Decisions

As reported, Banjo was looking a little better last night, but she is back to anorexia and non-perkiness. Additionally, the numbers of leukocytes and neutrophils in her blood has not increased. The doctor also is worried that she might have "a little septicemia". Today's vet gives Banjo a 10%-20% chance of survival "at best". Given that she has not improved, following the plan from the other day would require putting her to sleep tonight.

But her little bout of improvement from last night might recommend departing from the plan and giving her several more days. The vet predicts that this would cost an additional $1600. A friend has offered to put this on her credit card, so we could pay for the additional treatment. (Add this to the $3000 of debt already incurred.) What role should money play in the decision to continue treatment or not?

Suppose that the vet offered to treat her for free. It is not clear to us we would continue treatment under such a condition. If she has a 5% chance of survival (and money were no object), we would definitely not continue treatment. If she had a 15% chance of survival (and money were no object), we would definitely continue treatment. But 10% is in the vague zone -- even ignoring the acquisition of more debt. Euthanasia seems neither required nor forbidden, ignoring financial considerations.

So now we have to ask: how much is the life of a puppy we love worth in dollars? Yikes.

-Alex