At what cost...???

Oh my... lots of cobwebs in here... looks like the place hasn't been visited in a while. Turns out that isn't entirely true. It just hasn't been visited by me. While I wasn't paying attention, there have been over 3300 visits to my little site. Some by accident, I'm sure. Having the words penis extension and viagra in one of the posts probably drew a few unwitting web surfers... But here I am again, adding a post for difficult reasons. Lola is still with us, but she's having leg issues again. This led me back to the "what is the cost -vs- what is reasonable" treatment argument.

As readers are well aware, we have lost two of our furry friends to cancer. Osteosarcoma to be specific. I hate typing that word, let alone talking about it. We have chosen the "leave-it-be and limit the discomfort" brand of pet care. Mags only lasted a few months... Cocoa over six. Quality of life, lots of love and unlimited cookies were the drugs of choice.

Others choose a different route. Amputation, chemotherapy and even homeopathic remedies are options. Whatever we chose to do, it has to make sense for both the pet and owner. What are the treatment options? What are the costs in money, time and discomfort? Who are you doing this for? The animal? Or you? Admitting to ourselves that we are keeping an elderly, sick pet around for selfish reasons is difficult. We love them, right? They're family, right? We would do anything for family. Sometimes letting go is the best, most loving thing we can do.

So we'll get Lola to the Vet... X-rays, examination and maybe (if we're lucky) a prescription for anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers. if not, we'll ask about all of the medical/surgical options and weigh the costs versus the benefits. If it turns out that another surgery is required, she's only seven, so surgery it will be. The kind of surgery and who will do it is in the "to be determined" category. At her age, the $3500 titanium knee option probably isn't in the cards, but there are other kinds of surgery that are less expensive and maybe 80% as effective.

First things first, let's see what is actually wrong. Then we have decisions to make. We'll make the one we think is best, but the fact is, we have to consider cost. It's not being cold or heartless, just realistic.

That's my message, really. What is both responsible to our four-legged friend, and what is prudent. Being a grownup is hard... I hate being a grownup...


... figured I would give an update. The left knee is definitely torn, but it appears to be a partial tear with arthritis that makes it more uncomfortable for her. So anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers it is. We (Lola's parents and the Vet) decided that surgery wasn't in the cards. She can walk and trot, so we aren't putting her under the knife. Most of the swelling is gone, and she seems comfortable, so she (and we) dodged a bullet.

Now, about that damned ear infection... (don't ask...)