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Can the dog do without the surgery? My sister's dog became suddenly paralyzed from the 'waist' down. It had no use of its back legs whatsoever and would drag itself around. People told her to put it to sleep, but she refused saying that she wouldn't put a person to sleep for being disabled. That dog dragged itself around for two years. They would physically asssit the dog with urination and bowel movements outside. ONE DAY, HER DOG JUST STARTED WALKING AGAIN AS IF IT HAD NEVER BEEN PARALYZED. That tells me that there is no reason to put a dog to sleep unless you can tell it's in serious pain or the pain can't be managed.
The dog does not appear to be in any great pain. He just walks on three legs and goes about his normal day. So perhaps not having the surgery is an option. I don't think his wife would go for that option either though.
If money is the number 1 concern, they should talk to the vet and see about a payment plan option. They could both decide how much a month they could afford and make separate payments after the divorce. I know the vet I used to work for was always more than willing to work with his clients and their money issues. If that vet refuses, find a vet that cares more about animal welfare than money.
Location: Visitation between Wal-Mart & Home Depot
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Originally Posted by WilliamHarman
The dog does not appear to be in any great pain. He just walks on three legs and goes about his normal day. So perhaps not having the surgery is an option. I don't think his wife would go for that option either though.
I would have your friend talk to the vet again or get a second opinion. Two sets of veterinary eyes will often see the same problem very differently. If this is a TPLO they are looking at there are probably non-surgical treatment options that will be considerably less spendy.
Unless the leg is completely toast dog knees can eventually scar over and stabilize. If you can manage pain and inflammation that may be an alternative to euthenasia..
I dont care if I had to take a loan out on my house , car whatever that dog would get the surgery !! that is a member of your family age or not . I think this guy is thinking with his wallet and not his heart , if I was the wife I would go behind his back and do the surgery anyway . Man he is heartless .
For me personally right now id have to opt to put him to sleep,unless of course there was an option other than a two thousand dollar surgery.You have to think of quality of life as well.Its not a young dog and spending that amount of money if you dont have it isnt smart.We all love our pets and want to do whats best for them but sometimes you have to weigh the pros and cons.They really should make veterinary care a little more affordable.I just spent $400 on bloodwork rabies vaccine and a cytology of a growth on my dog.Talk about expensive.I wish your friend luck in whatever she decides.
The little guy is not necessarily old. My cocker lived to be 18, and up to the age of 16 was still active and happy. So 10 is not that old in smaller dogs, unless you think people should die when they are 60 as well. I'm with the wife, if they can make the dog comfortable enough to be happy, with or without surgery, (providing it is not in a lot of pain for which antiflammatories and pain pills help a lot) and the dog gives the wife pleasure and love, then give the dog a chance. Ideally surgery, which I am getting for my dog soon whose 8. But not everyone is fortunate enough to afford surgery in dogs, but just like what we do for our senior citizens when they can no longer care for themselves, make him comfortable in his Golden Years.
First, it's solely their decision to make together. My advice would be that you not "take sides" here.
I look at it this way: the dog has given many years of loyal companionship to the family. It's a two way street. If financially possible (including a payment plan with the vet, home equity loan, credit card, etc.) AND the surgery is predicted to work, I think they should.
That said, I have a relative who won't spend $1000 on surgery so that her dog can regain use of its back legs. She says, "it's a dog and she's 11" as though that explains why she won't??? It makes me sick.
Obviously people view these situations differently. But to me, I would if I could if the dog was predicted to have a good quality of life after the surgery. It's a sad predicament.
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