dachshund

Question
My dog, Cash has a swollen hard belly, it happened before but he has never
acted like this before. his stomach is really hard and he lost his back leg
functions, he does not seem to be in distress, but just can't walk. he is
neutered, but the problem is I'm broke. I don't have a penny to my name, I'm
loosing my house, and way behind on all my bills, but this is killing me.. how
can I take care of him.

Answer
Hi Vally

I am very sorry to hear of your dog's problem.

Not being a doctor, I could only give you guess as far as what your dog's condition might be. It could be a variety of things, ranging from kidney failure to an impact injury, to cancer. Treatment would vary depending on what the problem actually is. It sounds serious though, and he needs to be examined by a doctor, not by a layperson.

Sadly, there isn't a home treatment or substitute for the care your dog needs.

Have you contacted your regular vet to see if you could possibly pay the vet bill off over a period of time? Can you borrow money from your family, friends, people who go to your church, or from your religious leader? Have you contacted local charities to see if there is any local help available?

Ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) "Helping Pets Fund." In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited.

Many veterinary clinics offer financial assistance through pet care funds that are available to help pet owners to pay for emergency veterinary care that's otherwise unfordable and out of reach. Start making phone calls to every vet clinic in a drivable distance, to see if you can find such a program in your area.

There are some charities that help needy people with vet bills, but it sounds like your dog is having an emergency, and can't wait for an application process to be completed. Just the same, these charities might be helpful:

http://www.browndogfoundation.org/home

http://www.imom.org Phone (866)-230-2164

http://www.thepetfund.com  Phone:(916) 443-6007

http://www.aahahelpingpets.org  Phone:(866)443-5738

http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=28  Phone:(916)429-2457

http://www.angels4animals.org/index.html  Phone: 916-941-9119

http://www.iaadp.org/VCP.html

http://www.help-a-pet.org Phone:(630) 986-9504                       

There are reduced cost vet clinics around, but the operative word is cost. It's going to cost something, even if it's a reduced fee. Contact your local animal shelter or Humane Association to see if there is a reduced fee vet clinic in your area.

There are special credit card you can apply for, that is for medical treatment (including veterinary care). Read more about it here:

http://www.carecredit.com/

https://www.citicards.com/cards/portal/healthcard/nsc/content.do?screenID=5000

I hope you can find a way to get your dog the care he needs.
Best of luck,
Patti