[Njagdu] Vet costs

[Tracy Carcione]

I had to take Ben to the vet yesterday for what I think will turn out to
be nothing.  He had an exam, urinalysis, and a blood test, and it came to
$260!  I was shocked.  Is this typical?  Have I forgotten what vet trips
cost? This was our first time at a new vet, since our old one went out of
business.  It seems like a big practice, with a small lab on the premises,
so maybe that's what I'm paying for.  I want the best care for my dogs, of
course, but... When I bring both dogs in for their annual check-up in the
spring, I can see that it could easily cost me $500-600, and maybe more. 
If I were unemployed, it would be prohibitive.  I'd have to switch back to
GDB, just for the vet stipend.
Anyone have pet insurance?  Is it working out well?  Too bad Benny can't
be on my Blue Cross.  He needs a prescription plan too--heartworm pills
are $7 a pill, as I recall.  Way more than my cancer-fighting pills, which
are covered by my insurance.
So, I'm just wondering, are these costs typical, or not?  And I'd love to
hear about any experiences with pet insurance.
Tracy