The past week has been emotional, to say the least.
That trend continued yesterday when our dog, Tahoe, went to the Vet for an emergency appointment.
Tahoe, in better times
He didn’t eat his dinner on Monday night, which is VERY unlike him. In fact, I knew something was wrong when it was 6pm and he wasn’t incessantly licking the back door as a reminder for us to feed him. That usually starts right after he finishes breakfast, so the fact that he hadn’t done it AT ALL well into the evening was the first clue something was wrong.
He came inside and slept and then didn’t eat breakfast again on Tuesday morning. Something was definitely wrong. I had some work to do in the morning, and I was volunteering in Dylan’s classroom, so I left him at home asked my MIL to keep an eye on him while she was here watching the boys.
When I got home at noon, she said he was definitely still acting sick and we decided it was time to call the Vet. So I did. They seemed concerned and asked if we could bring him right in. So DJ, who was home showering and changing after falling into a patch of poison oak (because OF COURSE HE DID), dropped him off at the Vet on his way back to work.
I got a call later in the afternoon that his blood work looked good, but that his abdominal x-ray was very troubling. There seemed to be some kind of blockage in his intestines, but the image was too cloudy for her to tell what and where it was, exactly. Then she started talking about him spending days at her office, going through various tests, being given fluids and antibiotics, best case scenario, worst case scenario, possible surgery, and everyone’s favorite topic…money.
The initial estimate, based on the best case scenario, is well above $1000. The best case scenario entails him getting a few days worth of fluids and then passing the obstruction naturally. I get the feeling that the best case scenario is a long shot. The worst case scenario? He needs major surgery, more hospital care and…has an uncertain outcome. The worst case scenario? Costs a *lot* more money.
DJ and I have a tough decision to make. How much are we willing to spend to try to save Tahoe? How much CAN we spend trying to save Tahoe? We just bought a house and the remodel costs are adding up. We have three kids and their needs to take into account. And given that one of our kids is Zachary, we need to save as much money as possible to put towards his (future) medical costs. Because they’re GOING to happen. That kid is an ER trip in the making.
I’m waiting to hear what this afternoon’s x-rays show and we’ll have to make a decision at that point. It’s like our own personal Death Panel.
Dumb dog.
Related posts:
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
Obviously, I know a weeeeeee bit about this.
Dogs are so stupid. THE END.
I’m so sorry you guys are going through this. I wouldn’t wish it anyone.
HUGS.
I’m so sorry!! My best friend went through a similar vet emergency a few weeks ago (her dog pulled through against all odds). She decided to get a Care Credit Card (I think that’s what it’s called, it for medical and vet bills only). Only you can decide what’s best for Tahoe (and yourselves). Sending love
We’ve been through this SEVERAL times with our yellow lab, Bella. Miss Bella likes to eat WHOLE SOCKS, which sometimes tend to block up her intestines a bit. Same symptoms– not eating, very lethargic…
Every single time (and it has happened at least a dozen times) we find the sock in a pile of dog poop out in the backyard within a couple days.
The last time it happened, we didn’t think she was ever going to poop it out, and then right as we were walking her into the vet’s office for an $1,800 procedure– she stopped in the grass and out it came!
See if you can just get an xray to see WHAT the obstruction is. If its something soft like a sock, I would try letting it pass on its own.
I know everyone’s situations are different, but thought you might like to know what happened to us.
Sincerely, Jenni´s last [type] ..42 Years
Our dog has done this twice… on one occasion I took Indiana in and was pretty sure he wouldn’t be coming home again. I was a mess. One of the ladies working at the animal hospital told me “You know what? It’s a god-send that with animals we have the option to help them on their way and allow them to avoid any more pain or suffering. In some ways we should envy them.” That helped me a lot.
Gav´s last [type] ..Sweet Potato Soup with Blackened Halibut
And…you made me cry. ;0)
It is so true that once you have kids the amount of money you are willing and able to spend on a pet is drastically reduced. Once upon a time we would have paid anything for our dog but now we have other things to consider. I’m sorry you have to make such a decision.
If my dog were to get sick I know that I’d not be able to afford really BIG expensive bills. I’d do what I can within my means. I’m sorry that you are all going through this. (((hugs)))) XOXO
AmazingGreis´s last [type] ..9/11/2001 – 10 Years Later – I Remember…
So sorry, Meghan. I hope you get a best case scenario. These life decisions truly suck. Love to Tahoe (and the rest of you, of course.)
merlotmom´s last [type] ..No Longer Greek To Me OR I’m A Little Bit Smarter Today Than I Was Yesterday
If your dog had the same thing 10-15 years ago (or even less), there was probably not alot of things to do with him.
In these days vets can offer treatments but as you sayed this treatments cost lots of money, you have to make a list of priorities, and put your family and you on top of that list.
Good luck, i know its a tough call, but maybe after you put the importnet things infront of you, you will see clearly.
Awful decision to face. I absolutely get it. We certainly could not face major surgery on our dog, though we would never let him be in pain. I hope that sweet doggie is okay and if not, let us know. We’ll send you hugs.
anymommy´s last [type] ..Fairy party tutorial
Oh wow I am so thinking of you. This must be the season for dogs and weird stuff. I have three friends who have had their dogs to the vet for emergencies this week. Keeping you and Tahoe in my thoughts.
Marna – jwoap´s last [type] ..Getting Older Ain’t For Sissy’s Ya’ll
I’m sorry, and I’m hoping it’s something Tahoe can pass or recover from quickly. Such tough decisions to make.
neeroc´s last [type] ..I’m Losing It today, check me out