Pets & Animals

(WCCO) For many people, pets are a part of the family. And it's the sad truth that, for most, we will outlive them, and often have to make tough decisions when their health starts declining. It's something WCCO-TV's Jeanette Trompeter has been dealing with and wants to share her experience.

There are not many companions as consistent and committed to us. They are our playmates, our protectors and our silent supporters on our darkest days.

"In a lot of ways as our families have become more spread out, at least our family of origin," said Jeannine Moga, social worker at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Our animals are sometimes like surrogate children, sometimes their like partners, they're really wonderful companions during very difficult life transitions when otherwise many people feel very isolated," she said.

Madelyn has been there for me through moves to new cities, heartaches and days where my job and social life kept me from giving her the attention she deserved.

Modern vet care has led to longer life spans and deeper relationships with our pets. A healthy dog typically lives 12 to 15 years

"It's definitely a different time than when your parents had pets and they only went to the vet to get spayed and then to get euthanized," said Dr. Teresa Hershey, veterinarian at Westgate Pet Clinic in Edina.

I got Madelyn from a rescue league, so I'm not sure how old she is. But I've had her 10 years. She's been a healthy, active playmate, so I didn't worry about her age until I noticed a lump on her leg. It was cancer, and they couldn't get it all. Suddenly, I was hit with some tough decisions.

"Ten years ago we would say to you with chemotherapy, your pet might live for six months, now we can say maybe your pet will live 18 months or two years. Treatment options are better, and outcomes better," said Hershey.

"We want to give them the best care possible, but then there's a point saying, 'Are we doing more harm than good? Is this patient suffering for my own selfishness?'" said Dr. Vicki Wilke, veterinarian at the U of M who explained Madelyn's situation with me.

My options ranged from amputation to daily radiation treatments. Both are hard on an older dog.

"Well they usually have concurrent diseases, multiple diseases and that increases their anesthetic risk," explained Wilke.

The choices were also expensive. I leaned heavy on Wilke for guidance.

"I think it's very difficult as a veterinarian to say 'This is what you have to do,'" said Wilke. "You hate playing God. Quality of life is ultimately what our goal is. What is the quality of life before and after surgery, before and after the procedures that we can do?"

Wilke explained the risks, costs and possible consequences of each procedure with me. But all I knew was Madelyn was sick. I was stuck, and a little embarrassed about my angst.

Apparently, I'm not the only one. That's one reason the University of Minnesota has social workers to help weigh the emotional and practical tug-of-war.

"We have plenty of options to treat. That doesn't come without a hefty price tag sometimes, and a lot of families don't have those resources available to them," said Moga. "Especially in this economy. It has nothing to do with whether or not you love them and whether or not you have a wonderful relationship with them. It just means that you can't. And so what do we need to do now?"

Ultimately, I made my best guess at what Madelyn would want, what I could tolerate and afford. Wilke removed a cancer from her liver and put chemotherapy beads in her leg. I'm hoping that keeps her around for another year or two. However, if it doesn't, I have promised her and myself we put up our best fight.

For more on Madelyn's journey and some tips for dealing with similar situations with your pet visit Jeanette's Blog.

 

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