Vet costs when uninsured
Discussion
We are in the unfortunate position of our requiring x-rays and potentially surgery for a ligament injury. He is 8.
He was insured but we had to claim for £300 when he was a puppy. Consequently our premium tripled and we decided to self insure as the amount of money demanded was ludicrous. We self insured for years, but both being public sector workers, we have had to use the money to get by and have no pot left.
Potentially we can continue to use painkillers, the dog is simply not putting a foot down but his demeanour and character is unchanged with him being happy and hyper active. The vets suggest x rays at £600 and potential cruciate ligament surgery at £3-4k. We will not be able to afford either under any circumstances.
What options do we have in this scenario other than try and obtain a loan for the amount? I looked at PDSA but they are unable to assist.
He was insured but we had to claim for £300 when he was a puppy. Consequently our premium tripled and we decided to self insure as the amount of money demanded was ludicrous. We self insured for years, but both being public sector workers, we have had to use the money to get by and have no pot left.
Potentially we can continue to use painkillers, the dog is simply not putting a foot down but his demeanour and character is unchanged with him being happy and hyper active. The vets suggest x rays at £600 and potential cruciate ligament surgery at £3-4k. We will not be able to afford either under any circumstances.
What options do we have in this scenario other than try and obtain a loan for the amount? I looked at PDSA but they are unable to assist.
Yes, all sound advice. The issue is, we physically won't have the funds. We are already maxed out on loans and mortgage / car payments, cannot save a penny and will not be able to fund this kind of cost.
Borrowing from family has been mooted but I am not keen on this. It was always going to be a problem.
Borrowing from family has been mooted but I am not keen on this. It was always going to be a problem.
I should update this thread.
After my first post, we took him to the vet for a follow up to work out how best to proceed.
My wife took him, and came back in tears. The vet diagnosed an aggressive cancer in his joint, one x ray was sufficient to show this. There were no options.
We took him home and kept him on pain relief for 3 days so we and the kids could say goodbye. He was put down this morning with both of us by his side. Its an experience I can' t really describe, and it's hit me hard. I watched a family member die in front of me. We took him out for a nice walk before hand. He had no idea, and spent the time chasing the ball as all collies would, on 3 legs.
Thanks for your support. We did the right thing, the vets were first class. I have dealt with a lot of death in my life through work, most of it having little effect on me personally as they were unconnected to me. This was something else though. We also had the whole scenario to explain to our 4 and 6 year old. This is the first pet to die since we have been married for 13 years - and the first time our kids have had to deal with this.
I am not ashamed to say I have had a good cry. Can't remember the last time I actually shed a tear. Feeling his warm body and watching the moment his heart stopped was surreal. As well as what a great pet he has been, goes 9 years of memories. He has been in our first ever house bought together, to our current one 3 houses on. He has seen a lot.
Life is such a b
h. But, he had a great hoot. He did 3 peaks as a puppy, and has had nothing but love and trips to the in laws in Dorset with walks with the family dogs.
Onwards we go I guess.
After my first post, we took him to the vet for a follow up to work out how best to proceed.
My wife took him, and came back in tears. The vet diagnosed an aggressive cancer in his joint, one x ray was sufficient to show this. There were no options.
We took him home and kept him on pain relief for 3 days so we and the kids could say goodbye. He was put down this morning with both of us by his side. Its an experience I can' t really describe, and it's hit me hard. I watched a family member die in front of me. We took him out for a nice walk before hand. He had no idea, and spent the time chasing the ball as all collies would, on 3 legs.
Thanks for your support. We did the right thing, the vets were first class. I have dealt with a lot of death in my life through work, most of it having little effect on me personally as they were unconnected to me. This was something else though. We also had the whole scenario to explain to our 4 and 6 year old. This is the first pet to die since we have been married for 13 years - and the first time our kids have had to deal with this.
I am not ashamed to say I have had a good cry. Can't remember the last time I actually shed a tear. Feeling his warm body and watching the moment his heart stopped was surreal. As well as what a great pet he has been, goes 9 years of memories. He has been in our first ever house bought together, to our current one 3 houses on. He has seen a lot.
Life is such a b
h. But, he had a great hoot. He did 3 peaks as a puppy, and has had nothing but love and trips to the in laws in Dorset with walks with the family dogs.Onwards we go I guess.
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