MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Pet versus debt?

scatz

I have had two cats in the past which have ended up costing us in the region of £1000 each only for them to eventually be put to sleep yet this has never disuaded me from owning further pets. Admittedly, at the time we struggled financially and the costs incurred from one of the cats is to this day being paid of through our CCCS DMP (see signature).

In hindsite, though, both cats probably did suffer more than they diserved too and I would seriously consider the option off lethal injection if I ever came across the same problem with one of my other two cats, however, if it were a different condition I would probably persevere with treatment if there were any chance of a recovery.

Also, we rehomed a Shar-Pei about two years ago who has, as we have recently discovered, allergies to just about everything (all grasses, willow trees, mould, dust mites, house mites, beef, rice and white fish). The vets bill over the last three months has cost a staggering £1000 with a blood test and single vial of the drug they are administering (hopefully to build his tolerance to his allergies) costing almost £600 alone. Luckily we decided to insure him due to his pedigree and all we have had to pay is the £50 excess. However, this is a scenario whereby, even if he were not insured, I would not even consider letting him go as it is not a life threatening condition.

I definately belive that insurance is a worthwhile thing to spend your money on if you have pets that you love. It shouldn't cost that much, we pay £13.50pcm and are covered up to £5000 over the space of a year for each and every condition that may crop up. A small price to pay for ensuring any eventualities are covered.

elsien

My mutt has had an ongoing medical problem that isn't life threatening, but does affect her quality of life. When it got more frequent, the vet suggested either conservative treatment with him, or if I was insured ( or had the money), a referral to a specialist.
I went for the 2nd option, as I thought it would cost £250. What wasn't explained was that was for the consultation, and the extra tests, overnight stay etc would come to nearer £1500. Plus the cost of travel to the other end of the country, and I have to go back in a few weeks - cost as yet unknown.
If you had asked me beforehand, although I love my dog to bits, I would never have agreed to pay that much out - anyone in this situation needs to think really clearly about what it could cost.
My dog is my baby, but at the end of the day, family has to come first, and to go into that much debt for an uncertain outcome is irresponsible, especially if you then lose your home and have to get rid of the pet anyway.

wooza_2

Our dog recently cut his foot and the blood was pumping out. We raced straight to the vets, and after examining him were told it would cost £160+ for them to put him out and stitch it up (1 stitch)and keep him until the afternoon.
Not wanting him to have an anaesthetic I asked if they could do it any other way. It wasn't that we couldn't afford it, I would have done the same with my kids.
After consulting the vet again,we were told it would be £45. They could freeze it and put a staple in. He didnt move an inch when they stapled into his paw. Even the red bandage they put on didnt bother him.
I say always ask, if there is an alternative. At the end of the day they want your money. So why tell you it will be £45 if they know you would pay £160.
Easy money.

katkins_2

Hi everyone, 2 years ago my 5 year old german shepherd was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, and i have spent over £2000 in vet bills, i dont know how long my dog will live or how quick his hips will deteriate, but like many other pet owners i will continue to pay for what ever treatments he needs. He isnt in pain just now but when the time comes i know i will have to let him go. He is one of the family and loved very much and his vet fees is paid like any other household bill, hope this is of some interest to other pet owners
BYE!!!!

greenmoneysaver_2

As a VN I am pleased at the sensible answers here..

I would say
- get 2nd opinion (consult £30 so not much more to spend)
- ask if there is any other form of tx available (i.e cheaper)
- check if you can keep to the appointments/treatment as this can be a big time commitment for some treatments
- ask where the animal will be treated, this branch or another, is there a proper hospital with qualified vet nurses in attendance?
- then decide

Very few animals "die in their sleep" as many owners wish and they will probably have to face up to euthansia at some point. A supportive realtionship with their practice will help.

As for charities. Only 1 allows "free" treatment, and this is just because they don't do a reduced fee scheme telling you how much you should pay towards the bill (usually around 30% of total bill), it still costs the same! It is just donations that pay your bill.

As we do not pay for our own medical care we have no idea how much a vets time/drugs and procedures cost, so it can be a shock!

kamoha

I would put the pet first, although I would qualify that depending on the age and likelihood of survival and how much the animal would suffer.

realyrealy

Vets make a fortune out of keeping pets alive well past a sensible point.
It would be £900 now and then, if the animal survives the vet will want it back for check-ups and special diet for a few months and then there will be another minor op or two before its back to the same choice again in a year or two.
Have the dog put down (even if you have the money).
If its an old dog its only putting off the enevitable for a short time.
If its a young dog, you may be looking at many years of expense.

triboy

realyrealy wrote:

Vets make a fortune out of keeping pets alive well past a sensible point.
It would be £900 now and then, if the animal survives the vet will want it back for check-ups and special diet for a few months and then there will be another minor op or two before its back to the same choice again in a year or two.
Have the dog put down (even if you have the money).
If its an old dog its only putting off the enevitable for a short time.
If its a young dog, you may be looking at many years of expense.

not to get distracted from the original moral dilema, I must say that I strongly disagree with the statement that 'vets make a fortune out of keeping pets alive well past a sensible point'. In fact if anything we frequently resort to the option of humane euthanasia despite owner's desire to do anything possible to save their pet, and I must stress that most if not all vets will constantly balance animal welfare, prognosis, owner's wishes and costs etc - and this is often a moral dilema on it's own.

We are unique in the medical care fields in that we actually answer to not one but two clients, the pet itself as well as the owner. This can often lead to conflict, as the owner's wishes may not always be in the best interests of the animal. I would like to reiterate that I and my colleagues do not serve a self interest by keeping animals alive, but rather with the advances of modern medicine are now able to offer help and longer survivial times for a large number of conditions, and it is up to the individual owner to decide what path to follow based on the advice they receive.

I must also agree with a previous comment above by a vet nurse that seeking a second opinion before embarking on costly and possible unsuccesful treatment is a very good idea, as a new perspective may give alternatives to the recommended approach. You are well within your rights to request a referral/second opinion, and in fact your current vet should endeavour to help you with this.

Denaria

Sorry, but as with 'fish', and 'sea', there's plenty more dogs in the Pound.
Cut your losses, and when out of financial difficulties THEN have a pet (if you really must) - but with 'fully comprehensive insurance' this time! :-)

Responsible ownership and financial probity requires some tough decisions, for all concerned.

tansitoo

If I had been asked this 12 months ago I probably would have said that no way could we spend that on a dog. However 10 months ago I "fostered" a dog and now I would do anything, virtually to save my dog. I'm afraid my family's Christmas presents this year would be the course of treatment for the dog. I know that the kids wouldn't mind because they get so much from everywhere else. I have asked myself this question because Daisy has got a minor heart problem. It would still be devastating but she is part of the family. I don't agree with one of the other posters who has said that vets charge too much. Our vet is wonderful, and I trust him absolutely. If and when the inevitable day comes then I wll be guided by my instincts and the vets advice