When is it "enough" to spend on an animal?

Question

I rescued a Pomeranian that was abused, brutally. She's 7, and has had it rough. I had infections and teeth out from a doggie dentist, and had her eyes operated on today, which was $400. She got out of the fence twice (she's fast!) $70 apiece. The doctor wants me to take her to a doggie optomotrist now, out of state - none in connecticut - for something else, one of her eyes is cloudy. She's fine otherwise, a little sleepy now though:! and I had the vet bathe, clip and groom her. I am giving her a loving home, but do some vets just go on and on and on referring to specialist after specialist? She has a good quality of life since I got her. A lot of love, treats and spoiling. I'm not sure if I can afford the optomotrist and I feel like a bad mommy. How much in debt would you go for your pet?

Answer 1

Very good question. Years ago, I maxed out my credit cards so I could get my dog the surgery that she needed. (luxating patellas-both knees, same time, $1500.00!) And yes, some vets can go on and on and I don't think that's right for some vets to take advantage of our sympathetic hearts. I used to have a vet that did that....always trying to make things sound worse than they actually are and always testing, testing, testing!

This is probably not what you want to hear, but maybe you should try another vet. Or ask friends and relatives about their vet. I think she deserves a second opinion.

If you find yourself financially strapped, there are many vets that you can make payment arrangements with.

Answer 2

I see your problem and I sympathize. I work for a shelter and we have to make some hard decisions sometimes. Our shelter director will sometimes say "Yes he has this problem, but it's kinda far from the heart." By this she means that if it ain't gonna kill the dog, it is a lower priority than some other things that might need to be paid.

My rule of thumb is this: You have taken on the responsibility for this dog and now you are ethically obligated to make sure it is free from pain and has what it needs to get by and be happy. For many dogs this ain't much. On the other hand, if the dog needs surgery, I can't in good conscience spend money on luxuries like cable television (yes, that IS a luxury) and eating out until the dog gets what it needs.

I would ask the vet how important this procedure is. Will it improve the life of the dog? Is it optional or is it really important? What will the dog's life be like if she does not get this procedure. If she has to have it, does it have to be NOW or can you save and budget for it? Discuss the financial aspect with him and be up front about what you can legitimately afford.

The tone of your post makes it seem like you are resenting the dog some. Perhaps you really can't do any more for her. If this is the case, know that you have done the best you can at some point and consider finding her a home where the financial picture is better able to deal with her problems. You have already done more for her than anyone else has for her.

And as far as the little guy getting out of the fence: You gotta stop that right now. Make the dog go outside on a leash until you have good control over her. Inside the house, make her drag a light six foot long leash 24 hours a day so that when she makes a dash for the door you can stomp on the leash and prevent her from getting away. It is important for her safety and your wallet. Once she realizes that you will not let her roam, then you can take off the leash.

Answer 3

First, it depends on if the medical care is necessary or not. If my dog really needs the medical care, of course I"ll go into debt for her/him! No question about it.
Why is your dog's eye cloudy? You say she is 7 years old....is it a cataract? If it is a cataract, you don't need to take her to an eye specialist for surgery if you don't have the money. Many dogs can live a happy life even with their vision blocked by a cataract. You other option is that you could wait a couple of months to do the cataract surgery. Cataracts develop slowly, and a couple months won't affect much, but could help you financially.

i suggest that you find a new vet, and explain your financial situation...yes, there are certain conditions that require a specialist, but there are many common conditions that can be handled by a general vet.

Answer 4

That is something that only you can decide. She definitely has a better quality of life since you have gotten her. Some vets will go on and on with treatment. Explain to your vet that you cannot afford unending expenses. You are not a bad pet parent. Just the opposite- you are an extremely good one. By the way, the cloudiness sounds like cataracts. Another option would be to wait a few months and then explore treatment. If it is cataracts, then it is not life or death. It can be postponed for a while.

Answer 5

Wow! First, keep in mind vets are a business. If your doggy is not in pain and not running into things and doesn't have anything that is going to kill her don't worry about it. I think your vet is trying to pull a fast one on you. Also, get pet health insurance and find a new vet. Talk to your friends and ask for referrals, also let your vet know you're on a budget and love your dog deeply but there is a line that has to be set. When you change vets get the old medical record and keep it with you as well as a copy at the new vet.

I rescued my dog from a shelter and she's wonderful, however I've gone through two vets in 5 years because they were looking for work. My dog is not a test animal for them to poke at, she's been through enough. Good luck!

Answer 6

It depends upon your personal budget and your lifestyle, and whether or not your dog is in pain. Is the cloudiness caused by cataracts or some other problem?

I tend to go way overboard on what I spend on my dogs. I charged $5,00.00 for back surgery 4 months ago for my rat terrier. I am now spending everyhting I make toward getting the card paid off. Fortunately, my husband brings in a full time income so it helps me to afford spending my entire part time salary on the dog. But still, I DO NOT regret it--and I WOULD have regreted it if I handn't done it.

It sounds like you are a great mommie and just want to do the right thing. I would say the major thing to take into consideration is to know whether or not your dog's eye is causing her pain, or will tend to cause her pain in the future. That would be the deciding factor for me.

I wish you the best.

Answer 7

I would say this is your call. If you truly think the dogs quality of life will not imprve and life span will not improve, what's the point. But fo course the money you spend depends on your budget and this question...it is not the same for everyone. If something bad does happen someday it will be better to have the money to save the dog from this then to have spent it on something else and have to put them down because you cant afford surgery or something.
This is a great thing you have done by saving the dog, and already really improved its quality of life, so dont ruin yours as that will upset the dog as well.
Good luck

Answer 8

Dont feel like a bad mommy, you have already done more than most would for your poor little rescue. If her eye is cloudy it probably means that she has cataracts and the only way to fix that is expensive surgery. Just love her as much as you can and dont worry about the specialists. Unless its life threatening, dont worry, lots of dogs live full and happy lives with visual problems. I fostered a 1/2 blind dog and once he got used to me and his surroundings he was a joy to train and he got a wonderful home with a childless couple who had plenty of time to spend with him and he is now fully blind but still a loving happy dog. If your dog is happy then you have done your job. Just do what you can and dont feel bad that you cant do more, because you really cant do anymore than you already have.

Mind you i am in debt about $5000 for my own dog but i have had to stop that and am now trying alternative medicine as its cheaper and its actually doing a better job than the vet. She still goes for checkups tho.

Answer 9

As much as it takes. I've taken fosters to the emergency vets before, hundreds of dollars out for a cat thats not even mine. If it was my cat, I'd go above and beyond. They are living creatures. If it is something life threatning, damn right I'll go into debt for them.

For your situation though, ask if it can maybe wait at all. I don't see why they want you to go to a specialist for a cloudy eye, that doesnt make much sense. I'd get a sencond opinion as another option. Theres nothing wrong with asking for second opinions and if it isnt health or life threatning theres nothing wrong with waiting until you can afford it either.

Answer 10

I would definitely talk to your vet and let them know that you are on a limited budget and will do what you can but can not go seriously in debt. Be honest with them. If they give you a hard time I would look for a vet that is more sensitive, not only to my pet but to me as well. It is not a question of wanting to do for your dog... but when you can't, you can't. Rescued doggie is lucky lucky! Good Luck.