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majuka
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Location: Warwickshire
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16-04-2009, 08:30 AM
I'm very sorry to hear this. You will know when Benson has had enough himself but it would be sad if this was governed by money, given that you have him insured.

Does your insurance policy only cover a condition for a year then? Max is insured with Sainsburys and they cover a condition for life, provided that the premiums are paid. I think there is a maximum claim per condition though (£6,500rings a bell).

I'm also shocked that an MRI scan for a dog costs so much when a private MRI scan for a human is half that amount.
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Nippy
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16-04-2009, 08:34 AM
What a bloomin dilemma
I hope you are able to come to the right decision for you and Benson.
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Tassle
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16-04-2009, 08:37 AM
I was told an MRI would be £1100 - if I thought it would help my dog I would find it.
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Pippin
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16-04-2009, 09:07 AM
We fundraised with raffles and carboot sales to help with the vet fees for a collie, it wasnt my dog but all my customers where only too happy to help, could you perhaps do somthing like this to help with the cost, people who love dogs will always help other people who love dogs,and it would be aufull if you had to loose your dog just because of money, I'm still paying off my vet bill for Pippin but it was money well spent as I had an extra year with her..Good luck and I hope you find a way.xx
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ClaireandDaisy
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16-04-2009, 09:31 AM
Originally Posted by majuka View Post
Does your insurance policy only cover a condition for a year then? Max is insured with Sainsburys and they cover a condition for life, provided that the premiums are paid. I think there is a maximum claim per condition though (£6,500rings a bell).

I'm also shocked that an MRI scan for a dog costs so much when a private MRI scan for a human is half that amount.
If I had taken the MRI when offered, it would have left no Insurance money left to actually treat the dog. It`s only a diagnostic aid, not a cure.
I also am surprised at the cost.
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Moobli
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16-04-2009, 09:47 AM
I am so sorry you find yourself in this situation, it must be heartbreaking.

My first GSD had a disc pressing on her spine. I did have an MRI scan but the vet gave me the option of operating (with a chance she may be paralysed) or to give her painkillers, take her to hydrotherapy and see how we went. I opted for the second option, as I really didn't want to put her through a complicated spinal operation.

Cost thankfully wasn't a factor, as I would sell everything I had and more to get the treatment needed for my dogs. However, I do understand that this isn't always possible.

I think, as others have said, the most important factor for me would be quality of life. I think I would be tempted to look into some natural remedies, as well as getting painkillers from the vet and let your boy potter around and enjoy what time he has left. How old is he?
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Hammer
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16-04-2009, 04:12 PM
Thank you all for your replies.

Here's the thing, best guess is that Benson is only 4 or 5 years old. I've had him for two years this summer and spent a fortune in his first year of rescue training him into a very well behaved Boxer. Take his walks for example, I hardly ever use a lead because a simple 'SIT' followed by 'STAY' is sufficient for him not to move when another dog walks by.

In light of the above, I want to do whatever I can to keep such a good boy going.

However, I really don't want to have his spine operated on. Benson likes comfort and likes being at home. He hates being alone, hates being shut up in a room (or kennel), does not like the vets and suffers from terrible separation anxiety. A major spinal operation would mean he would have to suffer all of the above for possibly a long time.

I've decided that I will stick with the treatments that he's on, as they seem to be stabilising him. The PLT is doing whatever it does to the vertebrate problem. The Synoquin is helping the cartilage situation. And his magnetic collar, monthly acupuncture and infra-red bed seem to be controlling any pain.

The above mentioned procedures cost me approximately £150 per month...and of course the bed and collar are paid for. I think I can manage that as long as nothing else happens. If it comes to the point where the vet says the only option is surgery, I will not be prepared to put him through that...at that point I feel I will have to let him go. I would sell anything, take out as many loans as needed to do it, but I don't want to put my little fella through that misery.

Regarding Direct Line, as I understand it they probably will continue to pay for his treatment. However, when the policy expires at the end of the year I've been warned that instead of paying approximately £30 per month, that I should expect to pay possibly hundreds per month!
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cava14una
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16-04-2009, 04:20 PM
Sounds as if you've given this a lot of thought. Hope it's a long time before you have to make a hard decision!!
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youngstevie
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16-04-2009, 05:50 PM
I love the way you have put in so much thought about this, that to me proves you are a wonderful owner. How much more could you offer than that.

I for one, know first hand how easy it can be to want to do whatever is possible. Reah came to me with three broken legs, pelvis, trapped bladder, multipal internal injuries etc., I raised the £3,000.00 needed to pay for her operations (more than one) hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and the physiotherapy she required. yes it caused rows, yes it brought tears, and povety, no bills paid, mounting debts, thank god she made it.

But I think you have to be realistic, I was taken to court for unpaid bills, and to say in court ''well I paid for the dog'' doesn't cut it somehow. I occurred fines on top of my debts, would I put myself through that again, more than likely, but would I put Reah through all that again (supposing her front leg could no longer hold her) I am not sure I would. I know without that leg, for as bad as it is, she'd suffer.

I think you have come to the decision you asked, and may I say your love is beaming for him, and that is priceless. May you have a long time together xxxxxxxxxx
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werewolf
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16-04-2009, 10:08 PM
I am so moved by this thread and everyones input.
I am sorry I cannot add anything but to say, you know in your heart what the right thing to do is and you are obviously a wonderful person and 'father' to your boy.

Ref DL Insurance, if they hike your premium up to hundereds per month that is just disgusting. I know they have to make money but that is exstorsion.
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