That was an easy question, of course they are. A few weeks back we took the pup to the vet for a check up. We’d noticed that he had a little growth on his eyelid and wanted to get it checked out. I guess you can say we’re sort of hyper-vigilant when it comes to our pets’ health.
Our Pup Was Determined “Too Expensive” to Treat
When we first adopted Brooklyn 4 years ago, he was in pretty bad condition. According to his adoption paperwork, he was found by NYC Animal Care and Control wandering the streets of Brooklyn. He was underweight and had multiple health issues including a condition called “cherry eye”. If you’re curious, cherry eye is basically the prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid (bet you didn’t know that cats and dogs have a third eyelid-I didn’t). It’s not usually dangerous or painful to the dog, but looks bad (see the photo below of his right eye- bottom corner).
Our Sad Shih Tzu Right After We Adopted Him
He also had an ulcer on the same eye (see the white spot in the middle?). Unfortunately the ulcer damage is not reversible, so he still has that spot today. We believe he can see out of the eye, at least partially, and it doesn’t seem to bother him.
He was not neutered and needed antibiotics for kennel cough. Worst of all, he was clearly abused (he still flinches sometimes if you pat him when he’s not expecting it, ugg poor bugger).
Basically he was a, “hot mess” but we knew that when we adopted him. Because AC&C decided that he would have been “too expensive” to treat, he was rescued by another organization. Thankfully they rescued our boo bear and he came to our house shortly thereafter. With time and a lot of vet care, we were able to nurse him back to health. He still has some behavioral issues (fear based aggression), but that’s to be expected given his history.
Today he’s totally healthy and happy. Our vet told us that the current small growth on his eyelid is benign and nothing to worry about. It’s likely we’ll have the growth removed when they clean his teeth. But it probably bothers me more than it bothers him. I swear we take better care of our pets than we do ourselves sometimes. Note to self: make a dentist appointment-you’re overdue!
Cost of the visit:
1 Comprehensive Exam $68.00
1 Medical Waste $3.70
1 Distemper vaccine $39.50
1 Rabies vaccine $34.50
Total Cost of the Visit = $145.70 – Peace of Mind That He’s OK=Priceless!
Happy, Healthy Pup a Year Later
Our pets bring us so much love and laughter and entertainment. They are pretty hilarious and live pretty luxurious lives. Bf and I joke that if we are reincarnated when we die we want to come back as pets living in our household.
Tell me about your pets. Had any big pet expenses lately? Was the expense “worth it?”