My cat is somewhere around 18 years old. I’ve had him for 17+ years, so at least 17.5 years old. He’s had hip problems for 15 years. He has had urinary tract problems requiring catheterizations. He has required expensive prescription food for the past 5-6 years. We’ve spent somewhere around 5-7K on him over the years, so clearly this is a cat that we care about and want to keep alive.
Now, he has had severe dental problems resulting in abscesses that require antibiotic treatment. It was once a year, then twice a year, now it’s been every 2-3 months. The vet has been pushing us for serious dental work to fix the problem (estimate of 1700-2300) requiring general anesthesia. We’ve been reluctant to do this because this is very expensive, the anesthesia alone could kill him, it would be extremely unpleasant for him and frankly at 18 years old and not able to walk all that well anymore, he is unlikely to last very long. So, we’ve been doing the antibiotic course (at 350 dollars every time this arises, which is now about every two months).
So, my wife and I decided to have him euthanized.
The vet, knowing his history and age, is refusing to euthanize my “healthy” cat. This is a vet that we’ve been using for almost ten years (we moved cross country with the cat around then). I guess the implication is that we are cheapskates or something. But, this was not a rash decision, and I can’t believe that the vet would question us in any way on this.
Is this uncommon? Am I a monster here? I get that he could theoretically be treated, but I’d rather do this a few months too early, than a few months too late. Even without the tooth problems, he is pretty clearly having a rough time as he hits old, old age.
Sometimes vets just lose perspective. I don’t know if your vet is just greedy or optimistic, but your decision seems quite rational to me. I’m sorry about the situation.
Sounds like it’s time for a second opinion. Unless this is the only vet for 100 miles, you can find another one relatively easily.
Now, if that second vet says you should keep Fluffy around, then you might need to reconsider. But, while you didn’t make the choice I would have, I understand your choice and think it’s a bit silly for the vet to disagree with you.
I understand your decision. It doesn’t sound like your cat’s quality of life is very good right now. Given his age, surgery with anesthesia can be risky.
I am a total cat person and animal lover in general, and I cannot possibly understand why your vet would have this attitude. Quality of life is everything. In all seriousness, is your vet old and senile?!? Cause I got nothin’…
This seriously pisses me off! By rights, you shouldn’t need any reason whatsoever to ask to have your pet put down, but given the health of your kitteh, and the financial stuff you’ve already (and will continue to) encounter/ed, your vet is right out of line advising you anything at all!
As others have advised, find another vet. And make sure your local community hears about your current one and his unethical med practice!
What you’re going through is such a gut-wrenching experience anyway, what you don’t need is a vet contradicting your decision. Find another vet, and have him/her humanely put your cat down.
You are doing the right thing, for you and your cat.
That right there is a perfectly ethical justification for euthanasia. If it were unethical to euthanize a cat that needs $2000 of dental work, the vet should donate his services for free. Because, ethics.
I think your vet is an ass. I’m so sorry you not only had to make this very very hard decision but now have to defend it. You are doing the right thing for your kitty. Do not second-guess yourself. I hope you can find a compassionate vet.
We did finally convince the vet to do the euthanasia, though he required a cooling off period. In the end, that gave the kids a few hours to say goodbye, but I do resent the requirement.
No more male cats! The vet bills on this one (and his brother who died a few years back) due to urinary blockages were astronomical.
I think that you sound like a very responsible pet owner, and I’m sorry that the immensely sad experience of saying goodbye to your pet was made even worse by the behavior of your vet. If that happened to me, my trust would be broken and I’d definitely find a new one for any future pets.
If you’re up for a fight, report this one’s actions to the licensing organization, YELP, and any other forum.
Do not post it here - the Powers That Be here are quite strict about bring outside problems here.
Not to belabor the point, but beside manner is probably the single most important quality in a veterinarian. Ten times more so than even for a human physician because vets *always *have to speak on the animal’s behalf. Nothing would sour me quicker on a vet than them not being extremely selfless and empathetic…
