# I can't afford my vet bills. What should I do? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 6, 2003, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332 "2003-05-06T04:12:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2003, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/41 "2003-05-10T19:34:20Z")
**slice** - I passed no fewer than 3 charity car washes on my way to the vet’s office today. Perhaps you and **sliceguy** and some friends could hold one of those as a fundraiser. Make sure you have your puppy there for the sympathy value. StG ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2003, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/42 "2003-05-10T21:42:21Z")
I’m going to sound REALLY heartless, forgive me for that. If the hip replacement isn’t a viable solution, and obviously putting the dog down would be a shame because she’s so young, would it be possible to amputate? Dogs can be quite mobile with 3 legs. I know. Heartless. But it may be an option to think about. Consult your vet. ---
**Author:** ![slice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@slice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slice)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/43 "2003-05-11T03:07:23Z")
Thank you all for your continued input and suggestions. **gotpasswords** , that _is_ bizarre that the article would single rottweilers out. She’s a rottie/catahoula leopard dog mix and has the rottie looks and the catahoula shape. She’s not wide and stocky like a rottie, she’s tall and slender. Maybe that had something to do with the surgeon suggesting it as a second option. We’re going to call the vet’s office on Monday with a few more questions we thought of and I’m going to check into seeing if/how to extend my CareCredit same as cash period. Another factor is that because of my grandfather’s stroke this week, my grandparents are probably going to have to be put into an assisted living facility with all of us (I have a very small family) assuming the costs. When it rains, it pours. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/44 "2003-05-11T14:44:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by irishgirl \* > \*\* If the hip replacement isn’t a viable solution, and obviously putting the dog down would be a shame because she’s so young, would it be possible to amputate? > > Dogs can be quite mobile with 3 legs.\*\* This was brought up in the thread earlier. Given the underlying pathology of the “bad” hip, it’s unlikely the remaining hip would hold up well in such a circumstance. See **CrazyCatLady** ’s posts. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/45 "2003-05-11T17:27:54Z")
Ah cheers, i kind of drifted off somewhere and posted regardless. ---
**Author:** ![Aguecheek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Aguecheek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aguecheek)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2003, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/46 "2003-05-11T20:06:27Z")
Saw something just the other day that made me think of your situation. There was an article _somewhere_ that mentioned a gentleman who ran a website that offered one-time gifts of cash to individuals in need. Anything from students needing money for books to people needing a boost for their rent cheques. And he’s on the up and up. He dedicates $500 of each paycheque to his site. Of course, he also accepts donations. This guy’s building up some serious karma. And for the life of me, I can’t remember where I saw it. But when I get back to work tomorrow with my speedy internet connection, I’ll find it and get back to you. ---
**Author:** ![phraser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a88e4f/32.png) [@phraser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phraser)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/47 "2003-05-12T04:28:46Z")
Slice: when they say soon, they mean as soon as possible (ie as soon as the surgeon can take you). Your dog is probably quite uncomfortable, which is impacting on her quality of life. It’s not a life threatening situation, but it’s bad to be on high doses of painkillers long term (risk of stomach ulcers and other problems), not to mention her welfare. The difference between Femoral Head Osteotomy (also called Excision Arthroplasty) and Total Hip Replacement is basically what **gotpasswords** elucidated. The reason Rottis were probably singled out on the site mentioned is that it’s a known problem in that breed, and they are usually large and heavy. They taught us that under no circumstances should we ever consider doing a FHO on anything larger than about 10 kilos. If you can afford the THR at all I would say pick that option, because the long term benefits are better. FHO forms a false joint, but it’s not as strong as a regular one and she’s likely to have limited activity and strength in that leg. A total hip replacement is also not as strong as a normal hip, but it’s got better strength and range of movement, even if not 100%. However, the implant (artificial hip) can fail and need to be replaced, especially if she’s a young dog who will be using it a lot. On the other hand, should she have a problem with her other hip later in life, while cats and very small dogs can get by with two FHO’s, a large dog wouldn’t have much hope, and she’d have to have a THR. FHO also has increased risk of arthritis, especially if the angles aren’t carefully considered when taking off the femoral head. Either way she won’t be running marathons and it would be good to keep her on the lean side to prevent stress to any other legs. Your surgeon should be able to go through all the pros and cons either way with you. FTR, swimming is great physical therapy for dogs post any kind of hip surgery. ---
**Author:** ![slice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@slice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slice)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/48 "2003-05-12T10:22:40Z")
**phraser** , not to worry, we scheduled time for her on Wednesday with the surgeon. We said to do the THR, but reserved the right to change it to the FHO depending on what did or didn’t happen this week. He said that was fine. I can tell it’s wearing on her. The medicine is keeping her from being in any visible pain, but walks go something like this: walk down the porch steps. Lie down. Walk to the driveway. Lie down. Walk to the end of the driveway. Lie down. Walk 10 feet on the sidewalk. Lie down. Right now she is sleeping and dreaming doggie dreams, I guess, by the way her legs are twitching. Thanks for the swimming suggestion. Finally, my parents well-maintained but seldom used pool will have a purpose. **Aguecheeck** , if you could find that for me, that would be awesome. ---
**Author:** ![Aguecheek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Aguecheek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aguecheek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/49 "2003-05-12T17:29:21Z")
[Here we go.](http://www.modestneeds.org/) The site’s called Modest Needs. It’s pretty well like I said - apply to the guy running the site, explain why you need the money, and hope he approves you. Best of luck. ---
**Author:** ![slice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@slice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slice)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/50 "2003-05-12T18:51:52Z")
Done and done. You’re my new hero, **Aguecheeck**. Here, have some key lime pie I made for you. 😛 So far, I have raised almost $1,075. Guess that 3/4 of a Public Relations degree has come in handy after all. ---
**Author:** ![Aguecheek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Aguecheek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aguecheek)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/51 "2003-05-12T20:21:47Z")
Key lime pie? Who told?! I _lurvvve_ key lime pie. Thank you! Incidentally, I see you’re in NoVA…you might wanna check out this [thread!](http://boards.straightdope.com//sdmb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=183539) ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/52 "2003-05-12T21:22:06Z")
**slice** , I don’t want to burst your excitement about the Modest Needs site, but their FAQs say… [quote] Typically, Modest Needs rejects requests for: [ul][li]partial funding to reduce a larger debt (the site considers only requests that can be paid in full by a small, one-time gift);[/li] \ [li]except under extraordinary circumstances, requests for help with pet/animal care (because of limited site funding, and despite the fact that everyone involved with the site loves animals, people have to come first at Modest Needs)[/ul][/li][/quote] I’d just hate to see you get your hopes up, only to have them dashed. ☹ Have you considered putting some unnecessary/unused/chochkie type items up for sale on Ebay? You could probably make a bunch of money that way! ---
**Author:** ![HBby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/977dab/32.png) [@HBby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HBby)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/53 "2003-05-12T22:24:28Z")
**Slice** , I see that you’re doing better with the money situation. I hope things work out for you and your dog. I just wanted to clear up some things I’ve read in this thread. VPI (Veterinary Pet Insurance) does not cover hip dysplasia or any congenital disease. So, it would be a waste of your money if you were to get it specifically for this surgery. Besides, they would not cover any existing conditions and they do ask for the dog’s medical records for approval before any insurance kicks in. It would be a good idea to get it, if you want your dog to be covered in cases of broken bones or cancer or non-congenital diseases. If, in the future, you think you may not be able to keep your dog, do NOT surrender your dog to the county animal control/shelter. I have an inside scoop that they euthanize almost all rotties and rottie mixes without giving them a chance. Trust me on this. There are plenty of no-kill shelters out there. You can contact SPCA of NoVA, located in Arlington. Or check out [Metropets.org’s list of shelters](http://www.metropets.org/YellowPages/Orgs/VA.php). I use this site often 'cause it’s _the_ #1 site for all things pet-related in our area. Don’t contact the ASPCA. They’re located in NYC. Here are some more websites for pet-related things in our area: [The Regional Veterinary Referral Center](http://www.vetreferralcenter.com) [Doggie Fun](http://www.doggiefun.com) Also, you can pick up the Pet Lovers Companion Guide at any pet store. It’s like the Yellow Pages for anything pet-related. Good luck with Samantha. I hope she and your grandfather do better real soon. ---
**Author:** ![slice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@slice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slice)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/54 "2003-05-13T05:42:26Z")
Okay, are you guys reading my brainwaves or what? **Shayna** , I did see that on the site, but I figured I don’t have anything to lose from trying. I put in the story about how the guy stalked me and tried to abduct me (along with my police report number), how I had gotten the dog for safety reasons, and how the counselor had seen a lot of improvement in my mental and physical health after I got her. Of course, I’ll understand why if they have to reject my request. I got my bill itemized and asked for a specific part of her care, so that way, I wouldn’t be asking for partial funding of one thing. And we’ve been scouring the house looking for things to sell on ebay. First up will be some of my Ann Taylor suits that I don’t need because (a) I can’t fit in them anymore and (b) I never plan on being a corporate drone ever again. I just need to borrow my future brother-in-law’s digital camera so I can take pics. Maybe I can get a picture of Samantha up while I’ doing that. **HBby** , buried somewhere in this now long thread, I also discovered that insurance doesn’t usually cover hip dysplasia even if it’s not preexisting, but it’s good to say it again. Good to know about not giving a dog up to a county shelter. I adopted her from a Humane Society, and there was a part in the contract about how if there was ever a reason that I couldn’t take care of her, I should give her back to _them_ so they could find a new home for her. They are no-kill. Thanks for the other links. And a warm welcome to a fellow NoVA doper! Surgery is scheduled for Wednesday morning, and she will come home Thursday afternoon. And I will eat a lot of bolagna sandwiches for the next year. ---
**Author:** ![Aguecheek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@Aguecheek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aguecheek)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/55 "2003-05-13T15:12:24Z")
Aw, nerts. Sorry, **slice** , I read the “About Us” FAQ, but apparently not the “What we typically accept” FAQ. Best of luck regardless, and here’s hoping for a successful surgery. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2003, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/56 "2003-05-15T21:39:57Z")
So… How’d Samantha’s surgery go? ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/57 "2003-05-16T17:23:14Z")
I’m curious, too. I hope she’s doing well! ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2003, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/58 "2003-05-16T17:55:52Z")
Count me in as another curious one! How’s Samantha doing? And **slice** , I normally don’t do things like this over the 'net, but if you have a Paypal account, I’d really like to donate a little to Samantha’s surgery - it can’t be much since I’m really poor right now, but I’d like to think that someone would do the same for me if something ever happened to one of my babies - they’re as special to me as Samantha seems to be to you and the worst thing in the world is for a pet to be in pain. Feel free to drop me an email with the info if you’re comfortable with that - my email’s in my profile. Ava ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/59 "2003-05-28T18:38:30Z")
**sliiiiice** , oh **sliiiiii-iiiiiiiiiice**! We’d love an update, please. ---
**Author:** ![Mariachi\_Kitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@Mariachi\_Kitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mariachi_Kitty)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2003, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332/60 "2003-05-28T18:55:48Z")
Listen to phraser. My brother just graduated with his DVM - U of Il, Urbana-Champaign. He told me never to take my dog to the vet school clinic unless I was willing to pay a lot and it was a true “no one else can help her” type situation. He said it’s not uncommon for bills to run higher because there are more diagnostics that can be performed. It very good care, but it’s very expensive. I’m sure HR is a difficult surgery, but since there are licensed specialists who know how to do it outside of a vet school setting, try talking to them first. Good luck and quick healing to your dog. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-afford-my-vet-bills-what-should-i-do/173332.md?page=4)