Here the thing though: it sounds like the blood work performed for your pet was a standard heartworm snap test (around $60) so that they could renew your heartworm preventative. The blood work that they're likely recommending starts at around double that price (if it's a CBC CHEM).

Rads can be kind of pricey for sure, especially if they are requiring several views, but based on the price ranges that OP quoted the total sounds about average for a blood panel, exam, RADS and medication (factoring in if full sedation may be required to touch kitty in the case that kitty is demon kitty). It is definitely a little bit of sticker shock but sadly totally average as far as cost goes.

Have you tried applying for Care Credit? You can only use it at the vets office and as long as you qualify they normally run deals where the first 6 mos to a year are interest free. If you're looking for insurance after this episode try hitting up Pawlicy advisor....it's like KAYAK for pet insurance.

Apparently this sort of thing is built into Japanese culture. Check out the podcast "The Evaporated"...as a westerner it's absolutely fascinating to think that you could disappear and not be found again on an island nation just to avoid something like a debt.