Advice Please

[bednobs]

ATM we are looking after mother in law's dog who is a springer spaniel. We have her with us because she needs eye drops and medicine and M-I-L is a bit muddled and we worry she is forgetting to do it.
Anyway, we first had her a few weeks ago when MIL was in hospital and my husband took her to the vet because of her gammy eye and also because she hadn't been to the vet for about 10 years (if ever). She's 12.
Anyway, she had a range of problems -
1) mammary growth
2) ulcerated eye
3) arthritis
4) hugely overweight (is 22kg!!!!) should be around 10kg
anyway, last week her cruciate ligament "went" as well as all the above vet says sometimes it gets better with rest (although not helped by overweightness), but may need an op costing approx £700

The advice i need is as follows:
MIL has no money, and i have no emotional tie to the dog what should we fdo? If it was my dog, i'd have anything done to make his life easier, but it's not my dog and my dog is insured, hers isnt

[ethandron]

Our vet didn't either. I'm just giving my opinion on what I'd do under these circumstances, and personally I see it as a no brainer. There are times when it is actually quite selfish to keep a pet alive, from what Bednobs has told us I believe this is one of those occasions. Others may feel differently.
However, Bednobs will take whatever decision she feels is right and shouldn't feel guilty whatever she decides to do.
Best of luck Bednobs x

[ladybirder]

You gave her a chance and she took it Prudie. That's exactly what I'm hoping for in Bednob's case. If it doesn't then at least B will know she gave her a chance.

[ladybirder]

ethandron, if the dog wasn't so overweight I might well agree with you. But, there is a chance that her quality of life will improve quite a lot if she can get down to say 16kg (lose a quarter of her weight) and I would give her that chance.

[bednobs]

of course that leaves me with another dilemma - the dog hasn't got so overweight by having a healthy lifestyle at home. If MIL wants her back (which of course she will) how can i manage knowing that she will be feeding her 5 times a day because she's forgotten she's already done it, or knowing that the dog wont get walked unless we go over there?

[ladybirder]

Bednobs I'd worry about that if and when the time comes BUT you could try these people who will walk a dog when the owner is unable to do so IF they have someone in your MiL's area.
http://www.cinnamon.org.uk

Or try these people if you have any near you.
https://www.borrowmydoggy.com

Any chance you could take charge of the dog's food and provide daily rations by keeping it all at your house and dishing it out on a daily basis?

[bednobs]

no chance of that i'm sorry to say!
The other thing would be to provide the food in portioned bags (14 per week) and check midweek that there are still the right amount left.
She already has 2 cinnamon trust walkers that started the week she came out of hospital. Unfortunately her leg went when one of them was walking her :(

[whirlyhurly]

Bednobs, Please, please as your M-I-L has no money then enquire at the PDSA. In my case, in January last year my 11 year old dog's cruciate ligament "went"as you say, the vets there said I had to feed her less and after 8 weeks, her weight was suitable & so they performed the procedure. After suitable R&R my dog has been given a new lease of life. And all those talented vets at the PDSA ask for is a donation. You can but enquire ??

[bednobs]

i suppose i just feel guilty - of course i knew the dog was overweight but i didnt do anything about it (not my place?)

[bednobs]

we do not live in the caTChment for a PDSA

[sherrardk]

Your damned whatever you do - you either get lumbered with a poorly dog (and the extra work that that will entail) or you will feel guilty if you have the dog put to sleep. You just have to do what is best for you and yours. Don't envy you.

[ladybirder]

Don't feel guilty, we are where we are and you have stepped up now.
Yes I think your suggestion is a good one. Does she know which day of the week is which (I don't half the time)? If she doesn't, mark the food with the day and time if fed twice a day.
I must say it sounds as if the dog would have a better life with you. Could she not contribute a little towards any vet bills?

[whirlyhurly]

Oh Bednobs, you say "catchment area", when I speak to some pet owners at the Pdsa, you'd be amazed at the distance some travel for treatment for their animals.

[bednobs]

it's not that easy. Your postcode has to fall into the catchment area of one of their centres to get help, and hers does not

[anneasquith]

what does hubby say ?

[EDDIE51]

^^ yes I agree I have looked into it, unless you can prove you live within the postcode area for a PDSA they will not help. The RSPCA vets are the same , unless you are in the 'right' post code area you are stuffed.

[boxtops]

Do you live in a catchment area postcode, bednobs, if your MIL doesn't? - could you get round it that way?

Our vet will take instalment payments, if that might help.

[EDDIE51]

Eligibility checker for PDSA here just enter your postcode
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-vet-care/eligibility

[bednobs]

you can't fool them boxtops - you need to prove entitlement to HB and CTB, which obviously will show where you live :)

[ladybirder]

Bednob please let us know how she's doing in a few weeks time. I for one would like to know, whatever happens. Fingers crossed for you all.

[bednobs]

WILL TRY TO REMEMBER!