Dog Health Care Costs

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Concerned About Dog Health Care Costs

Visitor Question

Dog person

Dear Kelly,

I have an older dog. I'm not sure what type he is, but he has always been loyal. Lately he has been coughing a lot at night, and I've noticed he has huge lumps in his groin area.

His activity level has decreased and he just lies there and coughs. It doesn't hurt him to touch these lumps, but I am worried about them. I know I should have taken him to the vet already, but money is limited so could you give me some advice?

I already know the vet bill will be high, but I was hoping for a miracle. I've prayed for him, but he is getting worse by the day. Please don't say that I don't love him, or think I am discounting him. As a puppy he had parvo and I spent thousands of dollars to save him, but I just can't do it now.

I have two other dogs to care for and I'm wondering if this cough could be contagious? So far the other two have shown no signs of sickness.

Thank you,

Rhonda

Expert Reply

Hello Rhonda,

I'm so sorry to hear your pet is so sick. Rising veterinary costs are a real concern for many dog owners, so please don't think I would judge you for your situation.

That said, I'm not a vet but I'll share my thoughts with you. The cough is likely due to some sort of respiratory infection, and could even be kennel cough which is actually contagious. It could also be the effects of an advanced case of heartworm.

Whatever the cause, I recommend isolating your sick dog from your other pets just to be on the safe side. Be sure to feed and water your dog from separate food bowls, and to wash your hands thoroughly after taking care of him.

The lumps in his groin could be almost anything. The lymph nodes can become enlarged when the body experiences a significant infection, but there's no way to say for sure what is going on without an examination. I am concerned that he continues to weaken.

I strongly encourage you to talk to your vet, explain your dog's symptoms and your current financial situation. Some vets are willing to work out a payment schedule that allows you to get the treatment your dog needs. If you are an established client it should weigh in your favor. If your vet declines to take payments, you can try another veterinary office. Hopefully someone will be willing to work with you.

~~Kelly

Chihuahua Has Broken Leg

I have a two-month-old Chihuahua that was recently injured when a baby gate fell on him. The gate hit him in the right hip and the vet said he broke his femur clean off. We were offered surgery or euthanization. The vet also said it may heal naturally by keeping him in his kennel for twelve to eighteen weeks.

The problem is that he is always standing and putting pressure on his leg. Is there anything that we can give him to make him tired or relaxed so he won't stand?

Expert Reply

In my honest opinion, it is unacceptable to keep your dog crated and untreated for up to eighteen weeks. This condition is extremely painful, and I do not understand how the bones can heal without being properly set and immobilized so they have the opportunity to knit.

Chihuahuas are quite delicate, especially puppies, and anesthesia does present a risk for this breed. That said, if it were my puppy, I'd still opt for the surgery.

I also recommend you get a second opinion from another veterinary office.

~~ Kelly



 


Comments

Hi Kerry,

I'm sorry to hear your dog is feeling a bit sluggish during her season. This happens sometimes, but it's usually not serious. Let me explain how a typical heat cycle goes, and then you can decide if your dog needs medical attention.

During the typical heat cycle, the female will bleed heavier the first week, and then lighten up considerably during the second week during the fertile portion of the cycle when she's releasing eggs. Heavier bleeding resumes during the third week and it eventually tapers away to nothing. Hopefully this is all your own female is experiencing. If you suspect there is more going on than this, it would be a good idea to call your vet and discuss what you have observed. Your vet may want to examine your dog for signs of an ovarian cyst if the bleeding is beyond normal levels.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog is feeling like her old self very soon. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

i have a 3 year old staffy she has been in season for 17 days .her bloodloss has increased over the last 2 days and she has become very lathelgic lying in her bed not eating just drinking .she is normally very bouncy .

-- Contributed by: kerry

Hi Lisa,

You'll have to consult your vet directly about the cost of the procedures you're enquiring about. As for the swelling of your dog's ears, this wouldn't be the cause of the itching, it would be the result of it. Scratching and constant flapping of the ears can cause small blood vessels to burst and make the ears swell. All things considered, it's time to call the vet and have him/her take a look at what's going on. It's very possible that your dog is having an allergic reaction to a product you only use occasionally in your home.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope the vet can provide your dog with some relief.

-- Contributed by: Kelly
> See All Comments on this article    


Comment on Dog Health Care Costs



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Dogs Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles