Million dollar dog....

I just got back from the vet with my dog, Percy.  I expected to pay close to $100 for the visit, since she wanted to do a certain test....boy was I surprised when the total was $206!!!!  Holy crap!  Do you know how many Christmas presents I could buy for that amount of money?  She took 2 vials of blood and gave him 3 shots.  However, she decided to do a complete lab panel, with a test costing $56 alone!  Sheesh!  I don't know that my doctor does that kind of elaborate testing on me!  Now, don't get me wrong, I want Percy to be healthy.  But $206?  They are testing to see if his pheno med levels are preventing seizures....well, duh, he hasn't had one, so I'd say it was working.  Our old vet never did these kinds of tests.  He checked him, gave him his shots and meds, and sent us on our way.  And tomorrow, she will call me with the results and a prescription for antibiotics....so there goes another $50 at least!  Although, if he needs antibiotics, that's reasonable.  While the assistant was checking Percy out before the vet got in there, she asked if I wanted the "extra" physical to make "extra" sure he was okay.  It was only an "extra" $45.  Needless to say, that was not done.  Well, I need to go and balance my checkbook....I believe it is safe to say my finances have truly gone to the dogs!