Very hard decisions must be made at that point.

Our diabetic, pancreatitus cat had a very bad year a few years ago. The
vet bills were $4,000 in 6 months. After a couple of months of good
health, he had an intense pancreatitus attack at Christmas. At that
point, we had a horrible discussion of money vs. cat care vs. quality of
his life.

It ended with me not being able to face losing him at Christmas, and not
being able to give up hope.

After a few days in the hospital being treated by an internist, he as
home again. I was never so glad that we spent the extra few hundred, he
had a long, beautiful, healthy year after that. It was a joy to have him
that extra time, and I never would have forgiven myself if we would have
let him go without another try.

It's a very personal and tough decision. I believe for animal-lovers
that most times the money is a problem is after you've spent tons
already and are not certain of their quality of life. For people who
just say that they won't spend a certain amount on their pets, I don't
think they understand the commitment they've made by bringing them home.

Rhonda


Glarb wrote:

I've been thinking about this. I have spent huge sums of money on the cat I
have had for the past seven or eight years. But I have money, and I don't
think about it. But if I didn't have money -- let's say living from
paycheck to paycheck -- and the vet came in and said, "$850 for labwork and
surgery." Forgive me, but I would probably have to draw the line there and
have the poor thing put to rest. I know this makes me a bad person, but
come on y'all, what is your true limit on such matters?

Glarb