Pet’s Surgery Costing an Arm and a Leg (Literally)
14 May 2009I beg all of you to consider pet insurance for when your pets get injured. PETS are needlessly losing limbs as cash-strapped owners forgo veterinary treatment.
The Melbourne Lost Dogs’ Home has recently amputated the limbs of four abandoned dogs.
Vets said inexpensive early treatment would have saved three of the dogs the trauma of major surgery and life-changing disfigurement.
Animal owners in Britain are reportedly dumping pets at more than twice the normal rate as the world economic crisis takes hold.
The British RSPCA said 30 pets were dumped daily – a 60 per cent increase.
While most Australians kept their pets and adopted strays at much the same rates, Lost Dogs’ Home staff said some owners appeared to baulk at paying for treatment for pets in poor health.
“In the past month we have had more surrenders, and people invariably cite financial reasons,” said Lost Dogs’ Home shelter manager Sue Conroy.
“Of the four dogs to have undergone amputation, three had accidents causing injuries that did not receive medical care at the time, and we have been left with no option but to amputate.”
Ms Conroy said people were feeling the pinch across the board and would be pressed to pay some vets’ bills.
The Lost Dogs’ Home covered the costs of the four dogs’ life-saving surgery and will offer them for adoption. While one is still recovering from the surgery, the others are available now.
“One is a golden retriever and there are two terriers,” Ms Conroy said.
“All three have delightful temperaments and have adapted remarkably well to the loss of a leg.”
Coincidentally, all the dogs lost their left rear limb.
If you are looking to adopt a dog why not pay a visit to the Lost Dogs Home or have a look at their website: http://www.dogshome.com/content/give-dog-home
