Insurance Update-Hit a brick wall

[AngusFangus]

That really does suck! This is exactly what I am afraid of with pet insurance, and why we have a pet savings account instead. So sorry this happened.

Us too.

I looked into it once. They won't cover Angus because he's had cancer, so it's moot for him anyway.

They always give us a printout at our vet's, and at the bottom it has how much I would have saved if I had pet insurance. It's usually like $5, maybe $10. Not a very big percentage of the bill.

I'm sorry this is happening. It's one of the worst runs of luck! What would be the penalty for cancelling your policy, I wonder? Can you even do that?

I kind of can't believe that the guy admitted that an employee misrepresented the policy to you, calling it an "internal training problem," but still won't cover it. There's something wrong about that.

[Retriever Mama]

I'm so sorry this isn't working. I have to ask...is anyone having any luck with the insurance plans for pets? I kind of always thought they were a sham business and your claims would be denied like yours are.

[meandclint]

There is absolutely no reason to pay $3500 per surgery. You can shop around and find a good reputable vet in your area fully capable of doing a traditional repair for $1400 - $1600. I know it's not cheap but it's a heck of a lot better than $3500! Also get the leg fixed that is bothering her and go through rehab and see how she does. Sometimes the months of rest can heal a partial tear that she has in the other knee that she is currently not showing any symptoms.

[3TailsWaggin]

I agree with meandclint. You do NOT have to pay this much for these surgeries. Check out the vet colleges in your area, also don't go the TPLO route.

I also agree that many times a partial tear will heal.

Don't rush into this. Find alternative ways to help your dog that won't bankrupt you.

[BauersMom]

There is absolutely no reason to pay $3500 per surgery.

I agree, I would definitely check around before settling on the vet. $3500 is crazy!

[YellowJakesMom]

There is absolutely no reason to pay $3500 per surgery. You can shop around and find a good reputable vet in your area fully capable of doing a traditional repair for $1400 - $1600. I know it's not cheap but it's a heck of a lot better than $3500! Also get the leg fixed that is bothering her and go through rehab and see how she does. Sometimes the months of rest can heal a partial tear that she has in the other knee that she is currently not showing any symptoms.

Yes, really there is zero reason to do this surgery. You can't afford it, and traditional repair is just as good if not better in some cases. There is no reason to go into debt over this, and pooh on your vets for not telling you otherwise if they know the financial hardship you're facing with your other pup's bills.

[wa-lab]

I think you've gotten some good advice and suggestions. While you are the one that knows your dog the best and will make the right decision for your family, keep in mind vets don't know everything. Vets will usually recommend the most common correction/fix for a problem and forget to mention other things that may work. Their best recommendation may not be the best for your situation.

For instance when I was a kid we had a cat that got an abcess on his foot. We took him to the vet and the vet recommended some kind of surgery(I don't remember what because I was so young) but I remember my mom saying no to the surgery and that he was just a barn cat and she'd take him home for my dad to take care of. (Gasp, yes I know it is awful, that is just how things were done on the farm) Anyways the vet backpedaled and said we could try soaking the leg in a special solution 4x a day. It might work, it might not. Well what do you know it worked and the outside barn cat lived to 18. So surgery wasn't 100% necessary to correct the problem, yet that is what the vet wanted us to try first.

Reflect and go with your gut on what to do. I wish the best for your dog.

[Rodarbal]

I have to agree with meandclint I would proceed with the surgery on the knee that she is showing symptoms in then go from there on the other knee. I just roughly figured in my head how much we have spent so far on Huck's pre-surgery, surgery and post-surgery and so far I have totaled $2650. He has been on crate/bedroom confinement for the last 6 weeks and I want to go the full 8 weeks before we give full run again. Like was said before while Java is recuperating for those 6 to 8 weeks, the other knee may heal or at least give time to pay off/down one surgery before having to do the next.

Also another thought...you may want to ask the vet if there is any rush to do the surgery. Huck was not in pain and with the anti inflammatory he did even better. When we had the consultation with the ortho vet he said he needed surgery (he graded his knee a 4) but there was no rush to do it. Even though he hopped on it mostly and when standing or eating had gotten to the point of no weight bearing on that leg at all. So if you restrict activity and she is not in pain maybe it can wait until finances are better.

I wish you peace of mind with what ever you decide. I know how hard it is to make decisions like these.

[AZLAB]

Send a copy of any complaints to your states department that regulates insurance, the BBB and if you bought it as part of your benefits at work the head of your benefits department. The more people you CC when you write the CEO the more likely you are to get the response you want.

[montoya's]

make sure you tell him that you are a loud mouthed bitch and will take every opportunity to let every one in the dog world know that they are a bad business to deal with.

You'd be amazed what this can do! The more noise you make the more they are likely to help you out. The whole situation sucks and I'm sorry you have to go through it, but hang in there.