Root canals for dogs!?

Ralphy1

Ralphy1

Well-known Member
A woman recently spent over 3 thousand dollars for a root canal on her German shepherd. Only in America, as they say, could this extravagance happen. Well, maybe some very wealthy,furriners, would go this far for a pet. But I think that this is insane and surely you do, too...
 

No.. but I would have the tooth pulled.. On the other hand, I have spent over $4,000 to diagnose a dog that was suddenly lame and in horrible pain. He had a CT scan, and MRI and a Lumbar puncture.. Only to not have anything of any substance show up. Finally he received a diagnosis of Auto Immune Polyneuropathy. He is on daily medications.. and is comfortable now.
 
What can I say? I weep for the humans who have no such care...
 

So what would you have done with your family pet who was in pain Ralph? Kill him? It's not lack of perspective at all on QS's part, it's called love and loyalty and she's to be commended for it. And I wager that she also is not hesitant to give to charities that benefit people as well. Most of us who love our pets, also are not immune to the suffering of people. It's entirely possible to do both.

As I was writing this (and particularly the part about 'love and loyalty') I was reminded of people who involve their kids with 4H and how the animals that they're involved with, learn to 'love' and 'trust' the young people who care for them from birth onwards and then those hapless critters are totally betrayed by those same kids by being sent to slaughter as soon as the ribbon is handed over. How's that for 'perspective'? QS's love for her little muttie is commendable and brings joy and there's nothing bad about that.
 
And where does common sense come in on the spending on pets? How much would you spend on a dog? Would you take out a loan or remortgage your house? When you get into thousands for most of us average people a line has to be, or should be drawn...
 
Ralph.... When I went to the shelter to adopt Pete... I went there with the understanding that I would be prepared to care for that animal regardless... It meant that I would do whatever I was capable of to ensure him a quality of life no matter how long or short. What would you have done with a 4 year old dog in agony? If it was anything less... then you should not commit to a pet.. On the other hand.. I would not hesitate to do the humane thing if there were no hope of him ever having quality of life.. I have had to make that decision many times in my life.. This was not one of those times.
 
Ralphy1 said:
And where does common sense come in on the spending on pets? How much would you spend on a dog? Would you take out a loan or remortgage your house? When you get into thousands for most of us average people a line has to be, or should be drawn...
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Fortunately for Pete... My line was not drawn. However, I would say that if the medical expenses were so high that one would have to mortgage their home, then that animal was so ill... it's quality of life would never be good... I put down a 9 year old Beagle 2 years ago due to renal failure that would have required hemodialysis 3 times weekly for the rest of his life.. and he would never really feel well. Each case is different.. So NEVER think that I have no common sense Ralph... I just happen to have compassion.
 
We make commitments for life when we get married until we decide on divorce. Not sure that comparison is totally applicable here but you should get the drift. Humanity first, animal kingdom a distant second...
 
No... In my life at that time... It was Pete that needed me and needed treatment. And you most certainly DO make a commitment to an animal when you take it into your life. Again.. if you are not prepared to do so... Don't have a pet. It's really simple... but don't make judgments about people that DO take those commitments seriously. It makes you look small.
 
No, it makes me stand tall for putting people first as most around the world would probably agree...
 
So... exactly HOW is taking care of a pet in need not putting people first? Should I have put the dog down and sent the money to another charity? I gather that is what you are implying.. IF so... It's MY money... Or are you not a capitalist? lol!!! You are really sounding "SUPER Lefty" here Ralph...
 
I knew that the it is my money would be coming to defend the exorbitant amount spent on a pet, but it might have gone further to alleviate some human health problems even in your local community...
 
Ralphy1 said:
I knew that the it is my money would be coming to defend the exorbitant amount spent on a pet, but it might have gone further to alleviate some human health problems even in your local community...
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I don't feel that the amount was exorbitant at all... and money well spent IMO. I don't have to defend anything to you Ralphy.... AND it IS my money... I earned it.. Or are you saying that I have no right to spend it how I please? Are you a bloody commie?.. By the way... please feel free to do what you want with YOUR money... ok?
 
It's depressing when your pet might have a serious issue and sadly money is an object. When Callie went lame for a period of time knee replacement was suggested. For us $6000 is out of reach not to mention the recovery period. He's a strong solidly built guy but would have had to be carried up and down the steps for weeks if not months afterwards.

By the grace of G-d the limping has stopped again. He's a young guy so we just try to help him with climbing and gently massage his legs sometimes. People being wasteful with money does make me mad though. If I won the lottery...I've never played so it's not going to happen...if I had some windfall of money I wouldn't change my lifestyle at all really. A smaller newer home perhaps.

The rest would be squirreled away. But I would make regular generous donations to my favorite rescue groups, maybe start one of my own. Wasting money on clothes and material junk is shameful IMHO.
 
QuickSilver said:
No... In my life at that time... It was Pete that needed me and needed treatment. And you most certainly DO make a commitment to an animal when you take it into your life. Again.. if you are not prepared to do so... Don't have a pet. It's really simple... but don't make judgments about people that DO take those commitments seriously. It makes you look small.
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I agree absolutely. I make an absolute commitment to a dog I adopt, and I've always lived up to it. I consider my dogs family, and I treat and care for them as such.

It's my decision how I spend my money, and I always see that my pets have the medical care they need.
 
I really don't understand what business it is of anyone's what people spend on their pets. It is their money to do with as they wish. Not everyone is an animal lover, but no one is expecting them to contribute. However, to sneer at those who choose to express their love for their pets by giving them the best care possible is not called for, merely mean spirited and intolerant.
 
I don't take the viewpoint that a pet is "just an animal" anymore than I consider man superior to all animals. I will spend what is necessary and I can in the care of my pets. I have spent thousands over the years and have been adequately rewarded in love and companionship. I trust animals much more than man.
 
AZ Jim said:
I don't take the viewpoint that a pet is "just an animal" anymore than I consider man superior to all animals. I will spend what is necessary and I can in the care of my pets. I have spent thousands over the years and have been adequately rewarded in love and companionship. I trust animals much more than man.
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Jim, I absolutely agree with you!
 
I spent over $1,000 way back in the '70s because my dog needed surgery on both of his back knees. We didn't have a lot of money either, but the dog was in pain and needed the operation. I see nothing wrong with spending money on your pets, if they are in need it's your responsibility as a pet owner. In the case of a root canal though, I'd do the same as QS and probably opt for the tooth to be pulled. People who are too selfish to spend their money on their animal's health care shouldn't own any pets, IMO.
 
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