moms with dogs?

i have an awesome cocker spaniel who just turned 7 years old. he was always so healthy until 2 months ago when he ruptured a disk in his back. he had surgery, physical therapy, tons of meds and now $10,000 and 2 months later he seems to possibly need another surgery b/c he is in so much pain and more dsks may have ruptured. but they say even with surgery he still may have more disks rupture and since this is a degenerative condition who knows how many surgeries he may need. every surgery is about $10,000 and 3 months of recuperation (meds, confinment, me doing pt.)

i'm a sahm with a 19 month old and a baby due march 31st. we are now completely gutting my ds's new bedroom and buying new baby furniture, double stroller, etc. times are tough these days and i don't know what to do.

do i gamble another $10,000 and pray this surgery is the last or do i not and end his suffering now.

thanks for reading all of this. he's my love and i don't want him in pain or to loose him but money is so tight and surgery may not work again.

Re: moms with dogs?

OMG how sad for you and your family I'd probably start with a second opinion, I don't know if you trust your vet 100%?? It just sounds like an impossible predicament, to spend $10K multiple times for a problem that can't be fixed??? Start with a second opinion, let us know where you live, I have a great vet but I"m in Qns so maybe another mom can help with a referral.

Also what are they telling you about the cause of the condition??? Is there an injury to his spinal column?? Or is it genetic (if that's the case I'd be all over the breeder, if there is one!).

Re: moms with dogs?

Posted by colette

OMG how sad for you and your family I'd probably start with a second opinion, I don't know if you trust your vet 100%?? It just sounds like an impossible predicament, to spend $10K multiple times for a problem that can't be fixed??? Start with a second opinion, let us know where you live, I have a great vet but I"m in Qns so maybe another mom can help with a referral.

Also what are they telling you about the cause of the condition??? Is there an injury to his spinal column?? Or is it genetic (if that's the case I'd be all over the breeder, if there is one!).

Re: moms with dogs?

I had this issue with my beagle. He ruptured a disk in his spine and we went to the same place in Plainview. He ended up having back surgery and it cost us about $6k. They told me it runs in his breed and it could happen again. At this point, it has been three years later, and he is still in pain, most of the times can't control his bladder. I think if it happened again I wouldn't put him through that. But this is something that me and DH have spoken extensively about, not because of the $$$ because we know the outcome is not good. I think this is something you and DH have to make a decision together. But, if it was me and my dog, I don't think I would put him through that again. Good luck with your decision.

Re: moms with dogs?

Crap I am so sorry... I wonder though if 2 months is soon enough for an accurate prognosis, could he still be healing from the 1st surgery?? Sorry I don't have actual advice but just trying to find some light here...

Also I bet this will get moved to the pet board, but that might be OK if anyone has any specific suggestions there!!!!

Re: moms with dogs?

Posted by LoveBeingMrsT

Posted by colette

OMG how sad for you and your family I'd probably start with a second opinion, I don't know if you trust your vet 100%?? It just sounds like an impossible predicament, to spend $10K multiple times for a problem that can't be fixed??? Start with a second opinion, let us know where you live, I have a great vet but I"m in Qns so maybe another mom can help with a referral.

Also what are they telling you about the cause of the condition??? Is there an injury to his spinal column?? Or is it genetic (if that's the case I'd be all over the breeder, if there is one!).

thanks for the offer! but i'm in queens too and my vet sent me all the way out to long island (exit 48 on the lie) to see these specialists.
they say it is common for this breed and it is degenrative. the spine may be injured if the ruptured disks adhere to it and then paralisis may begin.

Re: moms with dogs?

i am so sorry you have to make this decision! if it were me i probably wouldn't chance it - especially if the vet seems to feel that this second surgery might not be "it."

i agree with getting a second opinion though. please don't feel bad about not being sure about this surgery - you have already done SO much for your puppy.

Re: moms with dogs?

As a dog lover and owner myself I totally understand your pain! However, I would never spend that amount of money unless there was guarantee that he will 100% fine. Its tough, I know, but now, especially since I am a parent, my priorities are different.

Re: moms with dogs?

Re: moms with dogs?

I could not spend that much on my dog, I just financially could not do it

sorry you are in this situation

Re: moms with dogs?

There is no way I'd spend that much on a dog.

Re: moms with dogs?

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I know it's hard. Honestly, even if I had the money, I don't know what I would do. To put him through the surgeries without knowing it would help, I don't know. Definatley go for a 2nd opinion somewhere. It couldn't hurt.

Re: moms with dogs?

i'm sorry you are going through this I don't know what I would do because it's a part of the family but if I don't have 100% guarantee I would probalby go for a second opinion