fantastic post:thumbup:

Thank you Nancy and Amber for your views and I think they are both necessary. I have often felt they should be at the vet immediately and why are they on here.

Then again, I agree with Nancy that alot of our members are new to having a dog and the cost may be part of it. I might add I've seen threads that at the end of it all we find out they live in a rural area and their husband took the only car to work. So it's a hard call, when you are nervous and worried you don't explain everything but I do think this is a great thread.

That's no excuse! Sorry...but I don't like to hear, "I don't have the money to take my dog to the vet." If that is the case then the person should not own a dog, as they do cost money. Even a "free" dog will cost you quite a bit of money and it is a responsibility you take on when you adopt them into your home.

I would never say that in reference to one of my children, so I would never say that about one of my dogs. It's just not ethical. It's called a credit card.

I don't like to hear that either and in 'good times' that could be an excuse that would bother me but with the economy the way it is, I think we will be hearing more of this from members who maybe have lost a home or job and not telling us the entire story so let's try to keep an open mind.

I suppose it depends on what reason there is to take a dog to the vet, but in the case of an emergency, there is no excuse. There are places to take a dog for care if you cannot afford it (although you may have to give the dog up for adoption), but if his life was at risk due to you financial situation, you should do what's best for the dog.

It's the fine line of humanity. It's why we've created child protection agencies for our own. I'd never condone a parent not taking their chid to the hospital when medical emergencies arise, why would I condone a pet owner not caring for their pet? Same rule, same responsibility that's all.

I know exactly what you are saying but so many are deciding to put their dogs to sleep or bring them to rescue so these are the ones that are doing everything they can to keep them and that is all I am saying. My dog comes before me eating but when you have a family of children to feed and are in dire need, it's rough.

It really bothers me when I read a post that has a serious issue such as "pooping blood," and the owner is not running to the vet asap. That would scare me to death. I have seen, though, actually this morning, where other members have encouraged the OP to take the furbaby to the vet and it was not followed. Lucky for the OP the doggie is okay this morning and hopefully will continue to be okay. All we can do is suggest in a polite way and then it is up to the owner to make the choice---the furbaby may pay the price but it IS the owner's choice. Good, thought-provoking post.

I agree Amber, some questions are better off getting a vets personal opinion.

Good post - I just saw this and I had posted earlier to someone who's dog WAS having blood in the stool - I know we try to help but you're right - our opinions are only that - opinions.....a VET is always the way to go in a dire situation - not here. In some cases though - people are told about things they don't know anything about - so it's a source of information - but not to take the place of a vet visit.

Great thread! I'll come here first if it's not a 911Emergency, like with Bella's eye a few weeks ago. If she was acting sick though at the time, it would've been different.

I think with this forum having so much information, sometimes people forget that not everyone here is a vet!

great post... I for one came on here this weekend.. I lost two baby from my litter.. took one to the vet and lost him, another one hours later starts acting the same way.. I tube fed and did what I could through out the night.. no sleep for either my hubby or myself.. I came on here for answers and support.. for what vets say is not always what a breeder would do in such a case..
I was at a loss as to why two babies had thrived for 6 days all of a sudden starts going down hill so fast.. for an unknown reason.. I talked to my vet.. but they mostly are vets.. the ones that we save the vet would have already given up on.. I have gracie that we tube fed.. the vet basically said well ya know some do not make it.. nothing encouraging what so ever.. well she is still here with us and turned two on the 23rd.. had I listened to him and not felt encouraged by myself and a breeder who taught me to tubed feed.. I would not have her today..
I do agree Amber that some should spend time going to the vet.. but at the same time.. like nancy said.. if we can help.. that is why we are all here. But a definite good way to grab attention with so many threads is to say something that is going to have us look at that post before another one..
anne

Thanks for posting this Amber :). Especially since I just moved no less than TEN threads from the General forum to the Sick Forum.

I also really appreciate Nancy1999's reply too - bc I agree we have to remember that there are a lot of new yorkie owners who come on YT and really may not know what does/doesn't constitute a doggy emergency. So, they may need to gently, but firmly (!), hear it from fellow yorkie owners.

Sometimes, people come into the sick forum totally freaking out about something that is nothing (haven't we all been there, me included?) - and we can all lend a hand and an ear there, thankfully (and, possibly save a very costly vet trip). And sometimes, people come into the sick forum asking about something that is clearly a BIG thing - but really don't know any better - and again, we need to lend a hand and light a big fire under their butts without totally offending them in the process. :)

Believe me, I feel your pain - a la "my dog has had bloody stools for a thousand days straight - should I give pumpkin?" --- um....at that point, I want go downstairs, grab hubby's hammer, and bonk my head 10 times.:rolleyes:

thank you, I agree we dont always know the whole story.. The way things are today you can go from well off to broke in no time,I think most people understand there is no such thing as a "free puppy" and referencing the other post not everyone has a credit card. Yes, you should be financially stable enough for emergencies when you have a pet but you can go buy a dog then next week get laid off from work, a month later your puppy gets sick..I mean there could be a million scenarios

Amber I agree with you 100 percent. It has always amazed me how someone can find time to post when their Yorkie is in trouble. If you are unsure about something for God Sakes take your Yorkie to the vet. I do understand that there are situations where it's an odd hour and there are no emergency vets in the area then by all means post and hopefully, someone will be able to help but DO NOT USE YT AS A MEANS TO SAVE A $$ BY NOT GOING TO THE VET. Just my.02. Very good post Amber.

Elaine

Very good reminder! Even if some of our members have wonderful information, that does not replace a vet visit. Only a vet can actually diagnose and treat issues.

Please, please, please know that you can come here for support, information, and encouragement, but YT is not a replacement for a veterinary evaluation.

Thanks for posting this!! :thumbup:

:thumbup: So true. A person could have a hundred dollars set back for a vet emergency....have a financially difficult several months....and are you going to let your kids starve to save back that emergency fund? No way. Unfortunately, the fact is that you can go from having 6 months expenses saved to not a penny to your name--just like that. Also, this cannot really be compared to taking human kids to the ER....if it is a life or death situation, the ER must treat, regardless of finances. A vet is under no obligation to treat without payment and many simply will not do so.

That being said, the OP does make a very good point. There comes a time when online help just does not cut it. And waiting weeks to take care of a serious problem is annoying and dangerous.

Although this is my first yorkie/dog, I have had other animals and I am very surprised to have read some of the threads that ask for emergency help. I have seen a lot of good advice but I would have to say that I wouldn't take a chance on something that a vet should be diagnosing. These babies are so small and it doesn't take much for them to be overwhelmed. I would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of my Hot Rod.

Most vets will treat in an emergency. There are also places such as Angel Memorial (Boston area) who will help any animal, no matter what the financial situation.

I do see everyone's point about the $ situation going down hill fast, but also see a very materialistic society these days. Their priorities are mixed up and although may say they don't have $$ for a vet, they have a fantastic wardrobe. My point is that bringing a dog into the home is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. They totally depend on us to care for them. We should not let them down when they have a medical emergency, by seeking "free online ER advice" when we should be taking them to the Vet.

Yes, most everyone has a credit card. Perhaps that's what I'm saying....if you don't you shouldn't have a dog.

I've had the same vet for 20 yrs and in an emergency you pay up front. We also have another emergency vet that is open 24 hrs a day every day and you pay the day the dog is seen.

Look at it from the vets point of view, in an emergency a good percentage don't make it so if they do all they can and run up a big bill and your dog dies, the people in alot of cases do not want to pay. I don't blame the vet.

I think by understanding people who may want alittle help because they have no other way, it will also lead us to the 'dead beat' who is too tight to spend a penny but I am willing to do that.

Excuse me??? I TOTALLY disagree with the remark that you made: "Yes, most everyone has a credit card. Perhaps that what I'm saying.... if you don't you shouldn't have a dog."

That is the most REDICULOUS thing I've ever heard in my life!! I know MANY people who do not have credit cards, myself included and their furkids are very well cared for and loved. I cannot believe we live in a society where a person would think such a thing! My Grandparents were old school, they had many pets throughout their life and they didn't have a credit card, but you can bet your life they took care of those furkids WITHOUT a credit card and they were loved more than I can even say. That remark is just a total disgrace to those not CHOOSING to have a credit card or those not well off enough to have one! It's a shame when one thinks if they don't have a little plastic card to carry around in their wallet or purse then they shouldn't have a furkid....

Yes, you're right. In areas like Boston there are such places. But in most rural areas, there are not. I don't know if you have ever lived in a truly rural area, (I mean like population 3,000) but availability of everything is completely different. I'm not trying to make fun of your opinion here, just pointing out the differences that one might not be aware of if never in that situation. Financial issues aside, it is just not always possible to even get vet care. In my area, we do now have a vet who will take after-hours emergencies, who is 30 minutes away. (In fact, she is the closest vet) But for years, the closest vet for after-hours would have been almost 3 hours away. Too far to be any good in a true emergency.

I agree with your point about priorities. We should be willing to make sacrifices and should not take a dog lightly. Unfortunately, when someone posts for help, we don't know their circumstances. It could be that they are like you describe. Or it could also be one of the scenarios described earlier in this thread. I respect your opinion, but have to disagree with the thought that you shouldn't have a dog if you don't have a credit card. For many reasons....but just as a side point, the vets in our area don't even accept credit cards.

Very true. I think that everyone will acknowledge that there are those people who simply don't "count the cost" before having dog....who don't have the right priorities....who wait way too long before getting help. But there are also those people for whom it is their first dog and simply don't know better, who have suddenly fallen in dire financial straits, or who actually do not have vet care available to them. It's just like anything, if you decide to help, you take the good with the bad. Perfectly understandable if someone decides not to help, if they feel there is more bad than good. That's a personal choice. However, it would be unfair to lump them all together as people that don't care enough about their furkids.

Amber I thank your for this post. I have read many times an emergency
call for help and think "why are you wasting precious time, get your pup
to a vet, NOW!"
No matter what the discussion there will always be pro's and con's.
To me it's just plain black and white.
If you own any pet, dosen't matter what it is, you are fully responsible for
it's health and welfare. Period. When you take on the responsibity of ownership it's more than a pretty dress, harness or bow. If that pup needs
help you must also be responsible for paying for it's health care. Plain and
simple. If you can't afford an emergency IMO you should have thought of that before getting your dog, etc. You never know when one might arise.
My ER vet only takes payment at time of service and so does my vet.
Therefore it keeps me from getting Buddy a sibling. I know it would be
hard with two so therefore I am not willing to take a chance.
It's like owning a house, if you can't afford the mortgage don't buy the house.
Always expect the unexpected is my way of thinking and it keep's me grounded or Buddy would have a sibling.

Thank you for saying this! I have had the same reaction to these posts. I want to write back and say, "Please use some common sense and call your vet or emergency vet hospital right away!"

nice carol:thumbup:

I've already posted my opinion (which is typically my boring "we don't know the entire story"). But I would like to point out that in a recent "help" thread, we found out later that she was posting her thread as she was calling the vet. She never mentioned that in the post. Aside from all the other things we don't know (financial status, vet proximitry, pet experience, etc), we also don't always know if they've called the vet and/or are waiting for a return call. Someone in crisis cannot always think of every detail to put in their thread. While I agree with Amber's core message, we really need to keep an open mind.

:thumbup::thumbup:

Most people these days do have credit cards. I didn't mean to slam anyone who doesn't. I was making a point that if you are not able to find a way to pay for an emergency trip to the vet, you shouldn't own a dog. I bet you do would find a way to find help for your furkid without a credit card. We do live in a credit society.

I find that in some areas people take the responsibility of owning a dog too lightly. I suppose that was my point.

I'd give anything to help any of our furkids and I have been in a situation before where I didn't have enough money put aside to get my cat the treatment she needed for her emergency. Does that mean I shouldn't have had her? In my eyes, no, not at all. It was a Saturday night and she started acting not right, she had drainage coming out of the back of her, long story short, she had pyometra (sp). Our regular vet was closed and the only emergency place open around here wanted over $1300.00 just to see her to check her and diagnose her and get her started on meds, if she needed surgery, they said it would be even more. I only had $450, they don't take payments. I came online and found a cat forum, explained the situation, (I had already researched and was pretty sure I knew what she had, they pyometra) and the kind people gave me any advice they thought would help. Pyometra can kill a female and fast so believe me, I was in tears and at my wits end and grasping at straws to try and save my furkid. I had some human antibiotics at home that was left one of the kids and my sister gave me her vets home number, I called in tears begging for help, but the office was closed and he didn't take payments either, but did say it sounded like pyometra. He asked how much she weighed, I told him, he told me how much of the antibiotic she could have and how often and I took it from there. Justice and I laid on the bathroom floor the rest of Saturday night and I cried and begged and pleaded with God not to take her away from me and to please help her hold on until our vet was open Monday morning. I went out and got pedialite and chicken baby food, it's the only thing I could get her to eat, and I force fed with a syringe and gave her the pedialite with a syringe. I stopped giving her anything at 12:00 Sunday night cause I was sure she'd need surgery and knowing from our other pets the directions not to feed or give anything to drink after 12:00 the night before a surgery, I knew our vet would give the same directions for her if she required surgery. It was the longest weekend of my life. Justice was 7 years old and was my late Step moms persian cat, when Mom passed away, her other kids were going to put her down if they didn't find a home for her, so, Justice came to live with us. She's the only thing I have left of my Step Mom of 29 years and just the thought of losing her was breaking my heart into a million pieces. I'd have given anything to get her the treatment she need at the ER vet, but they are so high priced it's rediculous and as I said before, I only had $450. Come Monday morning when our vet opened at 7:00, I was there with Justice in my arms and in tears. The doc came right in and seen her and as I had thought, he confirmed she had pyometra and she definately needed surgery. I told him what I had done as far as treatment and he said that I was very lucky, cause had I not done that, she more than likely wouldn't have made it. He said he couldn't do surgery on her right now thought cause she had to be so may hours without food or liquids, I then let him know I had with held everything starting at 12:00 the night before, and he quickly replied, that was great and he could take her into surgery right then and there. The cost of her surgery, the meds, the IV, the take home meds and her stay all come to a little over $200, quite a difference from what the ER vet wanted to charge. Justice (thank God) made it through and recovered completely and is now sleeping on my pillow. I'd give my life for hers, literally, and I'm not playing when I say that. She means the world to me, more than I could ever type here. She licks my tears away when I cry, when I play Moms song on the computer, she comes and sits on my lap and just looks at me with those big beautiful green eyes. She has helped me through losing my Mom. I guess what I'm saying is, if you or anyone else here thinks for one split second that I shouldn't have her cause I didn't have over $1300 to pay the ER vet that night apposed to a lil over $200 that our vet charged for her surgery and treatment, then I totally and completely disagree. Things come up, emergencies happen, life happens, and everyones circumstances are totally and completely different. I'd have given the ER vet the whole amount they wanted that night to get Justice that treatment she needed, but my pockets aren't as deep as others and that should not equal I shouldn't have her and it shouldn't mean others shouldn't have a pet either if they don't have that kind of money. I'd never make it as a vet cause I'd treat everything that came through my door rather they had the means to pay or not.

Your post brought tears to my eyes; sometime things aren't as black and white as we wish they were. In an ideal situation everyone would have the money necessary for these unexpected expenses. I remember a time not that long ago, when a trip to the vet was not that expensive, but perhaps because they can do so much more now to save our pets the prices have really skyrocketed. I'm glad Justice made it through ok. I agree with you, I just don't know how a vet could turn down an injured animal.