Vet charge for OFA - Page 2

Houston, TX

Hips/Elbows, digital, vet submits

Dr. Tatum is $300 (no anesthesia). Dr. Quick is $390 (anesthesia)

NoVA - low end $400 incl. sedation (sedation is around $150) , fee to OFA not included.

high end $650-$700

This is an average from probably 6-8 vets. I got tired of calling at the end. Also, no guarantee whatsoever that if the positioning is incorrect that they will redo them for free.

Seems kinda strange that the vet will charge extra to do ofa xrays........  Some vets are well aware of how to do the xrays for OFA.  But to charge extra for ofa xray seems like they are trying to stick a stick up your rear end..........it really isnt a big deal to set up the dog straight - to take the xrays - the cost of the xray shouldnt be anymore than a xray not being reviewed by OFA.....

Just my opinion..........but a cost that I wouldnt pay for if the vet thinks it is worth more..... find another vet...........

yogie.

I work for two different hospitals in Maryland.  Both charge an average of $200 - $250 for OFA Hips.  That includes sedation. The owner pays via Credit Card for the OFA digital submission OR the OFA mail in submission fee seperately themselves by putting their credit card number on the paperwork.  

The reason the fee is a little higher than regular hip xrays is due to a couple of things...

1) There is time invovled in filling out the forms for the actual radiograph (they require DN/SV number of the dog, Microchip No, Date of Birth, Registered Name), as opposed to a routine radiograph in hospital.  Additionally, there is the OFA paperwork OR Digital Email submission which takes extra tech/Dr. time to submit.  

2) When doing a routine hip evaluation, you may only be looking for severe displaysia, abnormalities, arthritis, etc., which may not require exact positioning.  As oppossed to OFA rads, where positioning could mean everything in determining the final score.  Taking radiographs (even sedated) of a deep chested, narrow backed GSD can sometimes be challenging... especially when they are big and hanging half way off the xray table!

My vet charges about $70 for elbows x-rays and $90 for hips.  I can get digital or analog since they have two locations and each has one or the other.  If I get more than one thing done I think they give me a discount.  I don't think I paid more than $130 for hip and elbow x-rays (for OFA or a-stamp, but then I submit them so there's that cost).  They also pulled a retained puppy canine tooth for free when I prelim'd a six month old.  I live in an area with a very low cost of living (and LOW salaries and high unemployment).

In south Alabama, I paid $300 ish for hip x-ray with anesthesia at one vet.  I was referred by a training club friend to another vet who charged me $90 for hip and elbow x-rays with out anesthesia.