[BELLA]

my dd's dog had been throwing up almost daily--so the dog was operated on and found to have something wrong with her stomach--so that was fixed but the dog is still throwing up despite meds. With the cost of surgery, special foods, meds, steam cleaner--well, its added up to quite a lot. The dog is only about 3 yrs old---she is thinking she may have to put her dog down. She is losing weight and seems lethargic---what would you do? She could take the dog to the university for more tests but that will get very $$$ and maybe still not know what the problem is--she is at her wits end---any help here??

 

[Debles]

I would go to a specialist or veterinary school. Seems weird if her surgery "fixed" her stomach problem she shouldn't still be throwing up.

 

[ilovemydogs]

With a 3 year old dog I might explore some further treatment. Of course this would depend on the circumstances. If I was not financially able to do so easily I might not. It would also depend on the chances of improvement wilth further treatment.

 

[Willow52]

Wow, tough call, not one I could make for someone.

 

[sammydog]

Lots of factors, but three is pretty young... I would probably explore more treatment options if possible. Lots of places offer Care Credit type programs (loans).

 

[hotel4dogs]

I would spend as much as I could afford to spend. That's a different amount for each individual, thus a very individual choice.

 

[sammydog]

I would spend as much as I could afford to spend. That's a different amount for each individual, thus a very individual choice.

That is a really good answer!

 

[GoldenJoyx'stwo]

I would bring the dog for more tests. Get get another opinion. If the dog continues to lose weight and appears to be suffering, then I would take the dog's condition into consideration.

 

[AmbikaGR]

Wow, tough call, not one I could make for someone.

I agree 100%! It is truly a personal decision and one that no matter what the folks decide should be open to questioning by anyone else. There is no right or wrong answer in my opinion. I wish them the strength to do what is best for them and the dog.

 

[rappwizard]

I totally agree that it is an individual decision; there is no right or wrong, and so much of it depends on what type of quality of life this golden has--it's such a shame to be so young, 3 years old, and suffering.

If your daughter has a good relationship with the vet, and trusts the vet, put the question to the vet, and ask the vet what they would do if it were their dog? Would they operate again? Go with someone different? And since this operation didn't fix the problem, what type of "break," if any, can be offered on future treatments, if the vet feels that there are other avenues worth exploring?

 

[Debles]

The question the OP asked was "What would you do?" and "How much would you spend?"

Of course it is an individual issue. I answered as to what I would do. What her DD would do is up to her.

 

[Bossoli]

This is a very personal decision and not everyone would come to the same conclusion. Personally, I'd explore credit options like Care Credit and borrow money on top of that. I'd definitely recommend getting second and third opinions. If it becomes too much to handle, try contacting rescue groups who may be able to help. Good luck.

 

[Ash]

I would spend as much as I could afford to spend. That's a different amount for each individual, thus a very individual choice.

This is what I would do as well. I would not be taking out a loan to pay for it but I would spend what I could. Hope your friend finds something out Good luck.

 

[Abbydabbydo]

Every dime I have.

 

[msdogs1976]

I agree 100%! It is truly a personal decision and one that no matter what the folks decide should be open to questioning by anyone else. There is no right or wrong answer in my opinion. I wish them the strength to do what is best for them and the dog.

And I agree 100%. I know 2 people that spent over $10k for test and treatments at a University vet school. That is a lot of money for most people. I applaud those that go the extra step and pay the big fees, but I don't think bad of anyone that don't/can't. It truly is a personal decision.

 

[samsmum]

I would spend what I could. Your friend would not want you to "suffer" either.

 

[goldensonly]

These organizations are available to help people who can't afford their pet's care. One is specifically for older people on limited incomes with pets who need care:

Help-A-Pet
[URL]http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html[/URL]
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged
individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more
than a diversion."


In Memory of Magic (IMOM) is dedicated to insuring that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
IMOM.org Helping People Help Pets
IMOM, Inc
PO Box 282
Cheltenham, MD 20623
Phone (866)-230-2164 Fax (301)-599-1852

Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization, which provides financial assistance for the medical care of pets whose guardians are unable to afford the expense
[URL]http://www.help-a-pet.org/home..html[/URL]
Help-A-Pet
P. O. Box 244
Hinsdale, Illinois 60521
Telephone: (630) 986-9504 fax: (630) 986-9141


American Animal Hospital Association
[URL]http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/[/URL]
"The heartbreak happens all too often ? a pet owner is unable to
afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the
price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the
cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook.
Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job
layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship ? making it
too difficult to afford pet care. And some animals, brought to clinics
by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever
the situation, the fact remains the same: When sick or injured animals
are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA
Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured
pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is
experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
[URL]http://www.angels4animals.org/[/URL]
Angels4Animals- Guardian Angels For Animals- Financial Assistance for Pet Care
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner
Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian
angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult
financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners
should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our
work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across
the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as
possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."
http://www.angels4animals.org/

 

[missmarstar]

All I have.. which isn't much. Which is why I made the decision to purchase pet insurance... so I'd never have to make the heartbreaking decision between what I can afford and what my pets need financially for their health.

 

[Lucky's mom]

Definately an individual decision. $10,000 to one person is $500 to someone else. Its all perspective.

 

[msdogs1976]

Definately an individual decision. $10,000 to one person is $500 to someone else. Its all perspective.

Very true.