Q.My cat FredEx needs surgery on a tumor he has on his liver. I've already spent over $1,000 to determine it's a benign mass that can be treated surgically. The problem is that the surgery itself will cost $2,000 more and I don't have the money. The vets say FredEx is still young enough that he can live a good long time if we remove it soon but I'm angry that they won't let me pay for his care in installments. What do you think?
A. I say open a new line of credit. Harsh as that sounds, that's the reality of medicine -- whether it's for humans or animals.
Pet health care is caring and compassionate, but someone has to pay for the costs of FredEx's care. There are some vets that will occasionally lend their clients some assistance (especially if they know you well), but two grand is a lot of money.
In cases like this, I like to explain that FredEx's problem is not uncommon. Nor is your financial predicament. It's a bottomless well of cash we vets would need to finance all the worthy cases that come our way in this profession.
Requiring your vet to effectively loan you money is not a fair expectation. That has to sound terribly heartless, but with so many healthy animals euthanized every year for no better reason than a lack of a good home, the financial stresses in animal care are enormous.
That's why there are new credit card services available to help pet owners. CareCredit is one such company offering credit specifically for pet health care problems. Many vets offer this financial product.
Other new ideas are slowly making their way into the mainstream as veterinary services get more high tech (and more expensive). Although it's too late for FredEx on this front, pet insurance is now widely available and is making reasonable headway as a means of preventing dilemmas like yours.
Pet health savings accounts are another option. Financial planners can help you set one up for future issues. For now, though, consider a limit increase on one of your current credit cards or contact CareCredit (www.carecredit.com ) for information on a line of credit.
