As most of you know, I have a sweet little pug named Matisse. Okay, I know that all of you don't adore her! (you know who you are). But, as she gets older, the more I love her! (well, sometimes) Actually, I think I'm just being sensitive and sentimental because Matisse is hurt. She had problems with her left knee in March. She had a hair-line fracture in her leg and fluid in her knee. She got better after a round of anti-inflammatory meds. All seemed okay until we went out of town a couple of weeks ago. When we got home, she was limping again. I thought it was her old problem acting up again, so I didn't take her to the vet. Its been a couple weeks, she's still limping and won't go up stairs, so I took her to the vet. (I kinda felt bad for waiting so long) The vet gives me news that is so unwanted! He tells me that she has a torn ACL. Can you believe that!? Who knew a dog could tear their ACL? I'd never heard of it! Oh, and she also has an unstable knee cap. She may also have problems with hip dysplasia in the future. Apparently the only fix is surgery. Here's the kicker. The surgery costs $1400. I think my draw dropped to the floor and my eyes popped out of my head! Excuse me doc? Did you say fourteen hundred dollars? The vet goes on to tell me that's the only real solution, because long term anti-inflammatory drugs cause stomach and kidney problems.
The way I see it, we have three choices. 1) suck it up and get the surgery (trying not to think of all the great things $1400 would buy) 2) let her suffer while giving her anti-inflam. as long as possible. 3) euthanize her. (okay, not an option for me, but a lot of people suggested this).
I am curious, what would you do? We haven't made the surgery date yet. Oh, I did some calling around and it sounds like $1400 might be a good deal for what she needs done. HELP! I guess that animal vet insurance doesn't sound so bad anymore!
6 comments:
i am the wrong person to say anything because you know how much i love that snorting, puke-it-up then eat-it-up, toe sucking dog. However i can relate because we put a lot of dough into sammy. blood transfusion after ingested rat poison. cancerous tumor removed about 6 mos before we actually had to put her to sleep. I vote for the surgery because inspite of her weakenesses, she is a cute, fat, rolly polly dog who has been a part of your family forever. It's worth it!
I vote for the surgery. That heavy breathing fur ball has a lot of life left in her. Maybe the cost of Jack's surgery will make you feel like you are getting a deal.
Euthinize her. I am so bad but I wouldn't spend $1400 on my chickens! It is difficult for you dog lovers though. My mother sat crying at the dinner table tonight about putting our Tucker to sleep (he's not really my dog at all). He is so old and in pain, deaf, can't control his bladder and can barely walk. It is a hard thing to do to anything living though. Matisse does have a lot of life left in her which is the difference I suppose, so don't listen to me!
poor pug. the pet insurance does sound like a good idea.
tausha you can hardly compare your chickens to dogs!!! good grief woman!
Well, we did the surgery. $1800 when all was said and done. Repaired ACL, knee cap, meniscus, and five pulled teeth. ouch! I guess I'll be better about brushing her teeth. Or maybe its just that whole box of chocolates she ate a couple years ago. All of that sugar (and poison) couldn't have been good for her!
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