June 18, 2006
$$$ Putting a value on your pet's life $$$
A few people have asked me if I had seriously thought about how much I would/could pay in Veterinary bills for Charlee. Many well meaning people gently reminded me that the veterinary medical profession may seem to forget that we need to put food on our tables. They reminded me that Vets just keep testing and poking and prodding so I need to have a clear "end" as to how many bills my family can absorb.
Sorry... I don't feel that way.
I have a young dog in great health and I plan on doing whatever it takes. If that means getting a second job or maybe even a second morgage, so be it.
Several folks have suggested that I put a cap of $5,000 on what I can pay. I'm already nearing the $2,000 mark; I don't see how that is possible.
While I sat in the Emergency Clinic's waiting room on Friday, I saw a couple have this very same conversation right there in front of me, when they were handed the estimate for their dog's emergency care.
Remember 1/2 the money up front.
My heart ached for them. I won't tell you what kind of dog they had to protect their privacy, and besides, I don't think it really matters.
In this case, the husband and wife were not in agreement. The husband looked at the situation from a practical standpoint. I could hear him slowly raising his voice to make sure his concerns were heard.
"Think about how keeping our dog at the vet will traumatize him and how much he will hate it here without us. He won't like being near the other dogs in a kennel. He is old and very sick, and that is one very expensive bill. There goes our vacation plans for the next few years. I think his time has come. What good will spending all this money do for the overall quality of his life".
The wife on the other hand didn't really hear a word he said and for each syllable of his that became louder, hers became softer and more determined. She looked at with steely eyes and softly told him the discussion was over and to hand over his credit card.
He did.
That was my cue to take another walk in parking lot to have a good cry.
E-mail this entry to a friend
it would be interesting to know if the folks that are complaining about their vet bills are the same ones that buy their pet meds from places like pet med express. I won't do the big lecture just the little facts. This stuff is only guaranteed when you buy it from your vet. but secondly what happened is it took away income that kept your prices low.
thats that in a nut shell.
the other thing is compare your vet care to your human doctor bills.
hip sugery for a golden 2,000 bucks
and no wait. hip surgery for human
60,ooo bucks if you can get it after your done with your medical insurance.
Posted by
cyndiJune 18, 2006 08:30 AM
Our dogs are our family, and we would do whatever we had to do to make them better. Luckily, my husband and I are in complete agreement on this, but its a difficult issue. With an older dog (we have one that is 13), at what point do you say "Enough is enough"? For us, its not the money (not that we have much!), its the quality of life issue. I just don't know what we'll do when the time comes for us to make that choice.
Nancy: How is Charlee?????? Any news??? Thinking good thoughts for you and your girl up the coast....
Posted by
aubreyJune 18, 2006 09:24 AM
My only comment is; quality not quantity. I don't think you have to set a limit on the monetary I think you might consider putting a limit on poking and proding. Always go with your gut instinct. Use common sense, not cash sense. First of all, if it is an illness like cancer - is it quality of life or quantity. I would never give a dog chemo again. Secondly, if you are not putting a monetary limit on testing, do your research. Go to the interenet and "get informed". Be a part of the solution to your pet's health. You owe it to them......
Posted by
ChrisJune 19, 2006 11:09 AM
I agree with everything posted, but it is soooo personal emotional an issue that I think privacy should be given when those decisions have to be made as they EVENTUALLY always have to. Whether the injury/disease will be fixable and the quality AND quantity of days with you the broke distraught owner after, AND the cost predicted to do the fix, all should be considered. Having to help your dog (or horse or other pet equally loved) die eventually is part of our responsibility to deal with. I just have to speak out against so many vets doing unnecessary surgeries and using the more expensive labs/drugs when the cheaper treatment would have yielded the same quality/quantity of life or better. Value for dollar, a consumer question we should shop for in vets like in other services. I'm having this discussion on behalf of HSUS with large animal vets who come to the downed livestock (including pet horses) when they need euthanizing - humane means quickly ending suffering - and time wasted while haggling over whether the distraught owner can afford surgery a, b, or euthanasia chem a, b, or c is just inhumane, prolonging the suffering for all. Same trend by small animal vets: I asked ten of them in VT ahead of my 16 yr old dog having increasing seizures and arthritis before finding ONE who agreed to be on call with the cheapest quickest drug, and then they were "not available" when the final emergency came. But that same vet clinic was available to do "emergency surgery" on my friends' dog to amputate his front limb at the shoulder when fractured badly, when that limb could have been saved albeit with diminished function by the careful nursing of the diligent owner/nurse. We are working on vet regulations about the humane conditions around the timing of all euthanasias whenever they are necessary. Sorry to rant on a painful subject, it's after years of trying to heal and giving up my pre-vet schooling for legislative reform of animal rights. ANyone wants to discuss this more with me, write me at EcoEquine@yahoo.com. Best regards, Thia
Posted by
TEAJune 20, 2006 03:30 PM
Has anyone lost a tan tiger cat around Woodfords corner Dunkin Donuts/ Big Sky bakery area? Really friendly.
Posted by Mac
June 21, 2006 02:22 AM
Hi Mac,
When I was at the ER clinic there was a poster for a lost tiger cat. Not sure about the area, but if you call the clinic they can give the contact info.
Posted by
nancyJune 21, 2006 03:35 AM
Mac, I lost a very friendly cat that may fit your description. Can you email me? I don't know how to contact you!
Posted by
IleenJune 22, 2006 11:55 AM
Ileen- I sent e-mail- Don't know if you got it.
Posted by Mac
June 23, 2006 02:16 AM
Hi nancy,
When my dog was 2yrs, I decided to subscribe to a pet health insurance policy. The yearly premium for a policy can range from 200-400 dollars per year. At first I thought I might not ever use it but with a very active dog I have found it very useful. Of course quality of life will always be a deciding factor. I would never allow her to suffer needlessly. Pet insurance also can carry other perks. My policy will also cover boarding expenses if I should be hospitalized and have no one to care for her at home. It's worth looking into.
Posted by
deborahJune 27, 2006 10:29 AM
Eddie,
Our Cairn Terrier has a blown out rear left knee ligament. $500 for x-rays and teeth cleaning. At least $1,000 for operation. I am in the Real Estate Industry. Do you know what I mean?
On the way home he sat on my wife's lap, put his head on the console, looked at me as I stroked his head. Pure love in his eyes.
Operation?
Oil, Car payment, food, Mortgage.
Yes,Operation.
In life very few have had pure love looking into their eyes.
Posted by
ed millettOctober 21, 2007 12:39 AM
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