So if your pet needed a $5000 MRI, WWYD?UPDATE#38

[BWVDenise]

That doesn't include any surgery that may be needed depending on the test results...

 

[Disney1fan2002]

That doesn't include any surgery that may be needed depending on the test results...

Sending you a HUGE

I am not going to answer this, for fear of getting mercilessy flamed.

 

[pjtjm]

Sadly, this would be out of the question for my family's resources.

I'm sorry you're faced with this decision...

 

[Pugdog007]

Yes I would. Is there a vet school nearby? They're typically a lot less than a regular vet. Why is the vet recommending an MRI?

 

[C.Ann]

I would seriously question why an MRI for a pet would cost $5000 - and then I would find another vet..

 

[CherCrazy]

We paid out over $1500 on our dog for surgery. The vet told us that it could either be a stomach blockage or cancer. We took the chance that it was a blockage and it was cancer. Our dog only lived a couple months after that. I would never do that again. It put a financial strain on our family, but the vet almost made us feel guilty if we didn't do it.

$5000 is just way too much to spend on an animal. Sorry, JMHO.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sadly, this would be out of the question for my family's resources.

I'm sorry you're faced with this decision...

Us too. Sorry you have to deal with this OP.

 

[tuckerkeys]

my dog had one, and it was only 900.....saved her life too....what kind of emer. hosp is this? we went to red bank emergency animal hospital in nj and it is a 60,000 sq. ft facility that knocked our socks off!!!good luck , and, shop around!!! what about a cat scan??

 

[Blondy876]

What a horrible decision. I'm so sorry.

We would be unable to afford that kind of treatment. I would try to make the rest of my pets life as painless and happy for as long as I could. Then I would have my pet put to sleep. Flame away if you feel the need but that's my honest opinion.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would seriously question why an MRI for a pet would cost $5000 - and then I would find another vet..

Good point. A human MRI is a fraction of that cost and that includes consideration that of HMO's and such.


Definitely something to shop around for.

 

[alliecats]

I would just wonder if there are ANY other tests that can be done to determine what is wrong with this pet. MRIs on animals are not something you hear about every day, and I know people who spend big $$$ on their pets--me included. I would probably get a second opinion before I even got into serious consideration of this (unless, of course, you have already done this).
I'm sorry you are in this situation.

 

[RitaZ.]

$5K seems like a lot of money to me. DH had to have an MRI and it didn't cost $5K. Why is it $5K for a pet?

Personally, I wouldn't spend that much money.

 

[astarr]

I am so sorry that you have to make that decision. Our dog is like a member of the family, so I would do whatever was necessary as long as it didn't put him in any unnecessary pain. Even if that meant I had to get a part time job or whatever to make payments. I would just make sure to get a second opinion and make sure you know all of your options.

 

[Ziva]

Unfortunetly, I couldn't afford it. And as much as I love our dog, I couldn't put him above the rest of my family.

I also agree with the others that said to get a second opinion or try a vet school.

 

[tiggerlover]

That is a hard spot to be put in.

We were in a similar situation with our cat Max. He was almost 17 years old and they found a mass, there were many options that were very, very expensive. After discussing it with the vet, who said he didn't want to influence us in anyway, yet pointing out that 17 years is old for a cat and there were no guarantees, we opted not to do anything as Max was not showing any signs of discomfort or anything. He lasted 3 more months before we lost him. Financially we could not afford all of the options so we made the best decision possible for our family in that situation. I am sure there are lots of people who would spare no expense, but again, that is their decision. We loved Max for 17 years and we were Blessed to have him in our life.

I am not up on current medical fees for pets, but it sounds like you should shop around based on what others have said.

 

[happybratpack]

I agree about that being high, my husky had one and it was about 1k.

 

[BWVDenise]

Up until Christmas, he was a very hyperactive, high energy dog. Then he started to act differently, favoring his shoulder/front leg area. Then he starteed to limp, then he stopped using the leg. Now the muscle has wasted so badly that his shoulder bones are sticking out. Our local vet thought maybe it was a slipped disc and put him on prednisone. Now suggesting we take him to University of Pennsylvania. They called over to let them know we are coming and sort of refer us to them and they called us back to tell us that the U of P vet thought it sounded like he might need an MRI. They didn't want us to be shocked at the cost when we got there, so our vet called to prepare us for what they might suggest. We just don't know what to do. He's been in a lot of pain since the beginning of January.

 

[alliecats]

Denise, how old is he? Have they made any educated guesses as to what could be causing this or are they just shooting in the dark?

 

[C.Ann]

I wish my son-in-law's cousin was over here right now.. She's a vet herself and I'd like to find out exactly what an MRI for a pet should cost.. I honestly and truly do NOT believe that it would cost $5000.. She may stop over late tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow evening, so if I think of it, I'll ask her..

 

[Beth76]

No I absolutely would not spend $5000 on a pet.