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Original poster

I'm so upset and frustrated

48 replies

PinkyPia · 21/07/2025 10:59

I have a flat faced breed (rescued at 4 months not bought) and she struggles on walks now to the point she just goes out to wee and back down street for 4 mins.

She needs BOAS surgery.

I found a place feom recommendations does the surgery and have saved for a year to get the money to have it done. She is insured but these days you have to pay first and then claim back. I am disabled so unemployed and unable to get credit etc.

So Ive spend a year saving and finally got enough for this place that is a specialist but much cheaper than normal.

I went to my own vets and got a referal.

The referral went through last week and I called to book and was told someone would get back to me about her suitability.

I just called and was told as of today they wont do surgery on over 5s. She is 5.5

I can't stop crying.

They told me to contact another place. The price is THREE times as much. I cant afford it.

I feel awful and frustrated and angry :(

Not at them but at myself for letting her down

OP posts:
tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 11:06

I would be really upset too - can’t the place you rescued her from suggest anything?

Original poster
PinkyPia · 21/07/2025 11:10

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 11:06

I would be really upset too - can’t the place you rescued her from suggest anything?

They aren't open anymore, it was just a small local rescue that went under due to financial pressure years ago.

I'm just kicking myself that I didnt save harder or know about the 5 year thing.

OP posts:
Overthebow · 21/07/2025 11:10

Is there an appeals process?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
FeyreandRhysand · 21/07/2025 11:12

refusing surgery for over 5s seems extreme, if it because of her flat face?

One of my dogs is 14 and needs an op, the vet said his heart sounds healthy so they’re happy to operate.

henlake7 · 21/07/2025 11:16

If you are 100% sure the insurance will cover it is it possible to pay with credit cards?
(really sorry though....that sucks.)

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 11:17

henlake7 · 21/07/2025 11:16

If you are 100% sure the insurance will cover it is it possible to pay with credit cards?
(really sorry though....that sucks.)

OP says she’s unemployed and can’t access any credit.

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 11:20

FeyreandRhysand · 21/07/2025 11:12

refusing surgery for over 5s seems extreme, if it because of her flat face?

One of my dogs is 14 and needs an op, the vet said his heart sounds healthy so they’re happy to operate.

It’s because the surgery becomes more complicated the older a dog gets - meaning the risks increase and they generally need more staff and a longer amount of time under anaesthesia.

Original poster
PinkyPia · 21/07/2025 11:20

I can't get credit. I already tried and was turned down for a 49.9% £500 card for rhe people with the shittest credit

And now I would need £3.5k at the place theyre telling me to go

OP posts:
Snoozebuttonplease · 21/07/2025 11:24

You haven't let your dog down - the breeders who created these flat faced breeds, the people who buy them, the Kennel Club for approving grotesque extremes are to blame.

You adopted this dog and you're obviously giving her a great life. It may be shorter than for other breeds, but you've done a really good thing, you haven't let her down.

I think it might be worthwhile to contact the service provider and ask them to review, but if they can't, you should focus on making your dogs like as fulfilling as possible - maybe get a buggy to push her around, so she can still get out to differnt places for short walks when she gets there.

Original poster
PinkyPia · 21/07/2025 12:01

Snoozebuttonplease · 21/07/2025 11:24

You haven't let your dog down - the breeders who created these flat faced breeds, the people who buy them, the Kennel Club for approving grotesque extremes are to blame.

You adopted this dog and you're obviously giving her a great life. It may be shorter than for other breeds, but you've done a really good thing, you haven't let her down.

I think it might be worthwhile to contact the service provider and ask them to review, but if they can't, you should focus on making your dogs like as fulfilling as possible - maybe get a buggy to push her around, so she can still get out to differnt places for short walks when she gets there.

Thankyou. I did buy a buggy but ive not used it as i feel a bit daft!

OP posts:
Original poster
PinkyPia · 21/07/2025 12:01

Ive emailed them to ask if they would consider doing the op for her as I can't get it done elsewhere

OP posts:
FeyreandRhysand · 21/07/2025 12:04

@tumblingdowntherabbithole yes I appreciate that but the dog is only 5.5, hence why I asked if it was related to the breathing difficulties of that particular breed, as 5 isn’t old to stop operating.

Northernladdette · 21/07/2025 15:05

BOAS?

Northernladdette · 21/07/2025 15:05

Can the PDSA help?

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 15:10

FeyreandRhysand · 21/07/2025 12:04

@tumblingdowntherabbithole yes I appreciate that but the dog is only 5.5, hence why I asked if it was related to the breathing difficulties of that particular breed, as 5 isn’t old to stop operating.

Yeah, that's what I was trying to explain - BOAS surgery gets riskier the older the dog gets, so many surgeons will have a cut-off point where they deem it too risky to go ahead.

Sorry I wasn't clear, that's what happens when I try to multi-task Grin

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 15:11

Northernladdette · 21/07/2025 15:05

BOAS?

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

tinyspiny · 21/07/2025 15:20

I’d revisit the vet you can afford and say to them that you are happy with the risks as otherwise she is going to need to be euthanised anyway as her quality of life is so poor , it may just persuade them that it’s worth the risk .

Janus · 21/07/2025 15:20

We used to have an English bulldog who didn’t have this issue but I know of it and really sympathise. I agree with emailing current vet with all your particulars and how you’ve saved for 6 months to cover the cost and although you can get it elsewhere (ie someone else will do it) but their cost is 3 times as much so you therefore can’t. Say you would totally agree to signing any form they want to provide that you accept responsibility if the worst happened and they didn’t make the surgery. It’s got to be worth a try. Is your dog otherwise fit and well? If so I’d very much point that out too and say it will either be their surgery or no surgery. Good luck.

Waunder · 21/07/2025 15:25

Why do you have to pay up front and then claim? Who is your insurer? I’ve had two claims (big ones) in the last six months and both were paid direct to vet. I would contact the pdsa and discuss options, if you are claiming benefits you should be covered for at least some of the cost

XelaM · 21/07/2025 15:27

Waunder · 21/07/2025 15:25

Why do you have to pay up front and then claim? Who is your insurer? I’ve had two claims (big ones) in the last six months and both were paid direct to vet. I would contact the pdsa and discuss options, if you are claiming benefits you should be covered for at least some of the cost

I think most vets only accept this with PetPlan but with other insurers you have to pay up front.

Muffinmam · 21/07/2025 15:28

Change the birth date of your dog.

Waunder · 21/07/2025 15:28

XelaM · 21/07/2025 15:27

I think most vets only accept this with PetPlan but with other insurers you have to pay up front.

Edited
Show quote history

Mine accepts everyone except animal friends as do most vets in the area, understandably because animal friends are awful

Waunder · 21/07/2025 15:29

Muffinmam · 21/07/2025 15:28

Change the birth date of your dog.

Then the insurance won’t cover 🤦🏼‍♀️

tumblingdowntherabbithole · 21/07/2025 15:32

Muffinmam · 21/07/2025 15:28

Change the birth date of your dog.

I'm not sure committing insurance fraud is a very good idea Hmm

3smallpups · 21/07/2025 15:37

They have their reasons for this, but you also have your reasons for needing them to do it. Write an email or call and ask to speak to a senior vet or the practice manager. Explain your situation, that this is literally all you can afford and state that you will accept any increase in risks involved. Contextualised care is a big buzz word in vet medicine at the moment and they should be prepared to have a dialogue with you .