Well my dog is 12 years old and she is a very small Westie. Just recently she got bit by a venomous snake and my mom took her to the vet for a check up on her leg. The vet said she should consider getting her eyesight fixed, she is sort of blind in one eye and completely in the other, but my mom thinks she will only (sadly) live for another few months, but the vet insisted that Shelly will live for another 2 or 3 years. Should my family get Shelly's eyesight fixed???
2006-12-16 10:57:34 · 14 answers · asked by -shannon, 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yes she should. but i think also that a vet wont lie to you. animal planet the vets are showing and doing eye surgery if it will work on lots of older dogs. dont give up. if she is goiong to do the surgery then why let her go around getting hurt.
2006-12-16 11:13:49 · answer #1 · answered by shortstack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends if your family can afford it or not. Getting her eyesight 'fixed' wouldn't just be $100, it could cost over $1000. Can your parents even afford that for a dog that is so old?
She could live only a few months but it is possible for her to live a few more years. If she died in a few months (I hope she doesn't), would it be worth it?
Blind dogs are just as good as dogs with perfect eyesight. Just because she can't see, it doesn't mean that she won't be happy for the rest of her life.
Of course a Vet is going to ask your mum to consider getting her eyesight fixed; they would get money out of it.
I guess it depends on what your parents want to do. If they can afford the $1000+ surgery, then yeah, they should consider getting the surgery done. If not, no.
Goodluck and I hope your parents make the right decision.
Edit: icman87, you can't say "if they love the dog do it", it can't always be about how much you love the dog. Not only will it cost a LOT of money, it would be very stressful for the 12 year old dog to go under anesthesia for (probably over) one hour!
2006-12-16 11:12:57 · answer #2 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend a mixed breed. See if you can get an Australian or German Shepard mixed with a golden retriever, labrador, or a beagle (since you seemed to want a German or Australian shepard). But here's a tip: make sure you don't get a puppy, they can be really hard to take care of! 2-3 year old dogs are usually the best for a first-time owner. Also, DO NOT get your dog on the internet. They usually get dogs from puppy mills on the internet. Instead, adopt a dog. Adopting (instead of buying) dogs is usually cheaper, and the money is being given to a good cause. Puppy mills are terrible places Well, good luck with that dog!
2016-03-28 21:34:10 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be seriously questioning a vet who wants to do elective surgery on a 12 year old dog!! That's putting a lot of stress on an elderly dog, anesthetics are risky at that age, and your dog will be able to cope with her limited eyesight quite nicely. Dogs can adjust amazingly well with a little help from their family - like not moving furniture around and closing doors that are supposed to be closed, etc. If this was my dog, I'd not risk any surgery for (I'm assuming) cataract removal.
2006-12-16 11:07:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
of course it would be the right thing to do, but sadly your parents probably dont want to spend the money. they just need to realize and be ready to care for her because once she goes completelyl blind she will be alot more dependant on them. almost all small dogs live at least 15 years+. make sure they are feeeding her good food that doesnt have a bunch of corn in it, read the ingredients. nutro, iams, natural balance are all good.
2006-12-16 11:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that it really is up to you all. What kind of quality of life can you afford her in the last years/months of her life. I know there are people who would do anything for their pet and there are others that could care less. If it doesn't cost a lot I would at least consider it, if not do it out right.
2006-12-16 11:04:28 · answer #6 · answered by icman87 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Surgery can be stressful. If it was my dog, and if the dog lives inside, I wouldn't have the surgery. Dogs are much better at adapting to disabilities and illnesses than people are. She'll be fine, I think, as long as she lives inside and you don't make any big furniture rearrangements.
2006-12-16 11:01:02 · answer #7 · answered by AK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At that age I would not. Your dog can have a very normal life with very poor eye sight.
2006-12-16 11:03:52 · answer #8 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are rich,why not.I personally would not.
Of course the vet is going to tell you this,that's how they make their money.
2006-12-16 11:01:16 · answer #9 · answered by HITLERY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not at that age. Oh yea plz report the person Man.
2006-12-16 12:10:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋