Going to the vet in Panama is a little different than back in the US. In FL, we always scheduled an appointment. Here, at least in Panama City, you just walk right in and wait for the next available vet. We got references from several neighbors and visited 2 different vet offices in the San Francisco neighborhood to make a choice and schedule an appointment. At both clinics, they wanted to know where the dog was. No appointments are necessary.
We chose the most recommended clinic, "VETS" and returned the next day with our dog. The Vet was professional and he spoke English perfectly, which made our dog happy. The cost for an exam plus vaccinations was $61. The vaccinations were: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, par influenza, coronavirus, pan leucopenia
The vet clinic was just fine, just as good as FL. We are having the dental procedure done this week. Estimated cost is $60. The FL vet wanted $330.
So, have no fear about the first trip to the vet in Panama. You can buy a ballerina outfit while you are there. It looks like the clinics make some of their profits from selling clothes, toys, and other pet necessities.
First visit to the veterinarian
Just an update on the dental work for anyone interested. Our dog had her teeth cleaned today and all went well.
The cost was:
Blood tests and pre-surgical exam $25
Teeth cleaning & anesthesia $60
2 extractions $20
Antibiotics $5.30
Tax $7.35
Nail trim-free
Total $117.65-------1/3 of the estimated cost by our FL vet.
......also, for each of the 4 taxi rides to the vet, the taxi drivers asked for an additional $2 for the dog. One said the $2 fee was company policy. So, no problem taking a pet in a taxi, just expect to pay a little more.
The vet sells Hill Science Diet and Eukanuba pet foods. The grocery stores only sell Pedigree, Purina, and a limited amount of local brands of dry foods. US brands of pet foods are double the cost but if you get a membership at PriceSmart (Costco), you can save when buying larger quantities of the US brands.
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