Facebook user Elizabeth Chong posted on Facebook seeking advice for her sick dog and how to fund the vet bills, with surgery costing a minimum of $10k.
Here is what she said
I would like to know how people are funding vet bills these days. Almost everyone I know with dogs needing surgery are quoted 10k minimum. Where are people getting the money to pay for treatments costing so much.
My dog was recently diagnosed with a suspected tumor. He is my husband’s support dog as my husband suffers from dementia and has heart issues. The last few years Giorgie has played caregiver by being a source of comfort to my husband who is in his 70s and is unable to care for himself.
I am currently unemployed as I am his main caregiver.
I am in a desperate situation as I do not know how I am going to fund my dog’s treatment and I do not want my husband’s dementia to worsen if I cannot get my dog nursed back to health.
On 25th Oct 2022, for the latest review, the ultrasound report showed there’s no mass in Giorgie’s abdominal but GI tract thickening, intestinal inflammation vs infiltrate neoplastic disease. Biospy suggested. In the meantime, Giorgie has not been eating since last Fri but was drinking. Unfortunately, each time he drinks, he’ll vomit. His weight today is 17.3kg down from 22.7kg in August.
My question is, despite all the tests, ultrasound and biospy done, I’ve no proper diagnosis! I’m told to prepare 10k for CT scans and hospitalisation. Do note, this fee is without any required surgery!
Giorgie means the world to my husband.
I know many people would say, why keep a dog when you can’t afford?? Over the years, he has provided me with tremendous emotional support as well. My husband fainted at the park when walking him, he sat by him.(This was shared by other dog owners.) Days when my husband was in and out of hospital multiple times, my Giorgie gave me a reason to shoulder on. He was concerned about his papa, following him closely in case he fell! Now my hubby has dementia but still he remembers his Giorgie. This dog is so amazing and we can’t imagine losing him at this point of time. His health spiralled down in such speed that it scared us! Each vet visit, something new came up! Today, the vet told me Giorgie’s heart sounded funny, has squeaking sound. Very abnormal.
So where does that leave us?
What other option can I have beside her suggesting that I put Giorgie to sleep?
I cannot imagine the impact on my husband’s dementia and health conditions if Giorgie has to be euthanized.
