i hate dogs!!

[silverknight]

I have saved hard to get the money for my westfield and now it looks like it will have to go on hold

We have a collie puppy from a rescue center had it about 5 months now and we were told when we got her she had a slight heart problem but she should grow out of it,

she got worse and so we took her to the vet who suspected  she has a hole in her heart, she has been to the School of Veterinary Science in liverpool for a scan today and she does  have a hole in her heart.

we are left with 3 options

1, operate costing around 4k

2, have her put to sleep

3, do nothing and one day she will have a massive heart attack and drop down dead knowing very little about what has happened .

we can't get insurance as it was a  condition declaried my the rescue center on the free pet plan insurance .

does anybody have any experance of this with there dogs ?

Are there any vets on here?

our vet has taken a step back saying he does not know enough about heart surgery.

thanks

gareth

[blue_toaster]

b****r.

I don't have experience of collie's or heart conditions in dogs, I did have a dog though that developed diabetic cataracts and went blind pretty much overnight. He was referred to a specialist and ended up having a cataract operation at a cost of around £4,600. He was insured though so I didn't have to make the decisions you do now.

It's not a decision I'd want to have to make and I feel for you.

[Rory's Dad]

From the dogs point of view, 3 looks OK (might suit you too!).

Rory's Dad

[Cleggy the Spyder Man]

very difficult but I would surely want to know the success rate of option 1 before I made my mind up  

[Bananaman]

It's either 1 or 3  and personally i'd choose 3 but then a gain it ain't my pooch!

[cidersurfer]

I have a rescue dog, she cost me £93 and we love her dearly. We've had our fair share of problems with her and she's a member of the family in every way. She's turned a lot of dog 'nay sayers' into dog lovers.  

We've chosen to spend some money on her in dribs and drabs and I'd hate to have to make the decision you are contemplating. Throughout our ownership we have taken the attitude that we improved her chances and gave her a better life (hopefully) BUT she is still just a dog and £4k is a lot of money. If it was up to my other half she'd spend it, if it was up to me I'd probably not and I'd take option 2 or 3 depending upon her quality of life. There are lots more that need rescuing...  

Everyone's different though, I hope you can find a solution you are comfortable with.

[Captain Colonial]

Let's start with sorry for your troubles. I love animals and wouldn't be without a pet in my life.

I'm assuming 1 and 3 are your preferred options in that order.

> Have you contacted the rescue centre where you got it?  They usually have a tame vet and might be able to help reduce the costs.

> PDSA can be a huge help as well, particularly if you're on benefits and your pet is in need of treatment

Barkley (13 and a Westy, of course!), who just recovered from an illness himself, says hello and hopes your collie will be OK soon.

[ACW]

What surgery is being offered and what type of hole ( vsd, asd etc) ?

Cardiac surgery is rarely simple and without follow up issues. Therefore depending on the quantity and quality of life option 3 may be a better long term outcome than 1.

If it were me and I had become attached to the dog, I would be looking for best outcomes first and cost second. Money doesn't however necessarily mean best outcome in the long term.

[RichP]

Long shot:

Sell the dog to one of your friends who lives out of your area for £1. They can take out insurance as they've only just got the dog and they're unaware of any prior problems. They then take the dog to a completely different vet for diagnosis. Get the problem fixed on the new insurance policy. They can then sell the dog back to you for £1.

Dog ok, Westy in garage!

[Barry Ashcroft]

Long shot:

Sell the dog to one of your friends who lives out of your area for £1. They can take out insurance as they've only just got the dog and they're unaware of any prior problems. They then take the dog to a completely different vet for diagnosis. Get the problem fixed on the new insurance policy. They can then sell the dog back to you for £1.

Dog ok, Westy in garage!

I like that idea

[RichP]

Either that or take the dog back to the rescue centre claiming that you've been posted on an oil rig (or somewhere you can't possbly keep a dog) so you have to give it back. Bung them £50 to cover food for a while, and tell them about  the heart problem. They'll have to get it fixed - either on their own insurance (which they may not have as I imagine insurance for a pet rescue centre would cost a fortune) or for a very low cost (do vets support rescue centres for a low cost / free?). 3 months time go back and buy the same dog again - job didn't work out. If you drop it off, your missus could check in every week or so to "visit and view dogs - thinking of getting one" to make sure it's still around and ok.

Again, perhaps a long shot...........

[MGF255]

in recent years the cost of vetinary surgery seems to have rocketed up - about 15 years ago one of our dogs needed an operation to remove a growth , back then pet insurance was almost unheard of - the op cost £400 and he was then ok until the ripe old age of 17 , today the same op costs £1500 + and pet insurance is now common place . I`m not saying vets are over paid as I know in general that`s not the case but today it seems to me if an insurer gets involved the price seems to jump up .  

PS. RichP has the right idea ....  

[KerryS]

So sorry to hear about the issues. If it was me, it's be 1 after some more advice on success probabilities.

[Tubs]

BUT she is still just a dog and £4k is a lot of money.

I don't know how you can say such a thing! Its another living creature and how you treat this creature is a reflection on your own moral standard.

The main factor should be the welfare of the dog and this should also be the driving force for the decision made by the vet. I would definately check that an operation is the best option and if it is, then that would be my choice.

I'm not sure that I could live comfortably with any other choice than the best one.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Tubs.

[cidersurfer]

You are of course entitled to your opinion but please don't question my morals, you do NOT know me and it is not constructive for the OP... Let's not get the moderators involved...