Our eldest Basset, she is almost 10, who was initially diagnosed by Xray with spondylosis had an MRI yesterday and it revealed that what she has is a severely herniated disc. The only treatment is surgery. Although the surgery has risks, waiting and not treating it has even more. The doctor told us to think about it as the surgery is expensive, about 2,000 Swiss francs. (The MRI was 1,000 Swiss francs).

We looked at each other and said, what's to think about? We feel we owe it to her.

I guess others might feel differently.

I would mortgage my very existence for my pets, and I would feel the exact same way. I don't think you need to think twice about giving your furball what she needs to get better, even if the cost is, admittedly, steep. I also don't believe you should be swayed by opinions on an online forum, the life of your beloved pet is much more vital than that. Go give her a pet (carefully!), tell her you love her and do what you think is best for her, it seems you've already made your decisions!

We're thinking about you guys, I hope you're alright and that she gets through this okay. It must be a scary time. Good luck!

I am not a pet lover and don't really feel the need for animals, so my views are not exactly pro pets...

However, once you have a pet you most definitely take on the responsibility for its health and well-being and if it costs 2000 then it costs 2000.

My only consideration would be if it improves its quality of life or not. If it does, then it is in my mind a no-brainer. It has to be surgery.

I hope this helps...

Yes, we feel responsible for her. We rescued her when she was 3 1/2, and as difficult as that was, she has given us so much in return. According to the doctor, she will be out of pain. Surgery always has risks, but she seems otherwise healthy.

I've animals and had atrocious bills (900chf most expensive to date) that I paid (I had no idea it would be that much). But there is a point when you have to say "stop" when the bills put the 2-legged members of a family at risk.

A little story: I saw my future ex-mil pay a fortune in bills for a cat (used to be ours) that did extend it's life, slightly. But, it put her in a situation in the longterm that was extremely difficult

Was she happy spending that amount? Yes. Was the family after that had to "pick up the pieces"? No.

You have to decide what is best for you and your husband, what you can live with... it wont be easy.

Good luck.

I can't say much then what the others wrote. But I want to let you know I feel for you and your precious girl.

I hope she will get better with this surgery. Our pets are not just animals. They have their own personnality and they are a part of the family.

Nil

I am sorry to hear that Mrs D.

Sounds like surgery is the only option to put her out of her pain. I know surgery has its risks - especially for any dog over 10 years old. My previous dog underwent surgery to remove two different tumours when she was 12 and 14 years old. It was along similar lines: surgery to remove the tumours or let her live out the rest of her life comfortably till its time i.e: the tumour starts giving her problems.

I allowed sugery on both occasions because I know I will never be able to live with myself if I didnt at least give it a shot. Others might have chosen the cheaper route. No judgment. I sat at the vet both times whilst she was in the operating room, crying my eyes out worried sick that she might not wake up but she pulled through every time. Such a trooper but at 18, I finally let go and let her cave in to the same problem. I knew it was too cruel to put her through another similar procedure and wanted her to live her remaining days as happily as possible and end her life with dignity.

The bills for the operations, aftercare and lifelong medication came up to 5 figures (my friends thought I was bonkers) - it didnt break my bank but it meant that I have to give up other luxuries, which I was more than happy to. I mean, who needs that many pairs of shoes anyway

I personally will let her go for the operation. Its definitely worth a shot. I live by the mantra that, as long as at the end of the day, whenever I go to bed at night, I know that I've done the best I can to provide the 4 legged member of the family the best medical care he/she deserves.

Sounds very good value for money. My herniated disks cost well over 50'000. I think I got a discount though, cos I had two.

So sorry to hear about your pets troubles - both of them.

A herniated disc can be repaired and the quality of life restored after physical therapy. I'd do it for any member of my family

Hopefully everything goes well with the surgery and your girl comes about right as rain after recovery. ♥

Best of luck to you all.
I went down this road with my boy about 18 months ago but not to the severity of needing surgery. His disc was high up in his neck and at first thought when we went to the MRI our vet was looking for tumours as the worse case scenario so when the herniated disc was found to be the cause instead it was almost a relief.
We managed to avoid the need for surgery with careful management and meds and although it was a long slow process it eventually sorted itself.
Obviously you guys haven't been as lucky as this so fingers crossed that all turns out a-ok but you're right, money is no object when it comes to our beloved pets.

I know how you feel. Between one dog being diagnosed with Cushings disease and diabetes (caused by the Cushings), another needing knee surgery and having her infected anal glands removed, and another dog having to be brought in for emergency bloat treatment, a couple of thousand francs doesn't sound bad at all.

On top of all this, I am a bit of a hypochondriac when it comes to my dogs. I would sooner bleed to death than see a doctor for myself, but if one of my dogs so much as burps, I call my vet for advice (I actually have his personal number on speed dial). Coincidently, my vet is a very good friend of mine and he is always happy to see me. I am sure I have funded a couple of nice vacations for him.

Vet bills can be very expensive, but I actually find that the prices here in Switzerland are very reasonable compared to the vet I had in California.

If it would improve the dog's quality of life, I would go for the surgery. I unfortunately lost my dog two weeks ago and wished there was something that could have been done.

Best of luck.

Very sorry to hear about the recent loss of your dog. That must be very difficult. I am sure you have some nice memories and photos to remind you of the good times.

Oh Mrs D, I'm sorry to hear this - your poor girl.

I too would go ahead.

I don't have any experience with herniated discs, but I do have some with mobility-impaired dogs. Quality of life is everything - if the surgery will likely alleviate pain, it is the right thing to do.

If it's any comfort, I've stood in your shoes and wibbled about putting my senior dogs through surgeries, I know how worrying this is - but there are many safeguards that can be requested, such as a pre-surgery blood screen and fitness evaluation, heart monitoring during surgery, different anesthetics are available. Hopefully your vet will discuss options and address any concerns you have.

As your girl is otherwise healthy, and if surgery is your girl's best chance for a good quality of life, sooner is probably better than later. With my senior dogs, I've learned that taking a conservative 'watch and wait' approach sometimes just delays the inevitable, and as they grow older further complications can develop. One of mine ended up having a more complicated operation and recovery than would have been required if surgery had been done right away.

Has the vet discussed post-op care and rehab? Is a long recovery period anticipated?

Fingers (and paws!) crossed, thumbs pressed for your girl, that she comes through with flying colors. Wishing her - and you - all the very best.

Do keep us updated on your girl's progress.

We could have had the surgery done tomorrow but given that I am still on crutches, and I too need a second surgery, we felt it was just too soon. I was very reluctant to postpone it but I felt I had no choice. So her surgery is in a month.

She stays overnight after the surgery. When she comes home she has to take it easy for at least a week. Our bigggest challenge is going to be the stairs.
Thanks for your concern and good wishes.

2,000CHF surgery + 1,000CHF MRI
divided by
(10 years you had the dog) "to the power of" every time that hound made you laugh, cry, yell, or made you feel loved.

........ no maths here really

spend the money

I would have the surgery too. I can't imagine not doing it. I hope your sweet pup will do well... And your foot surgery will go well too. It's a lot all at once. Take care.

Here is the update on Hana. She had the surgery on Friday in Luzern. The doctor called us to say the operation was successful and we could pick her up Saturday morning. She is on antibiotics and medication for pain for 6 days. She can walk, but slowly. She is not allowed to go for walks this week, but she is allowed outside in the garden. The biggest challenge is the stairs, these she should not attempt herself but Hana is a very determined dog so we have resorted to various solutions to block the stairs (laundry drying racks are very useful).

The doctor said she wouldn't need an Elizabethan collar but he obviously doesn't know Hana and she can just about reach to lick her stitches. They are probably starting to itch. So we put another type of neck collar on her, she is not happy, but the stitches need to be left uncovered until they can be removed in 2 weeks.

It is difficult to know how much pain she is in, she has her appetite back, but she is not sleeping very well. (neither are we). But the worst is over and now we hope she will have a full recovery.

So very glad to hear that the surgery went well. What a relief!

Two weeks with a collar - you and Hana both have my sympathies.

(That she is eating well is a good sign.)

Hope the recovery goes as smoothly as possible - and hope that Hana is running and playing soon. Fingers crossed.