Today, my dog was diagnosed with a torn ACL. This costs $1500-$2500 to treat. Three months ago, he had heart worms. That cost $1400 to treat. I adopted this dog from a shelter four months ago to help relieve some of my stress and anxiety. I don't feel any less stressed or anxious. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, I splurged thousands of dollars on the breed of dog that I've loved since I was a kid from a reputable breeder. He is allergic to all food except the 24lb food for $70 and has sensitivities galore, including a seizure from a shot. I've spent $5,000 in vet bills in the first week. FML
Today, after spending $15,000 to treat my dog's cancer over the past two months, he died of kidney failure. FML
Today, I was nervous about taking my cat to the vet for a UTI, because money’s a little tight. Turns out the antibiotics weren’t that expensive, but he wants at least $1,000 for dental surgery she apparently “needs.” FML
Today, I rushed my dog to the vet because he was foaming at the mouth. I returned home with a bill for $200 and a dog who apparently has a thing for marshmallows. FML
Today, I took my cat to the vet for an x-ray. They found three dollar coins in his stomach. The surgery to remove them is $600. FML
Today, I had to give up going to a therapist because it was too expensive and my parents couldn't afford it. Meanwhile, a girl in my class is getting a therapist for her dog. FML
Today, after being worried for a week because my dog wasn't eating, I paid the vet $120 for her to tell me that my dog doesn't like her dog food. FML
Today, I took my dog to the vet because he hadn't eaten his food in three days, was drinking a lot of water, and was peeing a lot (all signs of antifreeze poisoning). I spent $200 at the vet to tell me that my dog is fine and just didn't like his current food. FML
Today, I brought back the puppy I adopted for my family. I spent months doing all the research on puppy care with two young children, and at least five hundred dollars for the dog, the supplies, toys… the whole lot. Turns out everyone's allergic to her. FML
Today, I'm going to visit my mother in hospital. She broke her hip and my father refused to take her to hospital for 6 days, insisting she would get better. My dog had cancer surgery, which will cost me a whole month's salary. I’m still recovering from 2 major surgeries myself, and my kids are being total dorks. FML
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Top comments
Regulate 21
Sorry to hear that OP. Those prices are ridiculous though. That's more than a months wages at my old job, for each treatment. Looks like me and Doggo would be living on the streets.
moodyreallyrocks 27
Sad situation OP!! Hope everything gets better soon..
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Comments (33)
Christy Quist 1
Why not get pet insurance? That way you wouldn't be nearly as stressed and your pup would be covered for these things...
Exaspera 55
I was thinking the same thing. ^^^^^
Exaspera 55
I was thinking the same thing. ^^^^^
Tante Sam 23
Pre existing conditions, heard of those? ?
Tante Sam 23
Pre existing conditions, heard of those? ?
Nova297 23
damn son, I work at a vet clinic and we don't even charge half that much for ACL repair
Lepisma 38
That's pretty consistent for an ACL tear here. Might just be the area OP is in.
hunterseal 18
oh wow, maybe look around more and see if any places offer discounts? My vet has days where things are half off or months when certain things are half off. Just remember that doggy loves you and hopefully it'll work out
luceeloo 10
My two dogs both had torn ACL. The oldest one was 12 and we opted not to operate, but kept him quiet and confined to a playpen for 8 weeks (except for going outside to do his business). Within 10 weeks he was walking brilliantly and was back to his old self. The youngest one was about 6, so we had the operation. Four years and two further operations later, he has very little use in the leg. Sometimes the expensive option isn't the best way. I would say keep him rested for 8 weeks, and then assess the situation.
vetty.betty 1
Are you a vet? The vet who has recommended the procedure will have taken everything into consideration. Telling the owner to rest their dog for 8 weeks when you have no knowledge of the situation is hugely irresponsible. A lot of factors affect how ACLs are treated, and indeed there are many different surgical options, not all dogs even have the same surgery for ACL. The dog's weight, activity levels, age, whether it is a full rupture or partial tear, and whether the meniscus (cushioning in the joint) is damaged all affect how the dog heals. Your 12 year old dog would not be putting the joint through the same strains that your 6 year old dog would, so it would heal differently, the joint may even have been stabilised by arthritic change (such as medial buttressing); their different recoveries are not comparable.
Chris Noelle Bailey 4
This "wait and see " option is very careless. There are degrees of ACL damage. Just like humans, sometimes it's a little tear that might repair on it's own and sometimes it's completely ripped all the way through and requires surgery. Get a second opinion, but the pain from this is ATROCIOUS and to not take care of it like a responsible pet owner shows poor moral character. Don't get a dog if you're not willing to follow through all the problems that a dog might come with ! (from a dog owner that had a rescue dog tear both his ACLs 2 years apart and had cancer twice)
Chris Noelle Bailey 4
This "wait and see " option is very careless. There are degrees of ACL damage. Just like humans, sometimes it's a little tear that might repair on it's own and sometimes it's completely ripped all the way through and requires surgery. Get a second opinion, but the pain from this is ATROCIOUS and to not take care of it like a responsible pet owner shows poor moral character. Don't get a dog if you're not willing to follow through all the problems that a dog might come with ! (from a dog owner that had a rescue dog tear both his ACLs 2 years apart and had cancer twice)
WhoaaItsMe 10
You need a new vet. My dog's ACL surgery was only 900.
apihonak 7
My dog Annie's ACL was torn and it healed on its own with some medication (ask your vet) within 2-3 months. Don't waste your money on the surgery
Kotoza 9
When we adopted my first dog, we were told he was healthy, no fleas, was wormed and freshly had a bath. On our way out of pet smart we were told the foster dumped a bottle of water on him before coming in. On the ride home, I notice tape worms coming out his butt. Later on, we notice he also has kennel cough.
AtomicLondon 8
I definitely understand your pain.. My dog recently had a string of surgeries and the only reason I was able to pay for them was because I have a very loving grandmother, who I borrowed the money from. I would try looking into something called Scratch. It's a way to make payments on vet bills. Also try getting quotes from various hospitals. They may tell you that they need to see the dog, but it's worth a try if you know exactly what surgery they dog will need. As others have said, you may opt not to operate, which is understandable. If you decide to go that route, you Must be dedicated to resting your dog, and making sure there is no strenuous activity. Best of luck, OP! And much love to your doggo
Chris Noelle Bailey 4
Dogs are expensive,didn't you know? Despite this, they offer you unconditional love and entertainment. Stick with it, don't you dare give that dog up !
vicanella 10
This exact thing happened when we adopted our dog