My dog recently went into the vet for emergency treatment and then was referred to the specialist team which is next door (they share the facilities). I get two separate bills from the emergency centre and the specialist.

On Thursday last week I was told by the specialist that my dogs care so far came to $3600 and that he would need surgery that would cost $5500 possibly. I said okay and they went ahead. On the Friday morning the surgeon called me and said, the surgery was simple so it's come to $3900. When I went to pick my dog up the total bill was about $10000. I paid it because I was more concerned about taking my dog home but have since done the maths and it doesn't add up. I wrote a lengthy email and got a call back from accounts saying, the doctors were giving the quote for their bill but the nurses hadn't given their bill yet. I recorded the first conversation ($3600) and the doctor said, "Simba's care has come to $3600 so far". There was no talk of, "My bill is this and I don't know what else you're up for".

Do I have a leg to stand on? I'm thinking I probably do and can take them to court but they're the only specialists in my state and if another of my dogs got sick (I have six) they may blacklist me for taking them to court. I also wonder if the emergency centre will blacklist me also (I didn't have a dispute with them) since they are neighbours and share the kennel facilities.

Help!