Limit to Veterinary Care?

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

I have a cap. But it would be determined by medical problem x cost x likely hood of recovery x likely quality of life after recovery = decision.

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This is a great way to look at it, I too would follow this same way. Luckily for me I haven't been put into a position that I have had to make that kind of decision. I'm crossing my fingers that I never have to either.

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Originally Posted by dsirkle

I have a cap. But it would be determined by medical problem x cost x likely hood of recovery x likely quality of life after recovery = decision.

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This pretty much sums up my ideals.

When it comes to vet bills I've had to walk a fine line sometimes. I've had to decide whether the high costs incurred would really extend the life of a pet in a positive way, not just in a count of days. I've had to balance that against the needs of 4 growing children in a one income family because in the end I must be responsible first to the humans of this household. With that of course is the understanding that if the animal is their beloved pet, how they feel about giving up some things so we can afford a massive vet bill.

I guess I've been lucky over the years though in having great relationships with our vets so that if something came up the clinic worked with me in both keeping costs reasonable and allowing me to pay over time.

It's never an easy choice though.

Our snakes are pets, so the limit is until we go bankrupt. Goodness knows we've spent tons of money on our fur balls. The creepy crawlies wouldn't be any different.

If it was a business, then it would be whatever amount to maintain profitability. But, I have no intention of getting into that side of bp ownership.

I pretty much agree with Dale. I have spent $2000 on two cats once. My senior dog (14) just had surgery, and I did opt out of the pathology report since it wouldn't matter if the growth was benign or not. Not because of expense, but I'm not going to put my dog through chemo at 14 years of age. I will treat her symptoms and quality of life as my priorities. Although I did put off the surgery because I feared she wouldn't make it. To my surprise she is even more spunky now! It was well worth the vet bill for sure.

50 dollars:gj:

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

When it comes to vet bills I've had to walk a fine line sometimes. I've had to decide whether the high costs incurred would really extend the life of a pet in a positive way, not just in a count of days. I've had to balance that against the needs of 4 growing children in a one income family because in the end I must be responsible first to the humans of this household. With that of course is the understanding that if the animal is their beloved pet, how they feel about giving up some things so we can afford a massive vet bill.

I guess I've been lucky over the years though in having great relationships with our vets so that if something came up the clinic worked with me in both keeping costs reasonable and allowing me to pay over time.

It's never an easy choice though.

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I have to agree.. I have spent a a few hundred at a time.. Depending on issue and how its going to resolve it.. Although I have spend a few thousand on my beagle. She was poisoned though and only 5 months old, so it was worth it for her. I just spent last summer 200 on a free snake with an absess from a rat bite that I got because the owner didnt want to take care of it. and 300 to have a dragon checked out because hes paralized partially. You do what you have to do to take care of what you care about. Did I have the 500 this summer.. no I was just about to get married. But I did it.

i know the vet near house only charges 40 bucks for a exam

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Originally Posted by zombie&lemons

i know the vet near house only charges 40 bucks for a exam

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So does mine. But then you add in x-rays.. Or draining an absess.. Maybe a shot.. youd be amazed at the jump that price does:O

I'm grateful I have a wonderful herp vet nearby who I've done enough chatting with that quite a bit of the services she does, she does for free or at a reduced rate. We've got an interest-earning savings account for all our pets' emergency vet care, plus a credit card with a high limit on it as backup if we need it. If it is something that the animal at least has a good chance at recovering from and can live out the rest of its life pain free then the sky's the limit.