the hospital's cost are going to vary widely depending on a multitude of factors, and the cost of their supplies is going to vary depending on brand, type, etc... Even in veterinary medicine, where we have a bit less variation in that regard, prices can vary even within the same city or the type of clinic. It's cheaper for me to go have a full lameness exam done on my horse here in Kansas than it is for my cat back home to go be tested for hyperthyroidism. While the cat had blood work done, the horse was at the clinic all day (and munched some hay while I was in class) and requires much more time and labor to work with. We were in and out with the cat in 30 min (particularly since he was such a good boy).

But yes...they definitely should be more forthcoming with cost estimations, at least for specific procedures. I know there are veterinarians who have such costs posted for usual procedures like spays and neuters and vaccinations. But, then again, it's much more pertinent to an animal owner, as very few animals have health insurance.