<p>I’ve found that the “chain vet clinic” was quite a bit more expensive than a private vet- perhaps due to the rent that they pay to the pet superstore in which they are located. That aside, when a pet requires care “after hours” the bill is going to be high, very high, often double or more what it would cost otherwise. It is quite possible that the original quote was given based upon standard costs and not what the “after hours emergency” fees were. Since the dog was running an active infection, some heavy duty antibiotics and IV fluids would be required, as well as antibiotics to take home when she was released from the hospital- fees also covered post-op checks after release. No matter the cost and it is quite a hardship for me, I’m always willing to pay more for a facility that has a tech on duty round the clock- another thing that raised the cost for the OP. Sure, you could say that you’d sit up with the dog post-op but there are several problems with that: they can’t let you do so in the facility for liability reasons(just as you can’t take over for a nurse in the hospital recovery room), and they can’t release her directly after surgery because of the very real risk of post-op complications in an already weakened animal and because you don’t have the knowledge or equipment at home to deal with potential problems or in the administration of IV meds.
If there is any fault to be placed in this matter it lies solely with the owners who somehow overlooked the very necessary spaying of this animal. That’s not something that should have slipped by. A reputable breeder wouldn’t sell a ***** with a “no spay” directive unless he/she remained on the registration as co-owner and then only if the animal concerned was to be campaigned in the show ring up to a certain point before retiring to produce a litter or two. Unspayed *****es are an invitation to pyometria(you are very lucky that it hasn’t occurred before now) and recurrent mammary tumors.
What’s done is done and I trust that she’ll recover well and be just fine, but for the good of the animal, establish a relationship immediately with a vet that is conveniently located and who has a tech or aide on at all times-the peace of mind is well worth it.
As for my qualifications to make these statements: I was a licensed Vet Tech and have been a breeder/owner/handler for many years and my mom owns a very well known breeding and show kennel.
And yes, I’ve had to pay my share of emergency vet bills too since my beloved cat has a knack for getting really sick on a Saturday night!</p>
<p>I posted a while back about dog-sitting for a friend’s dog who was getting a bit older and starting to have some health issues. I asked for very clear directives on what to do should these issues occur, where to take her (it was over a holiday week and weekends when the regular vet was closed) and what their dollar limit was. I was dismayed at the very limited amount they were willing to spend on care for this wonderful dog, and won’t be offering to dog sit again. Oh, and now they have adopted another, older dog. :(</p>
<p>Acollegestudent, I genuinely believe that sometimes it is not in the animal’s best interest to pursue treatment even if it is possible. An example would be my 10 year old lab. She had a nerve sheath tumor on her front leg 14 months ago. The doctor was able to remove it successfully, but about 70% of the time the tumor grows back. The doctor said that if it comes back, the only treatment would probably be to amputate the leg. I am not going to put my 10 year old dog through that, even if it were free. We have been very fortunate, and after the initial healing period from the surgery have had a very pleasant, healthy 18 month period with her. She is an “inherited” pet – someone in my family died seven years ago, and I took her in. She is really my last link to that person, so I certainly will be sad when she dies or has to be euthanized.</p>
<p>You are also implying that middle or lower class families just shouldn’t have pets, since obviously many of them simply do not have that money (anyplace) to pay for that kind of treatment… I guess all of those puppies and kittens that they currently take in now just will have to euthanized in their first 12 weeks of life or so, since only those who can afford and are willing to pay hugely expensive vet bills should be allowed to have pets. Hmm… many people cannot afford medical bills for procedures that could save their lives as well… should we also not allow people to have children if they can’t pay their medical bills? Just saying that this is a much more nuanced topic than you are allowing for.</p>
<p>My dad and sister are at the vet with her now…she didn’t want kibble to eat but dad took her some turkey which she gobbled right up. My sister says she is very sad, hanging her head–hopefully just grogginess from the meds and being left in a strange place overnight. Doctor says she is doing very well, had a good night and may be able to come home this evening.</p>
<p>I don’t really want to say any more about the lack of spay before now. Yes, it was not a great decision on our part, but we’ve done everything we can throughout her life to make sure she stays happy, healthy and safe under our care.</p>
<p>I am very, very glad to hear that she’s doing well. I hope she can come home tonight; I’m sure she’ll be happier at home.</p>
<p>She is home now and seems much happier just to be at home.</p>
<p>Happy to hear that she is home.</p>