Sick pet and PDSA

foreign_correspondent

CFC/Lowis - Please do not think I am taking a stance on whether to treat pets with cancer or not!

As I said in my last post, every case is different, and thinking about the OPs elderly parents, who have no funds and an elderly, poorly dog, I think the focus should now best, and most realistically be on providing him with a nice quality of life (pain minimised, enjoying his food and fusses etc) rather than striving for a longer life with him.

Realistically, they do not have the funds, and the options, and even if they did, in this case it may be kindest just to let the old dog go peacefully.

However, that does not mean I think Lowis did anything but the very best for her cats, as I know she researched her cat's illness carefully and thoughtfully, and made the decision based on weighing up all the factors, including the side effects of the treatment, quality of life and long term prognosis...

As I said, each case is different, and each owners situation is different. I cannot say what I would do if it was my dog - it would depend on so many factors, including the dogs age, her overall health, the stage of the cancer, the severity of the treatment, the long term prognosis, and ultimately, I hope I would do whatever was kindest to the dog. (I have known humans with cancer fight for more treatment, and others fight to have treatment stopped - either can be the kinedest thing to do, depending on the individual and their quality of life)

However, realistically, for almost all of us, cost is theoretically a factor too, insured or not - and to be honest, my decision would probably be affected if her treatment costs were likely to exceeed her insurance limit by hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Older people do seem to be less likely to take out pet insurance, I suppose as it is a relatively new form of insurance, and also seem to under estimate how much vets bills are likely to be.... which again, I think is typical of getting older.

Fire_Fox

I don't think it's an age thing, FC, perhaps more (in)experience? I am 'only' 37 and initially I didn't intend to get Noah insured as I do have some savings. However it was pointed out to me on this very board how much veterinary medicine has advanced in the decade since I last adopted a cat.

I think it's wise to take the vets advice when thinking whether to treat or let your pet go: Noah was picked up as a stray in such poor shape that CP was going to PTS, he spent fifteen weeks in the vets during which time I imagine he must have suffered greatly. I am very grateful that the vet wanted to treat Noah, as he is such a joy and is so happy and healthy now.

welshmoneylover

OK, I've read this thread and I'm just wondering how the dog is doing?

elvislover

Wow how quick did this thread turn in to the rescued cat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As to the original post i hope your parents have sorted out there poor old boy' and they have decided to do whats best for them 'I do feel for them after watching my own mother lose her gorgeous shepherd at the age of 8 years .She also had no insurance she was on her own and gave him a fantastic life after he was locked in a barn for the first four years of his life.


Live and let live thats what i say !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

geri1965_2

timmmers wrote: »

..and you think the point of a charity is ?

We don't FUND charities, we DONATE ..so that those who are in need can get help for free. Those of us with hearts that is. One day it could easily be any of us requiring assistance..especially in old age.

I couldn't agree more. The RSPCA helped me out when I needed it, and I am eternally grateful to them for that. I'm not in a situation now where I am likely to need their help again but I am more than willing to give them some money every month so they can help others.

CFC

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

As I said in my last post, every case is different.

.

Indeed so, and agreed. My personal stance and lowis's stance are different, but there is no right or wrong. That's the point; there is only a personal point of view.

nitrox

lemma1968 wrote: »

There is always someone who thinks they should have the last word. :rolleyes:

Whatever....that's mine.

Bit of an old thread i know, but i stumbled on here after looking for advise, good job i never asked for it, (this is not judgement but an observation) i cannot believe how some have responded to a heart felt cry from the OP for some sound advise and a little bit of understanding,

we all respond differently when upset about a situation, sure the OP was angry, but not in a malicious way, (there are 2 types of anger you know?) ,

lemma1968 im not sure how your mum and dad got on with there dog? as i stopped reading, because i could not believe some of the replies you got, but my heart goes out to you and your parents oh and the wee little dog.

God bless.

gettingready

Lemma- I too only saw this thread today.

I am speechless at some of the responses to your original post - so many bitter, twisted people around in one place.. amazing.

Especially that not long ago, someone on another forum (not UK one) has posted about her 10 yo dog needing urgent, expensive veterinary treatement and... the reply THERE was people asking for her account number and everyone putting a few pennies (or rather zlotych) together and helping her out.

She did not aks for this but people helped as much they could.

But hey - took me a while toopen my eyes to hypocricy on this forum, to those "pet lovers" who criticise somoene taking a dog on "when they can not afford it" but close their eyes to pets being put to sleep in thousands as "pet rescues" refuse to home them with "people with no gardens" and for other nonses reasons.. sure - needle is an answer to everything ere as far as pets are concerned.

2 old people giving a home to little dog and so much hostility towards them and you - for just asking a question.

It absolutely breaks my heart to see what people have replied in response to your post.

I hope the situation got sorted?

Hugs for you and your parents.

Anna

lemma1968

Sadly, yesterday was one of the worst days of my life - i sat and cuddled the face of our little dog whilst he was put to sleep. I can't explain the pain that has engulfed me. Its grief mixed with guilt. One minute he is there, looking into my eyes as i hold his face close to mine and talk to him, the next he has slipped away. He had surgery about 3 weeks ago to move a huge tumour that was initially thought to be benign. He rallied after the surgery - he was only 10 -not old for a Yorkie. He had his stitches out last Saturday morning. We thought he was fine, but by Monday he had stopped eating, was throwing up even water given to him and his belly had started to swell. We knew as we drove him to the vets yesterday afternoon that it was not right to put him through other surgeries as the vet said there was some other tumours and they were malignant. He seemed to be in pain and was very low. This time last week he was running around and seemed to be revived.

I shared the cost of the surgery with my parents - it was expensive but the vet said he thought the tumour was benign. Sadly, it was not. It was decided that palliative care whilst he was still living a good life was appropriate. It was hoped he would survive much longer.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us through the last few months.

My heart is broken today. Even though allowing him to die in peace was probably the right thing to do, I still feel pain and grief in a way that I never thought possible.

Again, thank you all x

Fire_Fox

((((hugs))))