my boy pomeranian has a broken foot and torn ligament - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #16 05-02-2007, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjlipps

Maybe so. And money does play a role in my thinking. But, if the surgery was free, I wonder if the dog would rather have the pain of two operations and associated rehab or just get the damn leg out of the way and get along with life. If all we're talking about is the humane aspect, the amputation is far less traumatic. Now if it's about life threatening things or illness, I will pay to save the life or comfort of an animal, but $5K for a dog's leg tells me you've never seen a three-legged dog and how well they get around.

I have seen plenty of three-legged dogs.

You do not know what the dog feels or wants, so you cannot categorically state whether the dog would be happier with three legs or with the operations and rehab.

I have no desire to get into a pissing contest with you on this highly subjective subject.

It is our family dog, it is our money and as far as I am concerend, that's the end of the debate.

Some people chose to spend their money on useless pursuits or acquiring more junk that they will ever need; I chose to spend mine where I believe it can do the most good.

cjlipps · #17 05-02-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

I have seen plenty of three-legged dogs.

You do not know what the dog feels or wants, so you cannot categorically state whether the dog would be happier with three legs or with the operations and rehab.

I have no desire to get into a pissing contest with you on this highly subjective subject.

It is our family dog, it is our money and as far as I am concerend, that's the end of the debate.

Some people chose to spend their money on useless pursuits or acquiring more junk that they will ever need; I chose to spend mine where I believe it can do the most good.

I didn't categorically state anything. I started that sentence with "I wonder if....."
It's no pissing contest and it definitely is very subjective. Maybe I shouldn't try to be so objective about it.
It's no debate either. We are merely respectfully exchanging opinions. It is definitely your dog and your money.
Finally, I'm not sure if the last sentence is a thinly veiled dig (I noted the past tense of the verb "choose" and assumed it was meant personally-sorry if that was not the case) but my main point is that were it my dog and my family, I would rather invest $5K toward a college education for one of my 4 kids and have a three-legged dog that's arguably just as happy and fulfilled (and may have suffered less) and definitely just as loved.

John Doe · #18 05-02-2007, 04:01 PM

BENZ LGB can spend his $ anyway he wants--this is really the bottom line and shouldn't be criticized for doing so. I don't think CJclips meant to do this. That said, I'll add some comments I have learned from a couple of dog breeders and vets. Larger dogs are more prone to osteo arthritis (erosion of the cartilege producing painful bone to bone contact) than are small dogs. My interest in this came from listening to my FIL who is an MD but has bread German Dobies for years and he always warned about genetic hip problems and arthritis in these dogs. Apparetly also, a break in a limb can accelerate osteo arthritis in dogs that are prone to the condition. I guess if I was faced with the situation you two guys are, er, discussing, I would want to go to a vet I was sure just didn't want my treatment money, and ask him what were the chances that immediate onset of arthritis would develop following the repair of a break. If the dog was young and the chances were strong, I would probably want the leg removed. If the dog were older and likely in some pain before the break from arthritis, I would consider either putting it down or repairing the break and keeping him on pain meds. I agree the choice would be highly subjective.

And yes, I have had to dispatch animals before: two horses that had broken legs (but never a housepet like a dog).

BENZ-LGB · #19 05-02-2007, 04:16 PM

The dog is a large Akita. It was the hind leg, which would make the tripod approach more difficult. He was fairly young when it happened and the vet is an expert on large breeds.

The word "chose" is missing an extra "o" each time it appears in that sentence. Blame it on fast typing.

If I want to get in a dig, it would not be thinly disguised. It would be open for all to see and understand--including the recipient.

My children college fund is secure. I do not take money food out of their mouths, or money out of their college funds, to help pay for things.

Hey JD, how is that lawsuit with the Cubans coming along? My daughter is writing a paper for one of her college classes and she is is focusing on Cuban immigration to the U.S. from 1959 to the present. Helping her with the research brought back some memories. It had never occurred to me (well, maybe it did, but I ignored it) how much resentment other immigrant groups feel towards Cuban and the allegedly special treatment that we have recieved.

Oh well back to dogs and their broken bones.

cjlipps · #20 05-02-2007, 04:48 PM

JD is right, no criticism intended and I hope it didn't seem that way. In fact if I were present when LGB's dog was injured I would have gladly helped carry him to the car and supported any decision LGB made. I am definitely an animal lover and owner but in my current situation finances would have to play a part in the decision. I'm glad your kids' higher education needs are in good shape. I'm working toward that end but it's not here yet. And if you noticed my location, I too have a lot of farm boy in me.
We've diverged somewhat from the OP but hopefully kmaysob's little guy is doing well and won't show any lingering negative effects from his ordeal.

John Doe · #21 05-02-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

Hey JD, how is that lawsuit with the Cubans coming along? My daughter is writing a paper for one of her college classes and she is is focusing on Cuban immigration to the U.S. from 1959 to the present. :

If you want me to send you the whole article from the MH on that lawsuit, let me know. I haven't heard my brother talk about it lately--I'll ask and report back.

BENZ-LGB · #22 05-02-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjlipps

JD is right, no criticism intended and I hope it didn't seem that way. In fact if I were present when LGB's dog was injured I would have gladly helped carry him to the car and supported any decision LGB made. I am definitely an animal lover and owner but in my current situation finances would have to play a part in the decision. I'm glad your kids' higher education needs are in good shape. I'm working toward that end but it's not here yet. And if you noticed my location, I too have a lot of farm boy in me.
We've diverged somewhat from the OP but hopefully kmaysob's little guy is doing well and won't show any lingering negative effects from his ordeal.

I hate it when I go half-cocked on someone and then they turn around and respond in a kind manner.

It was not easy carrying him back to the car. Fortunately I had the wagon with me so could just put him in the back. He was trying to walk, but it was obviously painful.

The kids' college situation is mostly taken care of, but no graduate school! They will have to pay for that themselves (I also have four).

I like Oklahoma, been to Norman a couple of times (long time ago) to take some depositions. Oklahoma is OK (pun intended) except when USC plays them. Then I want to take that Sooners wagon and...well, you get the idea!