800. This vet needs to start caring more about the animals and not money. And start sending instructions home instead of telling us how to do it. I have ADHD and my memory isn't all that great so instructions would help. I asked for instructions and she told me they didn't have any. I told them they should think about getting some. Thank you for listening to my complaint.