Will I have to get him put down

[Justanotherusername27]

My dog had cruciate ligament surgery a few years back, it was hard on him, he hated being caged, he was so depressed. Stressed himself so much he was sick and pood in the cage in the first few days (despite one of us sat with him constantly) but we got him through and after a few months he was able to go on his walks again. He was insured but they only paid a percentage of the 4 and a half grand it cost. He was seven. I got new insurance after this.

Everything has been fine but two days ago he lifted that leg and hasn’t really put it down. He doesn’t seem to be in any real pain with it. I rang my new insurance today and they’ve said they won’t cover it as it’s classed as pre existing. I’m on maternity leave, I don’t have 4 grand plus to pay for a surgery and I’m not even sure it’s fair on him given that he is ten now and it would put him out of action and miserable for months. I’ve also read that it would need a specialist if it’s failed. If I need to find the money I will find it I just want to do what’s right by him. He’s getting on but he’s generally happy but definitely slowing down and aging. He’s just himself and happy but won’t put any weight on it. He’s got a vets appointment on Friday I just don’t know what to do. I know there’s no real answers on here but I wanted to write it somewhere so someone could tell me a miracle where their dog made a recovery.

Why on earth would you cancel his initial insurance policy? Of course on a new policy anything cruciate related would be classed as pre-existing and therefore not covered. Surely this is something you would’ve known/been concerned about?

Because they were crap! He was insured for up to 7k a year and paid 600 of that because I put him as a mixed breed instead of a cross breed and wouldn’t pay out for my other dog on a different issue.

Also as far as I was aware (probably stupidly but nobody is perfect!) the problem was fixed and he was fine

Unless he's a giant breed then ten isn't particularly old for a dog. It's certainly not an age where I would be stopping treatment or declining surgery unless there underlying health issues.

Have you looked at whether you qualify for help from the PDSA?

I'd be asking the vet what his long term prognosis is, if he's likely to have another 5 plus healthy years its worth it but not if less. I wouldn't be putting my 10 yr old dog through surgery and difficult aftercare unless it was really worth it, if he's only likely to have a year or two. If he's a large breed then life expectancy is presumably lower.
Its a very hard choice to make

I'd follow the advice of the vet. I'd ask what would be best for my dog and whatever the vet said I'd do.

Bit of an update and slight miracle. He’s started walking on it again. He’s limping still but it’s gradually getting better, still going to take him on Friday but it’s definitely a good sign!

If it was cruciate, he would be dragging rather than lifting. My cat had to have both his back legs done.

Hope he remains OK!