[WumibBesowe]

I went to my clients this morning and learned she put her 3 year old pit bull to sleep because he needed knee surgery and thought the 4000. was to much with a 50% out look. It just saddens me that she didn't feel there was another option, he was only 3. not sure this was the right place to post this but just needed to vent a bit.

[Desflahd]

I hope you get to feeling better.

[nilliraq]

$4000 is a lot of money to a lot of folk, and I don't many who can a) afford to spend that on a dog, 50% outlook for not or b) see the point in spending that large of an amount on a dog period.

I think it's better that she put the dog to sleep, than to let him suffer through a life with a debilitating issue.

[WumibBesowe]

thanks, Catchrcall do you have some of your hunt stories posted some where, would be interest to read, and how these hunts are, I have heard wild hogs are mean.

[Desflahd]

There's a hunting section in the sports section that has a few. I think there might be some pictures back a ways in the photography section too.

[XqrkN4a0]

that way way sucks, I know I could not afford 4,000 but I'll be damned if I wouldn't have exhausted every option, I would have seen if amputation would have been cheaper (probably would have been) and done some sorta payment plan, and if they wouldn't have taken that I would have tried my best to find one that would have. There is almost always another way.

[Seiblybiozy]

I agree with Teal.

Also, the fact that your "client" was able to tell you the diagnoses, prognosis and anticipated costs, tells me that your client weighed all available options before making a hard decision. I fully expect that the decision brought to bear on your client is a heavy burden that may not have been fully shared with you since you are neither friend (you said client) or family. People don't always open up to those not close to them.

I think it is a little narcissistic for you to think or believe that others would share in or comfort YOUR sadness. My sympathies are with the client. Travel Well and Run Free, Pain Free nameless doggie. I bet you were Loved and will be Missed ~~~

Oh, and I had to put down a dog that meant the world to me, last September that was only NOT QUITE 5 years old because he was eaten up with Grade 3 Mast Cell Cancer. The specialist said an optimistic 60 % chance of remission following an extremely through and exploratory surgical procedure (with its own risks), strong anti-cancer medicine with side effects and weeks of aftercare with multiple weekly visits for blood work and dosage adjustments ... at a cost of ONLY about $4500. It broke my heart to do what I had to do ... and frankly I could not care less or give a damn about those who would question my decision.

[TheLucyLee]

It's sad people can't be bothered to do some research on their own. The dog had options and surgery is not the only one, there are cheaper surgeries and vets as well if they choose to go that way.

[Desflahd]

I'm with y'all too. There is a point of diminishing returns with regards to both quality of life and finances. It sucks it had to happen, and like I said hope everybody gets to feeling better.

[BeksTeene]

at some point most of us will have to make a similar calculus, as heart-wrenching as it may be. I love my dog like crazy but at the end of the day - she's a dog. If fixing her up like that would bankrupt me, then I can't do it. And even if I can afford it, I want to be damn sure that it's going to improve her quality of life before I put her through something so traumatic. I'd rather she have a few final wonderful and happy days than put her through that only to be the first of a lifetime of surgeries or pain and suffering.

[WumibBesowe]

I agree with Teal.

Also, the fact that your "client" was able to tell you the diagnoses, prognosis and anticipated costs, tells me that your client weighed all available options before making a hard decision. I fully expect that the decision brought to bear on your client is a heavy burden that may not have been fully shared with you since you are neither friend (you said client) or family. People don't always open up to those not close to them.

I think it is a little narcissistic for you to think or believe that others would share in or comfort YOUR sadness. My sympathies are with the client. Travel Well and Run Free, Pain Free nameless doggie. I bet you were Loved and will be Missed ~~~

Oh, and I had to put down a dog that meant the world to me, last September that was only NOT QUITE 5 years old because he was eaten up with Grade 3 Mast Cell Cancer. The specialist said an optimistic 60 % chance of remission following an extremely through and exploratory surgical procedure (with its own risks), strong anti-cancer medicine with side effects and weeks of aftercare with multiple weekly visits for blood work and dosage adjustments ... at a cost of ONLY about $4500. It broke my heart to do what I had to do ... and frankly I could not care less or give a damn about those who question my decision.

WOW kinda a jerk answer, wasn't looking for your sympothy or your comfort, never said it wasn't hard for her, I get very close to my clients animals so it makes me sad. My dog has the same issue she has had surgery on one knee with great results and she was 8 when she had it, and physical therapy for the other for around 300. and it worked wonders with a bit of anti-inflammatory so, sometimes there are other options.

[Seiblybiozy]

Furthermore (and then I will shut up before I get further out of line) ... the fact that this person was a client of yours (assuming you are in some sort of dog care business), additionally indicates a level of care and concern for their pet beyond necessary vet care. I highly doubt they took their decision lightly. If you aren't in some sort of pet care work ... never mind

Maybe you should endeavor to know your clients animals better so you aren't blind-sided and saddened in the future. You may be able to help with their dilemma as far as suggested options.

[SoftrermaBioniaSat]

I agree with Teal.

Also, the fact that your "client" was able to tell you the diagnoses, prognosis and anticipated costs, tells me that your client weighed all available options before making a hard decision. I fully expect that the decision brought to bear on your client is a heavy burden that may not have been fully shared with you since you are neither friend (you said client) or family. People don't always open up to those not close to them.

I think it is a little narcissistic for you to think or believe that others would share in or comfort YOUR sadness. My sympathies are with the client. Travel Well and Run Free, Pain Free nameless doggie. I bet you were Loved and will be Missed ~~~

Oh, and I had to put down a dog that meant the world to me, last September that was only NOT QUITE 5 years old because he was eaten up with Grade 3 Mast Cell Cancer. The specialist said an optimistic 60 % chance of remission following an extremely through and exploratory surgical procedure (with its own risks), strong anti-cancer medicine with side effects and weeks of aftercare with multiple weekly visits for blood work and dosage adjustments ... at a cost of ONLY about $4500. It broke my heart to do what I had to do ... and frankly I could not care less or give a damn about those who would question my decision.

I'm with Joe and teal.
Also, I had a dog that needed shoulder surgery. Found quotes of $3,000.00 - $4,000.00! I would not spend that much. Kept poking around and found this great place that did it for about $900.00. Still allot of money but do able. I would not have raised a eyebrow if some one else would not have spent that much.
And then Paco had to be put down a year later due to his bad heart.

[Agehoobionibe]

I have very mixed emotions about this.

The fact is, people have different reasons to why they do and don't help their dogs in certain situations. I do wonder if she researched other options for this dog or she decided not to do the anything and put the dog down (that isn't meant to sound harsh, I know she would have put a lot of thought in to putting her dog down). In the end, it's her dog and it's sad she put the dog down but it was her dog. Some people will put all their effort in to helping their dogs, some will do what they can handle and then leave it be while others won't put much effort in at all. That amount of money is a lot of money and some people just won't pay it or some people can't afford that much.

I would pay this much on a dog, depending on the situation. If I had the money/was able to but if I couldn't, I'd put my dog down.

[Agehoobionibe]

I highly respect people who will give it their all to save their dog/s life. My aunties dog are her family, they are her 'kids'. She has spent so much money on those dogs to save their lifes, she'd do anything and she doesn't have a whole lot of money but she always makes sure she can help her dog/s. She'd do anything for those dogs, especially her heart dog. Though I don't like some of her dog ownership skills, I respect her highly because of the care she gives her dogs. All her kids are the same to their dogs.

Now, my close family member would just put the dog down. They say 'Just kill the dog and buy a new one' they wont spend all that much money on a dog. Christ, they don't care if I get rid of both my dogs and get new dogs. I hate their dog ownership skills but that's them. Thankfully none of them own dogs. They think it's a huge waste of money to spend heaps of money on a dog. The only dog mum was willing to spend heaps of money on was her past dog, Toga, her heart dog. I don't respect their choice but I understand their choice.

I got my love for dogs from my Aunty clearly...

[Seiblybiozy]

Maybe it would help you feel better if you could help just one person with options you are aware of and they may not be. This was posted just yesterday and sounds like you may have some advice they may be looking for ... Knee surgery! Can anyone recommend an affordable vet in phila?

[nilliraq]

WOW kinda a jerk answer, wasn't looking for your sympothy or your comfort, never said it wasn't hard for her, I get very close to my clients animals so it makes me sad. My dog has the same issue she has had surgery on one knee with great results and she was 8 when she had it, and physical therapy for the other for around 300. and it worked wonders with a bit of anti-inflammatory so, sometimes there are other options.

Not a jerk answer... A realistic one.

Just because YOUR dog did fine, and YOU found other options doesn't mean those options work for someone else. I don't think it's fair to criticize someone for not taking the same path YOU did.

As I've said PLENTY of times - There are worse things than death.

I've personally never understood people who put their dogs through thousands of dollars in surgery, all the pain, aftercare, physical therapy, etc. for a possible 1-2 years more on their life... Especially an elderly dog. It's selfish on the part of the human. If you've got a young pup with an issue that can be fixed and there's a good chance they'll live a normal life after that... knock yourself out. But don't drag older dogs through crap just because you're too selfish to say goodbye.

[WumibBesowe]

it was a jerk answer as far as I am concerned, everyone has there own opnion on how a dog should be treated... do you people actually read the OP before posting charactor statements, (demeaning mine) I never critized her for her decision, I said "It just saddens me that she didn't feel there was another option" and your right every injury is different... as far as putting a dog through anything surgery, therapy, what ever all options again should be weighed.... my dogs are my family, I certainly would not have a surgery that I needed just because it was gonna be painful or take along time to heal or was expensive....when you take on the resposibilty of owning a dog you know there will be expenses of some kind someday if your not willing to do that than you shouldn't own a dog. And of course there comes a point when quality of life comes first....a knee injury isn't a death sentence or at least it shouldn't be and I don't give a crap who likes it.

[Desflahd]

No dog is worth putting myself in financial danger. Four thousand is enough to put me where I don't want to be. Add to that a 50/50 chance of success and it's not worth it. My dogs are not family. They are dogs and I do love them but I can't let them take away from what really matters. It's a sad fact. They work hard for me, and deserve all I can give them. But there is a limit.

You also have to take into account the dog's quality of life. If he can't get around like he should how happy will he really be? The owner may have a warm fuzzy because they did the right thing for themselves but how is the dog going to hold up. Many are better off dead than crippled. Some may not see it the same way but I call it mercy.

[WumibBesowe]

I am fortunate enough to be able to have given my dog 2 life saving surgeries, and her quality of life hasn't changed and I was told the same thing about her odds of recovery, the prognosis is a individual as the diagnosis. I would never let my dog suffer needlessly or for my own selfish reasons nor would I put myself in financial destress. Everyone see's there dogs different, I am not sure why people feel the need to criticize or pass judgement on how other people feel or think.

---------- Post added at 11:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:49 PM ----------

No dog is worth putting myself in financial danger. Four thousand is enough to put me where I don't want to be. Add to that a 50/50 chance of success and it's not worth it. My dogs are not family. They are dogs and I do love them but I can't let them take away from what really matters. It's a sad fact. They work hard for me, and deserve all I can give them. But there is a limit.

You also have to take into account the dog's quality of life. If he can't get around like he should how happy will he really be? The owner may have a warm fuzzy because they did the right thing for themselves but how is the dog going to hold up. Many are better off dead than crippled. Some may not see it the same way but I call it mercy.

not everyones considers their dogs a family member, dosn't mean they don't love them or wish the best for them.. your dogs are obviously workers for you and that is great, I read some of your hunt stories, they are great your dogs seem very happy with their job. I wouldn't have mine doing that kind of work or leave them out all the time, not that they would anyways they are big wusses, but thats me and that dosn't mean either of us is wrong or loves our dogs less just means we are different.... kinda what makes the world go round.