Man’s Best Friend
How much is that doggy in the window?
The one with the waggley tail may seem like a bargain these days compared to the dog with the $3,000 pacemaker. Or the cat with the $8,000 kidney transplant. Or the pet chicken undergoing radiation therapy after cancer surgery.
Medical care for pets now rivals medical care for humans, with veterinary oncologists, neurologists, cardiologists and other specialists providing high tech, big-bucks treatment for Fido and Fluffy.
But when cats have chemo and dogs have dialysis, their owners have something too: unexpected ethical issues triggered by enormous medical bills.
“Is the 15-year-old tabby worth $12,000 in dialysis?” asks a newspaper story with the nagging headline: Do some pet owners go a little too far?
“I admit sometimes questioning the reality of spending $11,000 on my cat when there are greater human needs,” said a California college professor, who readily paid for feline chemotherapy and pancreatitis treatment.
U.S. pet owners will spend more than $24 billion this year on pet medical care, an amount greater than the gross domestic product of more than half of the world’s countries.
But when man’s best friend is a integral member of the family, the question of whether it’s appropriate to spend top-dollar for animal medical care is often more emotional than financial. With the unconditional love, friendship, and support of a beloved companion at stake, many pet owners feel they don’t have the option of not providing—and paying for—expensive medical care.
It’s not a simple issue, said one veterinarian. When you hear of a medical bill of $14,000 for a dog, he explained, people ask, “Should you not just buy a new dog and give the money to charity? That, I have to say, is a non-starter of an argument. You then have to ask all sorts of questions about how people spend their money—should they spend it on big cars?”
Tell us what you think: When it comes to expensive veterinary medical care, is it more responsible to pay for a pet or perhaps give the money to charity instead?
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Man's best friend
I have no problem with obtaining the best care you can afford for your pet but since when could only “rich” people own pets?
We have a responsibility to love and care for our animals but not put so much money into pets that our children, spouses, homes and well being are put in jeopardy. When we are so stressed out about spending exorbitant money on “human grade” medical care, which will be willing to step up and adopt all the wonderful pets in shelters that so desperately need homes and someone to love?
It should not be considered “inhumane” to say good-bye to a beloved pet when they let you know they are suffering. We had the vet come to our home to peacefully let our dog Elton rest after a reasonable fight with cancer. It was not worth seeing him suffer. It was a good decision and I would recommend home euthanasia when appropriate. Elton was calm, in his own bed and surrounded by the people he loved and loved him. Pets require time, love and care for their natural lives – if you can afford more care and the animal is not suffering greatly. If not, help keep another animal from spending another lonely night in a shelter kennel. It is a heart breaking decision to euthanize a beloved pet but one we must often face. I have seen animals suffer way too long because the owner didn’t have the courage and compassion to say good-bye.
That’s my opinion after working at an animal shelter and seeing so many healthy animals put to sleep. Don’t make people afraid to open their lives and hearts to a needy animal! That sweet little old lady on the fixed income would be a God send to that homeless, lonely animal on the street or in the shelter.
Leigh F | 1 year, 8 months ago
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You choose what's right
Honestly, if you love your pet to death and want to try and save its life, even if that means spending thousands of dollars, then by all means, go for it and good luck to you. It’s a person’s own opinion that really matters in these kinds of situations. It’s hard to let go of someone/something close to you. I also think that if you have tried to save your pet, had not yet succeeded and he/she is suffering a great deal, then it might be time to pull the plug on that strong bond, for the animal’s sake.
Animals are a part of our world as well as us human beings. They may not talk; walk on two feet; or eat from the dinner table, but they are in this world for a reason and we should be spending money to help take care of them rather then buying expensive cars and unnecessary luxuries in general. As a pet owner or just someone from the general public: You choose what’s right.
amber | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Pet Insurance
Most people who have pets don’t know that they can get pet insurance to offset the cost if your pet gets injured, ill, or just needs routine shots and exams. I have pet insurance on all my pets. It’s around 30 bucks a month and it is so worth it. It even covers cancer treatments if they need it. You pay upfront and then you are reimbursed within 2 weeks the difference of what is covered. The company I like and use is VPI.
Debbie | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Responsibility
My 14 year-old Boston Terrier Mae has heart and liver problems as well as arthritis, near deafness, and cataracts. She takes several medications daily and often has difficulty walking. Yet, despite her many problems, she’s a happy girl.
Is it responsible or ethical to extend her life while she suffers so? I believe it is because she still has sparkle and an obvious love for life. The boisterous puppy she used to be is still there in her eyes.
We made a commitment to love and care for her, and we will do so no matter the cost. Abdicating our responsibility out of some notion that the money used to treat Mae should be given to charity would be the worst evil and betrayal we could do.
Lori Diehl | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Charity begins at home....
What could possibly be more charitable than to provide health care to someone who loves you? Someone who has lived with you, been there for you and with you sometimes for years? Who has slept beside you, kept you company, purred to you and entertained you?
If I was describing a human this would not be a question. I’m describing a loving pet that loves me unconditionally and is my companion. I pray I have the money to sustain her healthy quality of life as long as possible if she ever needs it. Frankly, I can’t believe someone is even asking this question. I take care of those I am committed to and responsible for first…because I made that commitment when I adopted her and brought her home that I am responsible for her and that includes whatever medical care I’m able to provide her. Her needs are met first and then I give to charity.
And by the way, the ASPCA is a charity…for animals. Our society seems to have made so many things disposable but God help us if we ever consider our pets that way. I was shocked when I came across this question…and very disappointed.
Darla Wear | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Insurance - Sparkle - and ASPCA
After looking through some of the new blogs I have a few things to add…First pet insurance, yes VIP and others are making an attempt to make caring for our extended family members and obtain the best care – however – after insuring ALL my pets on it – dogs, cats and birds it was time to get some help for my Pom. Her knees and trachea are bad. Guess what? Not covered!! They screen the most common aliments for small and large breeds and exclude the treatments your pet will most likely need. Answer – take that premium you pay each month and put it in a savings account.
Next, I never said put an animal down that still has a sparkle in its eyes. In fact that is what guides my decision! If I look at my pet and they are happy of course it is not time to “get rid of it for a newer model”.
Third, I give to ASPCA each month as well. I know it is difficult saying good-bye to a beloved family member but remember…we live about 80 – 90 years on average. Pets live 12 – 20 years (avg). We will out live most of them. I have a care directive in my living trust that states that when I am so sick and can no longer expect a reasonable outcome or quality of life I will be supported by Hospice and kept comfortable until my time comes – and it will come! God has blessed us with His abundance of life and we have the responsibility to care for it. If my pet is at the end, no longer happy, hurting and the look in the eyes tells me it’s time to let go I will. No hospitals, tubes or cutting for me or mine when the outcome is not a good chance of recovery and a quality life. And just in case you are worried, our 10 year old Pom loves to ride in our jogging stroller when we take long walks. It protects her knees and keep her from breathing problems. It’s all about enjoying our pets and keeping them happy, safe and comfortable folks…not taking out a second mortgage!
Leigh F
Leigh F | 1 year, 8 months ago
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My beloved Priss
Last evening I had to put my son’s dog of 18 years to sleep. Like a lot of you it was a long struggle to make the decision. My son is now 24 and we bought her for him when he was in the first grade. He is married and no longer at home. Priss seemed healthy. But her mind was going and it was hard for her to walk. Once mobile she would pace for hours, or stand and turn in circles. She would get lost in a corner and get confused. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, even though I have a wonderful vet (her only vet) that came to the house and put her to sleep in her bed. I spent the last day with her carrying her out to do her business and feeding her. I did everything knowing that it was the last time. She was put in a wooden box built for her with a pillow and her blanket. I tucked her in for the last time and told her “night night angel” as I did every night. I loved her and she was the last of my sons childhood. I understand the issue of letting a pet go. But I can tell you that having one fairly healthy but completely helpless becoming and a stranger is so hard. I have owned dogs all my life. And I still have two. But it is much easier to let them go when you are releasing them from pain and suffering then to let them go when you aren’t sure they even know you. It is hard to vacuum up her hairs today and erase her footprints from my carpet after yesterdays pacing. But I know that I tucked her in once last time. I was good to her and now I know that she is sleeping and resting. I am going to try to remember her as she was when she was young and full of life. When I was the center of her focus. As one writer wrote, “when she had that sparkle in her eye” Do what ever you feel is best. But a pet can leave long before they die. And you need to decide if you can do the right thing when the time comes. Love to all you pet lovers. I am one and have had some great four legged friends. And yes I look forward to some more!
diane | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Personal Negotiation
Responsible spending for pet treatment is, I believe, a matter of personal financial boundaries. Spending beyond one’s means can harm the family and the pets, the same as buying a car or home you can’t afford. The tricky part is, when you begin with a modest-costing treatment that escalates and you are unwittingly drawn in. THEN it can be much more difficult to draw a line, when you’re in the midst of treatment. THAT is where the morality of vets comes in, which can be an oxymoron, since they are in the business of making money treating animals.
Recently, my foster cat w/ kittens clawed my poodle’s eye (detailed story at mrsmomkit.blogspot.com) Of course I would seek treatment and I could comfortably afford the $600 treatment to repair the cornea and sew the eyelid shut to let it heal for a week. However, the moral question becomes, if I could not have afforded such treatment for vet emergencies, does that mean I cannot or should not own pets? Alternatively, would a lesser treatment have been equally humane, based on what I could afford? Interesting argument. Boils down to individual negotiation with conscience and finances.
mrsmomkit.blogspot.com | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Pets and people's prejudice, the case of the pet
We have a case of a pet rat we that got sick. I know it is just a rat just as all but one vet in Sacramento told us when we wanted someone to see him and possibly put him to sleep. One vet even said throw him against a wall and leave him alone to deal with “real” pets. This pet we loved and as an example about the bond a pet gets this rat would neither run away if set loose as we normally let him out but stay near us and even came when called. If you stroked his head he would shut his eyes and I swear purr if he could. He would also come and lick your cheek or figure to get pet. He started wheezing and would not move around much so we wanted to find out what was wrong, because we concerned of course. One vet out of all the ones in Sacramento would see if he could help, most refused or said hit him with a shovel or as I said throw him against a wall. The one vet that we saw called us back after getting the message from his receptionist (a few places I am sure did not make it past that stage). This guy has pet rats and felt he knew the problem since he had been working on a treatment for this rat ailment for a few years with no success. He saw him and confirmed what it was and that it was terminal and put him to sleep (with gas not a shovel), he even offered to contact a grief councilor. This was a little over 10 years ago and cost $40.
This story I tell to point out just what people think about pet care, even vets, and even say a dog or cat owner. If an animal loves you and trusts you it is your obligation to care and love it as well. They do not ask to get sick nor do they understand that we need to have cable TV, or a new pair of $200 sneakers.
Even the loving rat deserves his last moments to be as peaceful and pleasant as reasonably possible. Instead of his last moments as he flies towards a wall to be of terror, confusion, and betrayal. If I can afford the $80 bucks to a charity then I DEFINITELY can spend the money on a loved one regardless. The scope of extravagances is as with their human owners a matter of personal wealth and right if it is in the pet’s best interest not the owners conceit or selfishness. Some pets as people are luckier at times.
Roy Jarrett | 1 year, 8 months ago
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Oh Rats!
I can’t believe the response you got with your rat. I have had many wonderful pet rats over the years. One regular problem with them is Micoplasma (not sure about the spelling). It is a common respiratory problem that has plagued rat lovers for years.
I have to say that even 10 years ago when you where getting the responses from veterinarian’s (in this case I use the position title very loosely) of slamming them or hitting them so offensive that they should have been reported to a state board. I hope this is no longer a common response – I doubt it is. I have also owned snakes. I had to sell them all as I could no longer deal with the “culling” of my mouse colony. I talked with exotic animal vets and everyone else I could think of to come up with the most humane method but, after a while I just couldn’t do it any longer. I understand what must be done to maintain certain animals but I must say that I came in contact with WAY to many reptile folks that seemed to enjoy the process of death for mice, rats, bunnies….THAT is a sick and very scary mind set. Am I against reptiles? Nope. I find them fascinating. I hope we will be able to “cull” out the herpers that “enjoy” feeding down to those who find it the very unpleasant part of reptile husbandry and work towards making it much more humane. This also applies to our food animals. Give them a good quality life then make it as quick and painless as possible. I don’t think (hope) most farmers of old and new enjoy that part of farming.
Just My Opinion – Leigh F
Leigh F | 1 year, 8 months ago
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