by *Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D.
Member since:
January 16, 2007

Pet euthanasia up due to economy

March 26, 2009 03:35 PM EDT
views: 146 | comments: 18

At first glance, pet euthanasia seems drastic, but what if you've lost your job, and your beloved pet falls ill. 

I have a 115 pound golden retriever, who has had many illnesses and surgeries due to gigantic nature.  He's literally a giant for his breed.  I ran up so many medical bills for him, and he needs pain killers for his hip that run $85. for a prescription, not to mention his other meds and feed.

I have paid and paid.   Each occurrence, I get charged about $100. a visit plus whatever the vet comes up with.  So, I told him, I couldn't afford to keep coming in, when we know what's wrong.  Couldn't I just buy the medications?

The vet said, "No, that's not ethical." 

I asked the vet, what choices I had.  He recommended euthanasia.  I, of course, changed vet, but not before asking the first vet, if he felt killing my dog was more ethical than giving me the medication we both know he needs.

I have had my dog for three years, and am in the position to keep him, but I can understand that sometimes, we just can't.  This is a hardship beyond reason.   To have to choose between a pet and money. 

The economy must turn around.  Pet insurance only works if you get it when the pup is young.  I had a dog for  13 years and he never got sick.  So who knew this one would.  Pet insurance is ridiculous, but a vet with a heart that will work with you is priceless.  So, shop around for a good vet, and keep your pet.
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Comments: 18

Qpon Lady Mar 26, 2009, 3:40pm EDT
I would imagine there are less people adopting strays these days also, which would cause the euthanasia rates to go up. I have had to put down two animals so far, but those were situations where they were going to die, and I could either let them suffer and die on their own, or put them out of their misery. There really was nothing that could be done for them. So I opted to have them put to sleep. It's an awful thing to have to do.

You are right. A good vet is difficult to find, and the same goes for ordinary physicians.
juley g. Mar 26, 2009, 3:47pm EDT
A good vet is so important!
Kimberly L. Mar 26, 2009, 3:50pm EDT
This is just heartbreaking. It's also why I am trying to get people to help me to help animals in need of medical assistance by getting involved with Patches' Pet Pals.

What your vet said about being unethical is simply cruel. Eventually, I want to set up a whole network of vets and low cost vet clinics to work with Patches' Pet Pals to help animals whose owners are not able to pay medical charges or for meds or surgeries.

I think my idea of selling items with animal pictures/designs on them is a great way to raise the money to do this. That way, the person helping gets a little something to use and Patches' Pet Pals gets the funds it needs to provide a service that is obviously needed throughout this country.
Janet "Jax" B. Mar 26, 2009, 3:50pm EDT
I do know what you mean....my husband had to put down his chessie....he had hip displasia in both hips. The poor dog was in pain and it would have taken multiple surgeries to fix it, just so the dog could walk pain free.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Mar 26, 2009, 3:55pm EDT
I took a stray to our version of Saving pets. "Pets for People" The woman there refused the dog. I told her I couldn't keep the pup. I found it wandering on a highway. She told me to leave it at 7-11. I reported her to the city.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle D. Mar 26, 2009, 3:55pm EDT
Janet,
There are times, we can do nothing else. I'm reaching my wits end with my giant golden, but I have held on so far, but can't afford much more.
Trish A. Mar 26, 2009, 3:56pm EDT
It is getting expensive to take care of a pet with health problems. We find ways, thank goodness we are able to still care for our pets. Kimberly I like your idea. Do you have a web site?
Steph-in-NE ..... Mar 26, 2009, 4:09pm EDT
heartbreaking yes yet it is wrong to let him suffer the pain he is feeling,, I was once told a dog atheritis is ten times worse for them then us,, and I got three opinion on this,, we take our dog for yearly shot and get the flea med I wont allow my dogs to be in pain,,if anyof them were then they go down,,, I had to do with my beagle,,

and the flea med I get online thru pets med...
fancy c. Mar 26, 2009, 5:24pm EDT
OH MY..MY ANIMALS ARE MY FAMILY NOT PETS
I hope you won't feel like you have to put your dog down. Have you been able to find a better vet.
Val G. Mar 26, 2009, 6:02pm EDT
I'm glad you are able to take care of him. My brother has a diabetic dog, and they know she will eventually go but they are able to care for her now with regular shots. Too bad so many animals are being put down.
Janet H. Mar 26, 2009, 9:43pm EDT
I have 15 pets, 3 dogs and 12 cats, all rescues. There have been many months when I have spent $800 to $1200 at the vet for these animals. Recently my one cat was vomiting and couldn't keep food down. Two trips to the vet for treatment cost over $600! The cat is well now but there is a chance that he may need to be on steroids at a low level for a long time. I have several pets on special prescription diets. Then there is always the routine stuff like vaccinations, spayings and neuterings, microchipping, heartworm and flea preventive, teeth cleanings and extractions, etc. It all adds up. I think anyone who gets a pet needs to set aside money in a special account to be used in the future if and when the pets has special needs for expensive veterinary care. Either that or buy pet insurance and set aside a smaller amount of money. Its not fair to a pet to get it and then not be able to provide the care it needs when it gets sick. So far, I have been able to keep up with all the medical and other needs of my 15 pets but I can sure understand how some people couldn't come up with that kind of money. At our vet, it is cash up front or a charge card or your pet doesn't get seen. However, our vet does let us get prescriptions sometimes without bringing the animal in.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Mar 26, 2009, 11:03pm EDT
Vet bills are as costly as doctors bills. if not more in my opinion. Last time one of my pets had to go to the vets, it was over 400 bucks for 2 meds and one test. But plus vet bill. All had to be paid up front. Being right after we moved and right before Christmas time....We were running low on cash. Thankfully a few caring members helped out for Chrsitmas. So, I didn't have to choose.
Robyn F. Mar 26, 2009, 11:29pm EDT
I agree with Fancy Courtright..... dont get a pet if you think you cant spend whatever it takes to keep it healthy.......Im sorry, i am very passionate about these things.....
Robyn F. Mar 26, 2009, 11:31pm EDT
also what Adele said, my vet also loves her 'patients' more than she likes people I think, and will work with you if you cant afford something....
DJ B. Apr 2, 2009, 12:08pm EDT
I hear ya, Carol!

My dogs go to the vet when they need to even when I can't afford to go myself.
In fact, other than the dentist, I haven't been to a Doctor of any kind in 21 yrs.
Part luck, part stupidity, that I've managed to do that........but I'm still here. ;o)

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