thanks for the cleaning info, hivemind. it is possible that i vastly overreact to the possibility of bloody food-borne contaminants. one of the benefit of being vegetarian: not having to worry about cross-contamination.

I haz a sad.

Okay, not really a sad, but a heavy heart.

The terrific new vet we saw last week...who took surgery off the table for Bartlby's chronic issue and made me a very happy woman as a result, has had to go back on that promise.

Unlike the other vets we've seen, she actually did research before throwing dartstreatments at the problem. In the end, it became clear that cutting is the ultimate answer. I can't even express how much I did not want to hear this.

There is a drug treatment that might significantly improve the situation...which would be required before surgery anyway...with some risks but not nearly as many.

Then, there is the cost. I took out pet insurance for the first time last week, but have no idea whether it would even cover the necessary procedures. I've asked the doc to see if there is anyone in the practice who can advise me.

If insurance won't cover it, it isn't even up for discussion.

It goes without saying that I want the best for the little guy. He is the center of my universe. I just want him to be safe.

Oh, Bonny. I am sorry to hear that. I don't have any practical advice, but I know how much you love him.

If he's had this condition before you took out the insurance...it probably won't. Sad.

Erin!

Thank you for the lovely surprise in the post today. It was sweet of you to think of me and it made me smile in the midst of my worry.

The pre-existing condition issue is huge. And likely dooming.

My only hope is that it was never before diagnosed.

Oh, dear. All the best for you and Bartleby, bonny.

oh noes! i feel that situation all too much this week and hope beyond reason that he miraculously wakes up tomorrow with no need for surgery or risky meds :( back in the world of sads, will the vet vouch that it is NOT a pre-existing condition? I have no love for vet insurance companies after my terrible earlier experiences, but as long as the vet can vouch for the new-ness of the condition major surgery is the one thing you can rely on them to cover.

The doc has been lovely and practical so far, so I'm confident that, if she can help, she will.

I was very impressed that when I mentioned that his rabies booster is lapsed, she said it was ill-advised to boost him when while he was sick. I love her for that. But she went even further by saying that, if God-forbid, anything happened before we were able to get the booster, she would 'go to bat for us in court.'

Given that, and her willingness to do actual research, I'm inclined to trust her more than any we've seen maybe ever.

oh noes! i feel that situation all too much this week and hope beyond reason that he miraculously wakes up tomorrow with no need for surgery or risky meds

Thank you so much e_o. Goodness knows I'm pulling out the stops on the prayer front. Any and all good wishes are gratefully accepted.

{{{{{{{bonny and Bartleby}}}}}}}}