We live in an amazing era of medical miracles, for ourselves as well as our pets. Many of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends can also benefit from medical advances and achieve comfortable extreme old age. The diagnoses (such as heart or kidney failure) that previously meant “prepare yourself for goodbye” within weeks to months can often result in excellent quality of life…for years.
Unfortunately, some patients will not respond well to treatment. Sometimes the care regimen is not achievable for owners with complicated lifestyles. The financial burden can be overwhelming. As owners, we are faced with decisions regarding what can, or should, be done for our beloved companion. What is possible vs. what makes sense?
Over decades of treating patients and their support humans, I have come to understand that every case is individual. We must respect the bonds that can be the most essential to our individual well being. Where dogs and cats are concerned, it can seem like mere minutes for “Max” to metamorphose from tiny to ancient. Parrots can need decades more care than what we are able to supply, as we transition to elder care facilities. Can my backyard menagerie survive my children’s travel sports schedules? When debilitation strikes either pets or owners, our situation can change rapidly.
Having honest discussions with ourselves and caregivers is essential. We may be encouraged to slowly do more diagnostic tests and treatments, which could lead to unbelievable financial and emotional cost. Try to think ahead to the end game. Ask yourself and your family the difficult questions.
What is the realistic outcome for my pet, considering the level of care that I can give despite my busy schedule? How long can this be sustained? What level of emotional and general well-being should I expect to achieve for my pet and their most important humans? What will be the financial burden on myself and my human family? Will it be a one-time investment, or need long-term funding? This is important to determine before a treatment regimen begins. Would a CT or MRI result change my personal decision to have brain surgery or an amputation for my pet?
Does my pet’s temperament make treatments feel like loving care or torture to them? This can be of particular concern for incapacitated prey species unable to flee.
Know your buddy’s natural life expectancy. Have I, through my care, extended their life to the point where they are merely existing rather than enjoying our shared time? When is it time to consider humane euthanasia as a final gift, to limit future suffering? Are we prolonging discomfort rather than providing a quality life?
For many, our pets are “our people.” They ground us and improve our emotional state. Be foresighted in your decisions. Keep finances in mind. Consider insurance or the equivalent of a health savings account for your young pet.
I am deeply saddened when significant spending on the cancer of an extreme geriatric pet has prevented the care for a youngster with a simple fracture. ASK QUESTIONS! Understand likely outcomes before you are drawn into an unsustainable situation.
I am delighted when my patients overcome previously incurable situations. Our goal should be the best use of resources and opportunities for all of us, with optimal quality of life for all in our extended families.