I don't know why, but in my area, we've got vets that charge an awful lot, and then vets that don't. I honestly don't know why, except I'm guessing that my vet, who is more of a large animal vet, has better prices. And they do the same thing...so if I were you I would be comfortable to use the "newer" vet at least for this instance. You could also consult someone who knows about homeopathic rememdies to see what could bolster his immune system...