hard one and a topic close to home

sam hd a stroke.... she had a £1500 scan which we paid upfrount and got back months later....she was only 9 - anyhow - months of physio etc later she still wasnt right - she could have been operated on - but tbh w would have been doing that for us.......she was pts later that day when we were told our final options -and i do not regret that decision for a minute

i also had a horse (ok not a dog but its still relevent) we spent in excess of £10,000... (yes.. ten thousand pounds) on a massive injury on his leg.... 2 years later he waasnt getting better and i was just waiting for him to do seomthing else and be put to sleep as i couldnt afford anymore - i was ruined financially and emotionally - he was put to sleep last summer - and i still havent got my finances back on track....... (there were other reasons for putting him to sleep but money was a big factor in this)



we all love our animals - but my reasoning in particular with my horse for putting him to sleep was that - animals have no concept of tomorow - its only our conscience and us that do...... put yourself in their shoes - if you dont think they would want to be here.... if you do then look at your finances - that may be the deciding factor over anything....

we now are facing the same with our eldest dog... thats 3 animals in a year we stand to loose....all of them mean so much to me... but always do whats right by them - and dont listen to anyone trying to talk you out of it

xx

Again, thank you everyone.

The way I've been thinking about this is that eventually, everything dies...humans, animals, insects, everything.

So, if it is true that dogs live just for the moment, enjoying life for what it is as it happens, with no concept of, or ability to plan for the future...I find that a massive comfort.

To put Benson through a painful and extremely stressful spinal operation is not going to benefit him at all as he goes through the experience. All he'll know is that everything is strange, that he's in pain, that he's scared and depressed. He'll have no concept of the fact he will eventually recover (hopefully), all he'll know is that he's not a happy dog anymore.

Now if my reasoning is correct (and pull me up if what I've said is wrong), it will make the whole operation or not decision very simple for me. Benson had a rubbish first two years of life, but his last two (and however many more) have been, and will be extremely enjoyable for him. When life stops being fun, either because he needs a major operation or for whatever reason, I know I will be strong enough to let him go in the knowledge his life was worth living.

And when I've finished mourning him, it's back to the rescue centres looking for Boxer number three...and away we go again.

How far would you go with treating your dog that has a long-term medical condition that will never get better? I know nearly everybody would say ‘as much as it takes’, but in reality is that always possible?

As stated in a previous post, my Boxer, Benson, has a degenerative condition in his spine. He has two vertebrate at the base of his neck that have fused together and two more vertebrate near his tail that rub together.

Since discovering the condition some months ago, we have had a dozen x-rays taken, been to the vets loads of times, tried all sorts of medicine (now settled on PLT & Synoquin), just tried acupuncture, changed his diet to extremely expensive food, purchased a magnetic collar, purchased an infra red bed…the list goes on and on.

The vet now wants him to go for an MRI scan so that they can determine whether he may need surgery on his spine some time in the future.

I’m a school caretaker, I do not earn vast sums of money. Currently, every single penny I have spare is being spent on my dog. He is insured with Direct Line, but they are being very slow in repaying me and are challenging some of the treatments. I’ve also spoken to a friend who works in insurance, and she thinks Direct Line will not allow me to renew my policy when it runs out in August. Even if they do, she thinks the premium will be ridiculously high, or there will be clause stating they will not insure his back.

So far I have spent £1,100 on Benson’s condition and to date have received £320 back from Direct Line. In August I will be on my own, with the prospect of an MRI scan and possible surgery looming, not to mention the money I’ll be spending on drugs, treatments etc.

At what point do you say enough? I love him to bits, but what if the money dries up? My parents have offered me money, as have a couple of friends, plus I’m considering taking out a personal loan just for his treatment. You wouldn’t believe what a strain on a marriage this can be. My wife and I just fight and argue about the dog everyday.


If I put him through surgery, would I be doing that for me or for him? Would it be a greater act of loyalty to let him go instead of putting through all that? Or maybe he could just live his life quietly at home, plodding around the garden and school grounds like he is currently? Surgery on the spine doesn’t sound very nice if you ask me.

I guess this is the risk you take when you adopt a rescue dog with no known history.

Again, thank you everyone.

The way I've been thinking about this is that eventually, everything dies...humans, animals, insects, everything.

So, if it is true that dogs live just for the moment, enjoying life for what it is as it happens, with no concept of, or ability to plan for the future...I find that a massive comfort.

To put Benson through a painful and extremely stressful spinal operation is not going to benefit him at all as he goes through the experience. All he'll know is that everything is strange, that he's in pain, that he's scared and depressed. He'll have no concept of the fact he will eventually recover (hopefully), all he'll know is that he's not a happy dog anymore.

Now if my reasoning is correct (and pull me up if what I've said is wrong), it will make the whole operation or not decision very simple for me. Benson had a rubbish first two years of life, but his last two (and however many more) have been, and will be extremely enjoyable for him. When life stops being fun, either because he needs a major operation or for whatever reason, I know I will be strong enough to let him go in the knowledge his life was worth living.

And when I've finished mourning him, it's back to the rescue centres looking for Boxer number three...and away we go again.