Affordable Chicago Vet?

[JakeNice1]

So my hedgie Jim just moved from MI to Chicago. In Michigan his vet bills were like $30 for the exam, $10 for urinalysis, $20 for antibiotics... He's been peeing blood since i brought him here and my first visit to a vet here was OUTRAGEOUS! $60 for exam, $80 for urinalysis, $40 for antibiotics. So I was wondering if any of you lovely Hedgehog lovers could tell me where I can take Jim that is much more affordable. It's day 9 of his 10 day antibiotic treatment and there is still the same amount (if not more) blood in his urine... PLEASE HELP!

Thanks (and thanks from Jim too!)

[Lilysmommy]

I'm in Michigan, not around Chicago, but just wanted to mention that you may need to be prepared for those to be the kind of prices you find down there. Vet prices vary a LOT by location, and those are still not bad compared to some places. I've seen some people say that it's $90 for their hedgie's exam - not counting any tests or medication. Chicago being a larger city and likely with larger living expenses than in most Michigan areas, the higher vet costs might just go with the territory. I would personally go more by whether you like the vet and you're comfortable with their handling and treatments of your hedgehog - a vet you're comfortable with and trust completely is worth a lot, even if they're a bit more expensive than another vet that doesn't know hedgehogs well, or that you don't get along with. Here's a listing of a couple vets that people in Illinois have been to, not sure if it'll help at all - viewtopic.php?f=39&t=15167

That said, he may need a different or stronger antibiotic if the blood is still there. Definitely get him back in to the vet or another one soon, and have the records handy if you go to another vet so they know what the results were the first time and what was tried already. Good luck and sorry I can't actually suggest any good vets!