Two of our cats were showing signs of dental problems.
The younger one (3 yrs old) had bad breath, the older one (7 yrs old), had a dark tinge on her teeth, and seemed to be less lively than usual.
We first took them to a nearby vet, who promptly recommended dental prophylaxis and teeth extraction for both of them, as well as prescribed a course of papi-doxy (anti-biotics) and prednisone (steroid) for both.
This vet said the older cat had more dental problems. The younger cat had more minor dental problems and only needed cleaning. Keep this in mind because this was totally misdiagnosed, as we will find out.
Fortunately for us, this vet clinic didn’t have the equipment to do gas anesthesia for the older cat. They insisted that senior cats (5 yrs old and above) had to be anesthesized via gas. This vet estimated the cost would be about P8,000 per cat – so that’s P16,000 total for 2 cats! Since they couldn’t do it, we went looking for another vet.
It was great serendipity that this happened. We asked around for recommendations and referrrals, and the going rates were from P8,000 up to P14,500 per cat.
We finally settled on E. A. Garcia Veterinary Clinic in Manila. They had a package of P3,500 dental prophylaxis (this includes up to 5 extractions). For simple dental prophylaxis (no extraction), it was only P2,500.
Full blood work for the older cat was P1,400.
CBC for the younger cat was P800.
Consultation fee was P300.
Fasting for both cats starting the night before.
Our Experience
E. A. Garcia has a more relaxed, homier vibe. It is run by a husband-and-wife team.
We were waiting for our cats the whole day there (it was a hassle to go back home and come back again later so we just stayed) and they had a steady stream of suki clients coming in.
Dr. Garcia was very friendly and had initiative to come talk to us about our cats and keep us updated about developments.
So it turns out that:
- the older cat was the one who had minimal dental problems!!! She didn’t even need any tooth extracted. All her teeth were healthy. Just needed cleaning. And, based on the bloodwork, she didn’t even need any of the meds that the previous vet had us give her! None of our cats needed them.
- the older cat didn’t need gas anesthesia at all. She was anesthesized the normal way, I guess. Bloodwork showed she was healthy enough for it. And Mrs. Garcia told me that they do not over anesthesize our pets. They only give them enough based on what is needed.
- the younger cat was the one who had MORE DENTAL PROBLEMS! In fact, she had 3 teeth extracted kasi umuuga na, when we all thought she didn’t have any issues except that she needed teeth cleaning. Maling mali talaga yung previous vet.
Our cats woke up around 1-2 hours after their procedure, but we waited until they were more or less fully awake (but still a little groggy) before taking them home.
All they prescribed was some painkiller (P350) for our younger cat. And then soft food only for a week for her, as well.
It’s been a week and both cats are fine and back to their lively selves. More matakaw than ever!
Next time, we will be coming back to this vet clinic instead. It’s a bit farther, but I feel more confident with this vet clinic. They did not propose any unnecessary procedures or medications. They seemed to know what they were doing. They are also more affordable!
Our total bill was only P8,850 for both cats.
Compare that to the P16,000 – P30,000 other clinics quoted us when we inquired.
You can check out the reviews on their Facebook page. I agree na maalaga talaga sila sa pets and do not give unnecessary meds & procedures just to make money.
E.A. Garcia Veterinary Clinic is located at 1126 Unit 1A Dolmar Bldg., United Nations Ave., Paco. It is near Pope Pius, just across from YSS Laboratories, right beside the Philtrust Head Office, and 2 minutes’ walk to UN Square Mall.
They have parking spaces available, but it’s a bit problematic. Not their fault. Their building neighbors tend to park every which way and makes accessing their parking spot difficult. If you encounter this problem, just park at the nearby UN Square Mall.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/EA-Garcia-Veterinary-Clinic-100088834641899
