I spent $1200.00 on my dog; $1200.00 more next week.

[Delarage]

She apparently has pneumonia and possibly asthma. All the tests, consults, and X-rays cost the first 1,200.00. The lung wash/culture next week will cost the other 1,200.00.

The first vet gave me bogus blood test results and, based on that and her cough, suggested that my lab could have lung cancer. The specialist said there was no problem with the blood, but there does appear to be pneumonia.

Does anyone have a dog with asthma? What is the treatment like? I'm thinking of some alternative treatments.

[movonne]

1. I am sorry about you dog....but you really sound like a wonderful

Parent..

[BrklynLiberal]

2. check out this site. She has lots of info about holistic alternatives for

our pets and ourselves.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/healthypets.htm

You are a wonderful, responsible, caring parent to your furbaby..
Please keep us posted as to how she is doing.

[pstans]

3. You need to get this bumpersticker

http://www.imageshack.us>

[rumpel]

4. Yes, Vet bills are incredible.

General Info at Kennel Club

http://www.akc.org/

American Holistic Veterinary Association

http://www.ahvma.org/

Holistic not cheap either

Maybe it is late but check into insurance, too.

I don't know where you are located but this is one of our Vets

http://www.thepetproject.com/petallergycenter.html

[Delarage]

5. Thanks for the links

I'm going to be reading up on all of this over the next few days. I'm just glad it wasn't cancer--the minute my first vet suggested that possibility, I broke out in an intense sweat and thought I was going to pass out. It was awful. Turns out they drew blood from her leg (it's better from the neck) and used a cheap in-house machine to examine it (as opposed to a more thorough lab). Once my dog's doing better, I think I might go back there and kick some ass.

Needless to say, I'm getting a new vet. This was the same one who told me my cat had an ear infection for 9 mos. Ooops--turns out it was cancer when I finally demanded a referral to the University of Pennsylvania. And it was too late. I figured I'd keep going to this guy because he was close and could handle routine stuff. But I'm done.