Open Minded Discussion - Heath care costs
Discussion
All,
As posted on another thread, my lovely lab and much loved family dog has acute osteo arithritis. There is no possible cure, although the vet has said the only highly specialist route open is a Scan (£4,500) and investigation of suitability for joint replacement.
So anyway, I have quite clear views on this and I appreciate that others won't agree, but I am curious about it.
Insurance funded or not, my contention is that it is morally wrong to be spending five figure sums on pets health. I couldn't justify it to myself.
moorx said:
^^ This.
(Just for clarity, £4,500 is not a five figure sum, it's a four figure sum).
I have spent four figure sums on several of my dogs, and would do the same in a heartbeat. Having had dogs with diabetes, cancer (x3), arthritis (x4), traumatic injury, dental issues and IMHA, I hate to think what I have spent on vet's bills over the years, but I don't begrudge a penny. Only a couple of things have been covered by insurance, the rest have been paid out of my own pocket. I am not 'rolling in money' by any means, but I guess it is about priorities. My dogs have always been a big part of my life; I consider them part of my family. I chose to adopt them, and it is my responsibility to pay for their care, whatever that may cost.
Personally, I consider it morally wrong not to pay for vet treatment if there is a chance of improving a pet's quality of life.
Interesting, I promise I can count - I was factoring in the likely cost for two elbow replacements, if the scan is £4k then sure a s(Just for clarity, £4,500 is not a five figure sum, it's a four figure sum).
I have spent four figure sums on several of my dogs, and would do the same in a heartbeat. Having had dogs with diabetes, cancer (x3), arthritis (x4), traumatic injury, dental issues and IMHA, I hate to think what I have spent on vet's bills over the years, but I don't begrudge a penny. Only a couple of things have been covered by insurance, the rest have been paid out of my own pocket. I am not 'rolling in money' by any means, but I guess it is about priorities. My dogs have always been a big part of my life; I consider them part of my family. I chose to adopt them, and it is my responsibility to pay for their care, whatever that may cost.
Personally, I consider it morally wrong not to pay for vet treatment if there is a chance of improving a pet's quality of life.
t the actual operations are going to be more. However in the end it is a dog.
ali_kat said:
No, in the end it is a member of your family that you are responsible for looking after.
In adopting a pet, you undertake a moral responsibility for it's health and well being. They don't have NHS which is why we take out insurance for Medical Bills, and if you are one of the unfortunates that can't afford that, it is why there is the PDSA.
If you view it as 'just a dog'; perhaps you are not the right person to have one...
I knew someone would suggest I wasn't fit to be an owner. I am not offended, I know the quality of the care and dedication I give to my dog. In adopting a pet, you undertake a moral responsibility for it's health and well being. They don't have NHS which is why we take out insurance for Medical Bills, and if you are one of the unfortunates that can't afford that, it is why there is the PDSA.
If you view it as 'just a dog'; perhaps you are not the right person to have one...
However, lifting it slightly from the personal to the moral and ethic. Should western society be spending these sums of money on pet treatment. In most places in the world, a sick dog is very much "just a dog" and £10,000 buys a lot of human health care.
I know it is a little trite and there are ALWAYS better things to do with money at that level.
ali_kat said:
Maybe I'm being a little harsh there, sorry.
That comment just struck the wrong chord for me.
No worries Ali, I agree it is a difficult one to get the tone right on a forum, lack of visuals etc. That comment just struck the wrong chord for me.
I love my dog, and there are lots of things I would do and do do, to ensure a great quality of life, and I am gutted she is crocked at only seven years old. My kids are in tears and we simply can't walk her across the beautiful countryside we live in, early this week she broke down after about 500m and we had to carry her back to the car.
At individual level we are all going to make choices. But honestly I don't think I could morally spend 10k on joint replacements, but I was interested to hear the views of those that have or would.
I think we just need to agree that this about who loves their pet most... more a philosophical topic.
ali_kat said:
I know you do, I was surprised at the statement, which I think is why I got upset if that makes sense?
What is the Vet's prognosis? Will the Ops improve her quality of life for sure, or is it a maybe?
Will they lead to further Ops? (Good money after bad so to speak?)
Is she insured?
IF she's insured, it's a no brainer.
If she's not then (why on earth not?!) it's a different question
No she absolutely is insured, I am waiting to hear back from the insurance co as to whether the claim is allowable. What is the Vet's prognosis? Will the Ops improve her quality of life for sure, or is it a maybe?
Will they lead to further Ops? (Good money after bad so to speak?)
Is she insured?
IF she's insured, it's a no brainer.
If she's not then (why on earth not?!) it's a different question
Without the scan the Vet isn't willing to comment on whether she is a suitable candidate for the surgery, but it is both front elbows and given it is arthritis it is likely to be in other joints sooner or later too.
So it is hard to say. Hence the question. I have previously made bold statements about hugely expensive surgery for pets and how I don't think it is morally justifable. However ..... am I about to change my mind ?
I guess in the end the real question is - post op - will she be back and close to good as ever, or is it a marginal or temporary gain.
She needs rest right now, back at the vet in two weeks once the inflammation is a bit more under control.
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