Four legged tractor buddy down and out

[brin]

Our Dog, Jake, is a Brittany and he had a tumor grow on his upper gum in the front of his mouth right above his two front teeth about the size of a big kidney bean....strange...$400 at the vet and he is fine now after surgery...

 

[Dr_Zinj]

1. Do your shopping. Some vets are much cheaper than others. Also, some vets are much better quality surgeons than others.

2. It's cold blooded, but you need to do a cost benefit evaluation. I had a good friend spend $10,000 on her dog for ortho work and the poor thing died 6 months later due to all the other problems she had.

3. Know the average life expectancy of your breed of dog. Some, like Newfoundlands, usually only make it to about 8 or 9 years. I've seen some mid-size mutts & half breeds make it to 20.

4. Don't get a defective dog in the first place. I'm not talking about a dog that doesn't meet AKC specs for the breed; I'm talking about dogs that are congenitally blind, deaf, have diabetes, are sickly, have hip problems, etc. A rescued dog might make you feel good for a year or two, but you might be buying more heartache than it's worth.

 

[bubbacuse77]

I should have put a bit more information out there.........Blue Bird is a female Weimaraner who is 8 years old. She is very health and playful. The money is not a question; we plan on spending what we have to. We did call around for prices but the two surgeries she is a candidate for (TPLO or TTA) are both in the ballpark of $3500. The Tight rope repair which is a method not recommended for dogs her size was in the 1K range but I didn't want to have to repeat this if it didn't work. I called the University of Wisconsin Veterinary hospital and they had an opening today so I took it vs. wait a month for another opening. She is there right now and we are waiting for a phone call to see if after doing x-rays one of the two methods above is better for her. The University did offer me a $500 discount if we would let them scope the other (good) knee to look for partial ruptures of that ligament for research. I figured why not, this way they would be able to look at the other knee and tell us if it is looking bad and we get money to do it. Win-Win I figured on that. Win-lose overall.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Well, I hope your girl does well. She sure looks like a nice dog.

 

[creekbend]

Both you and yor pup have my sympathy!!

I can tell you right off the bat...I'd have the surgery done. Your dog is your buddy...more important then some implements you can purchase at any time.

My sentiments exactly. I will supplement Roy Jackson's comments by adding that unless your dog's injury is life threatening at the present moment due to possible infection, I would make a few phone calls. There may be a Veterinarian that has a positive record in performing that type of procedure that offers a lower rate and monthly payments. Another matter should be considered. Your dog is suffering and is in pain. I would suggest that you take the appropriate measures and respond to his needs as quickly as possible.

 

[bubbacuse77]

My sentiments exactly. I will supplement Roy Jackson's comments by adding that unless your dog's injury is life threatening at the present moment due to possible infection, I would make a few phone calls. There may be a Veterinarian that has a positive record in performing that type of procedure that offers a lower rate and monthly payments. Another matter should be considered. Your dog is suffering and is in pain. I would suggest that you take the appropriate measures and respond to his needs as quickly as possible.

Yep that is why she is in the care of the UW staff as we speak.......can't imagine kicking around in the woods without her.

 

[g0rd0]

personaly, I think that you made the right desission. A few years ago our shep/collie Rocco was diagnosed with a tumour (blood borne) on his speen. After ultrasound and xrays we where told that the out look was BLEEK at best but, we could gamble and have it (his speen) removed to buy him some time. The time purchased was a wopping 4&1/2 years.
Our neighbors freeked when we told them the price after ultra sound, xray, surgury and recoup $2500 cdn. Yes that did set our finances back to the dark ages but we did not regret a moment of the finantial loss. The time with Rocco was priceless.
Would I do it again, without a doubt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,all for my buddy and my buddy for all

 

[Artisan]

That is some real tuff stuff to read, I know your feelings. My Rottie got sick and all bloted up and $1500.00 went to a fix, 3 days later it was back and at I think it was 10 years we were advised to do the unthinkable...It was w/o a doubt, the worst day of my life. I paid a vet(s) to come to the house and do the deed...OMG I tear as I write this... Mr Blackie (Arko Von Siberthal, AKC, BEAUTIFUL animal, the kind of dog EVERYONE liked.) got a coffin, a wrap, and his favorite JuJuBear toy to accompany him on his travels beyond. So funny, this Massive Schitzhund petigree Dog loved that lil bear. He NEVER ripped it up, he would "pants" it but he never shook it or ripped it. :laughing:

I brought in a backhoe and operator burying him to 6' + deep in the backyard...

I still have not got another dog, kinda afraid to, BUT, if I did, I would look HARD at an Insurance Policy. You will make the right decisions no matter which way you go . . . Pet her for us.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Thanks for kind words everyone...............funny how much dogs touch our lives.

 

[ctgoldwing]

Thanks for kind words everyone...............funny how much dogs touch our lives.

They sure do! Good luck with the doggie.

One of ours (in the pix) just had a tumor removed. As much as we love our dogs I wasn't embarrassed to ask how much beforehand. There is some number on the high side where you just will have to say no and some number on the low side that its just a no brainer. Its all those numbers in the middle that you have to think through. I guess we were 'lucky' it was only $1000 and it looks like Cooper will be with us for a while