[Gpdd] Health: Eve

[dogcatpiggymom at yahoo.com]

Hi Lynn,
First let me say that I am so sorry for the health problems that Eve has and what a worry it is.
I hope that she can get the help she needs to be well again.  Give Eve a hug for me!

Unfortunately, veterinary care is very costly.  Too many pet parents have to decide to let their
furbabies leave for the Bridge because they cannot afford the care.  If this should happen in
your case, I can't see how anyone would judge you for it.  We all know what we can and cannot
afford in such a costly world we live in.   Before making the decision, though, I'd like to suggest
that you search the net for groups that help owners with vet costs.  They do exist!

When I took my cat (Angelica) to the ER vet last Sunday,
the vet gave me a written estimate of costs to test Angelica.  I was floored when I saw it!  It
was nearly $700 for tests and x-rays that I KNEW she didn't need!  I told the vet to start with
the blood work first and if it was inconclusive that we would go to the next test.  Why an x-ray?  

The vet didn't have an answer.  She wanted to test my kitty for so many other things that even I
knew she didn't have.  We have to be smart when dealing with vets because there are so many
options available nowadays.  Getting just the blood work was enough to show advanced kidney
failure.  I tell you this just in case your vet offers an additional test.  Ask WHY would it be necessary to
diagnose the piggy and WOULD IT HELP in any way?  "Just to know" for several hundreds
of dollars is not always worth it.


We are so insanely lucky to have ANN as our friend.  She
has a heart of gold and her knowledge is tremendous.  Ann will be able to help you.  Years ago
my Macie became ill.  I took her to an exotic vet who specialized in guinea pigs.   After hundreds
of dollars spent and a piggy who remained ill, I turned to Ann who told me to worm her!  Can
you imagine that Macie just needed to be wormed???!!!  Ann knew more by what I told her than
the "specialist" knew by examining Macie and doing tests.  Ann was so kind and generous to send
me what I needed and Macie recovered.  We can't get any better guidance with our piggies than
ANN!!!  She is our Piggy Angel on Earth!

Hang in there and know that I'm thinking of you.
Hugs,
Joanne, Baci, Sweetie, Sassy, Ellie