We have a very hard decision to make

**ferhoodled** · 03-19-2012, 04:49 PM

I am just so sad and confused right now. Our dear dog, Toby, who is 12 years old, was diagnosed today with bladder stones and stones in his urethra. This is causing him extreme pain. The vet bill today for xrays and blood and urine tests was $566. He needs surgery at a specialty vet in Indy and although they wouldn't give me an exact cost over the phone, they estimate that surgery will cost $2000 - $2500. If he doesn't have the surgery he will die.

We are in total love with this dog. He is the most special boy. We just don't have the money to pay for this other than to put it on the credit card and then what else will happen health wise to such an old dog? What would you do? Surgery or the alternative? I can't even type it right now...

**Mr Fixit** · 03-19-2012, 04:58 PM

Well my dear, if the dog is very old, I would not spend that kind of money for the operation. I know it's hard, and you will feel bad, but you have to look out for your families well being too. I could afford the price, but still would not spend that on an old dog.

**Spirit Deer** · 03-19-2012, 05:00 PM

That's a tough one. If he is healthy otherwise, I'd probably go for the surgery. Although there are no guarantees your doggy will remain healthy.

One of ours had to have expensive knee surgery at eleven. That was a hard decision too, at her age. But we went ahead and she lived three more years, pain free and healthy. We were never sorry we spent the money.

**frugal is fun** · 03-19-2012, 05:03 PM

can you get in touch with your local vet or animal shelters....Sometimes there are funds available for surgeries etc. I'm not sure of details but an ex boyfriend of mine was in a similar situation, dog needed surgery, he didn't have the money and found an agency that paid half.

this was a few years ago but making a few phone calls might be worth it.

good luck and I'm so sorry about your dog.

**ladytoysdream** · 03-19-2012, 05:16 PM

((( Hi )))

What breed is your dog ?
The bigger breeds don't live as long as smaller breeds do.

We recently lost one of our cocker spaniels.
He was just over 15 yrs old. We are still very sad.
We have one left, and he keeps looking for his buddy.

**larabelle** · 03-19-2012, 06:17 PM

I had a friend in a similar situation her older dog (dachshund) needed extensive back surgery and the cost would be close to $2,000. She found a vet school located about an hour away which charged less than half that amount. She was very pleased with the service they provided and her dog lived many more years.

**frugalwarrior2** · 03-19-2012, 06:41 PM

I would put the dog to sleep. When my dog had lymph cancer I did the same.

**Rhayne** · 03-19-2012, 07:56 PM

I can't offer much help other than to send virtual :::HUGS:::

My father paid 1,200 a couple years ago because our pregnant cat had an infection in her uterus after giving birth to 5 still born babies. They gave him the option of putting her to sleep and he said he didn't care if it cost 5,000, he was paying it. I do however agree, if the dog is in good health otherwise, you should consider paying it or finding an alternate way of paying.

**AGierald** · 03-19-2012, 07:58 PM

Only you could make the decision. If it were my dog, I would have to make the less desirable decision, bc we wouldnt even have the credit card capacity to do the surgery, but its up to you. what breed is it?

**nodmicks** · 03-19-2012, 08:25 PM

For me it would depend on the expected life span of the dog and health in general. If it is a bigger dog it is likely at the end of it's life span. Our big dog is 12 and I would elect to put her down though I love her dearly because her quality of like is likely to keep declining. I dont want my baby to suffer just because I didnt want to part with her.

We had a cat that had surgery for blockage twice. It was less than 1/2 what you were told. Is it possible to call around to compare prices? If the cost was lower would it fit in the budget?

**Lora88** · 03-19-2012, 08:29 PM

I elected to do surgery on my 12 year old german shepherd everyone advised against it but she live another 4 years and her tail was wagging as I held her the day she died at 16 at that time it was 1200.00 and to me worth every penny. I would do it again if I had too

**craftypam** · 03-19-2012, 08:49 PM

First,
I'd like to say how sorry I am that you are having to deal with this.
My sil has had a few dogs operated on and when she moved out to the "country" the prices went way down with very good quality of care. Maybe you could check that out too!!
There is also a cc specifically for vet and dental care that you can get that I believe has 0% interest. I told madhen in here about it; I will look it up if you are interested.

**brennasmom** · 03-19-2012, 09:10 PM

Have you gotten a second opionion for surgery cost?

For me I would take into account the average life span of the bread. If the dog could likely have another 2-3 years I would probably have the surgery.

**Hamada** · 03-19-2012, 10:24 PM

Sending hugs your way.

**MTS04** · 03-20-2012, 04:20 PM

Bladder stones are tough on a dog, but the surgery to remove them is a life saving surgery. A 12 year old dog in otherwise good health will easily tolerate the surgery. There is no alternative, if they are large, except removal. Ultrasonic treatment isn't available in animals and the success is less than 50/50.
The hospital I was a tech at, often saw stones in goldens usually between the ages of 8 and 11. The stones are unique looking in as such they look like smooth stones a yellowish grey color.
I can't tell you whether or not to do the surgery, that's a very personal choice. I will say, that 12 is still quite young and could live out several more years on a special diet to avoid further stones.

Whatever you do, I wish you hugs and peace.