 fiberguy My views are my own. Premium join:2005-05-20
| reply to Rob Re: Anesthesia for dogs..
Rob,
From what I've known based on my raising of dogs and being in the vets office on a regular basis, this is what I think...
A 15 year old Rottie (which I have) vs. your Fox Terrior/Beagle are going to be two different things. My Rottie is past his prime and there would have to be a VERY good reason for me to put him under Anesthsia. For yours, I'd not be TOO worried SO LONG AS THE BLOOD WORK comes back ok.
HOWEVER, I'd STILL be a little worried based on what your Vet/Dr told you. "Any dog that can walk in here on their own four legs, and assuming their blood work is ok, then anesthesia will be fine." The second part stated is correct, but simply because they can "walk in" doesn't mean a rat's-tail.
I love the four legged creatures more than many people and they're like kids to me. I do more for them than the average owner will.. I just lost my 15 year old June 29th ... a few weeks prior he has a small, unrelated problem, that set me back $400, but it was worth it to me to spend the money - again, like kids. 
Some vets (usually chains, but even small ones) will push people to do things in order to generate revenue. I'd be very careful moving forward. If this has to be done to save his/her life, then I'd base your opinion wholey on the blood work, and your dogs general health history and you're going to have to make some decisions on your own.
Also, not sure if you have an established relationship with this particular office you are using.. if you do, that plays a lot as well.
I have a vet that the family has used for over 30 years now - he's an INCREDIBLE DVM but he's 400 miles from where I live now; but I do make the trip home when it's serious.. I have a local that I've worked with who also coordinates with my vet back home. The local one, I don't let do too many major things to my pups.. what I'm getting at is you really need to know your vet, too. I've actually met some that, while they were vets, they did it for the money and they didn't always share the same love and compassion that some of us have for our pets.
I place equal value on my two dogs as I do any other member of the house,.. some see them as "property" and base what they do on that notion.. some people thing that when a pet dies, you just 'get a new one'..
I think you know what I'm saying..
Maybe, if I were you, ask for a second vet in the office to just re-assure you, OR, it may be worth while to ask a second vet clinic.
I tend to agree with James1 that the chances, based on the surface, that anything will happen are slim.
Good luck. |