After diagnosing a cranial cruciate ligament rupture on a 7 year old overweight lab, I recommended the owner consider a consult with a surgeon to repair the injury. I explained the condition and the expected outcome of chronic arthritis and pain without surgical correction. Knowing the owners though (money is usually a huge concern for them), I wasn't surprised that surgery wasn't an option. The weird thing though was how distraught and upset the owner got, she even started to cry. I mean, I never said anything about euthanasia, heck it never once even entered my mind. I'm guessing the owner thought it was the only other option, because when I started to discuss strict rest, physical therapy and NSAIDs, the owner stopped me...
"Wait a minute, I thought we HAD to do the surgery. I mean, if we don't do it, can't a neighbor or someone call protective services or something on us. I mean, can we get in trouble with the law or something?? I've seen stuff like that on Animal Planet."
Love your blog! i am worried sometimes when Bella acts like I've been beating her but her damage came before I adopted her. I've been yelled at in public for something I've been trying to reverse.
ReplyDeletewow. obviously more concerned about themselves than the dog
ReplyDelete