mandakay Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Some of you guys may know about my sick border collie. Here is the link http://www.bordercollie.org/boards/index.p...nasal+infection Well, we are still clueless on what is wrong with him. There are things that they can do to help find out what is going on, but it will rack up well over $1,500 and even then there is the possibility that they still will not know anything and who knows what they will have to do to fix him. Either way, if I do not come up with at LEAST $1,500 I will probably be putting Chance down in the next couple of months. No anti biotics are working for him, and nothing they are doing is helping. So now he is on the decline, getting worse and worse. Does anyone have any idea on how to come up with that money? Or any groups I can give him to that will care for his medical exspenses. I would hate to have to put him down just because I cannot afford his care.... I am heart broken, and feel like crap and dont feel like going in to much more detail now... Thanks for reading, Amanda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSnappy Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Try any of the following: IMOM http://www.imom.org "We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged." Care Credit www.carecredit.com A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. American Animal Hospital Association http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/home/ The Pet Fund http://thepetfund.com/ Angels 4 Animals www.Angels4Animals.org Help-A-Pet http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html God's Creatures Ministry http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html United Animal Nations http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html Also, if you want to come up with the money - sell whatever you can. Pick up an extra job. Hold a garage sale, give up your internet and/or your cable. Find the money wherever you can find the money. If you really can't do that, you can plead your case to a BC Rescue and see if they will take and treat him, but if you do that remember that you should kick in whatever monies you can to help. Passing the buck to an already strapped rescue is, IMO, the last resort. It's not easy. My vet bills last year wiped me out, totally, and I lost both Briggs and Leonard in the end anyway. It was heartbreaking, and it's difficult to draw the financial line in the sand, but you do what you can do and when you can't do any more, then you lay them to rest humanely. Letting an animal suffer is, IMO, much worse than humanely euthanizing him. If you think Chance is suffering and you really can't afford to treat him, then you need to let him go. Best of luck to you. RDM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 So sorry to hear about this ongoing problem for you and Chance. Best wishes coming to a decision that will be the best for both of you. I think RDM really covered the important issues (and resources) very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been able to find out what is wrong with Chance. I have put a link to a condition that seems to really be difficult to diagnose...you might have your vet test for it. I hope you can find the resources to help him out. http://blastomycosis.ca/dogs.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Amanda, Have you actually talked with your vet about making arrangements to pay? If you are a regular client, many vets will let you sign a promissory note, put a certain amount down, say, anywhere from 10-50 percent, and then make regular payments on the rest. They'll probably charge you a small amount of interest, but aside from emergency vets, I've never had a vet refuse to let me make payments. Of course these were all vets where I was a regular client, known for paying up either right away or eventually. Another option is a credit card dedicated solely to vet expenses. I wouldn't recommend this route for everyone, but it is an option. RDM has also given you some good links. And I heartily agree with her comments regarding giving things up and selling things if you need to in order to come up with the money. I know folks who have to have their $4 Starbucks coffee every morning or 700 channels on their cable TV. Cutting back on the "wants" vs. the "needs" can go a long way toward freeing up the money you need for veterinary care. I also agree that sometimes it's in the best interests of the pet to just let it go, humanely. But if I had a good relationship with my vet and trusted that the investment I was getting ready to make in his care was going to have a positive outcome, then I'd probably try to come up with the money, one way or another, at least some of it, and then work out arrangements for the rest. Good luck. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandakay Posted September 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Whoa, thanks for those links. I never knew organizations like this were around! I havent really talked with my vet about payment plan. He has actually REALLY worked with me. The last operation Chance had was estimated to be a $1,200 surgery and he did it for his cost, which is $350. However what Chance is needing now are more like tests... like biopsy's and things that have to be sent off and he cannot really discount me for. He is even talking about sorta like exploratory surgery in his sinus cavities which needs to be done at a university. The exploratory surgery is something we really do not want to do because they have to break and chisel through bones and all sorts of horrible things! There are a few other things like a MRI (or was it a CAT scan? i dont recall) that were very costly too. I will talk to him more about payment plans, but I feel guilty in doing so because he has already helped me so much. All of these things that we think Chance needs is just so we can find out what is wrong with him. We may not ever find out, and it may be something that we cannot fix, but either way I do not want to see Chance die over this. I have to do all that I can, or I will never be able to live with myself. I also thought, maybe I can get a little bucket with his picture and his story and see if business will let me set it out, and people can make donations. Or even put a website out with his story and have where they can donate through pay pal. As far as cutting back on wants... well, I cannot really afford wants in the first place. I am not trying to gain pity, but I even need new clothes and I cannot afford them. And for groceries I usually end up with Mac n Cheese and Ramen noodles. I actually need to see if I qualify for gov. assistance. I have sounding like a mooch, I just really cant help my situation I am in. And I am actually in the process of trying to sell my van. Its a horrible old rusted van, but someone offered me $400 for it, so thats better than nothing! Thank you everyone for your support! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Amanda, I am so sorry that you and Chance are continuing to struggle with his undiagnosed condition. And I feel your pain, both emotional and financial, having just gone through about 18 months' worth of testing and treatment for Johnson and still not have any answers. (Note to self: it is probably a bad sign when the research school's vet clinic quits returning your vet's phone calls.) Before going through a whole series of additional (and, it sounds, expensive) tests, have you considered getting a second opinion from another local vet? It sounds like you trust your vet and that he's doing all that he can to help you, but sometimes it's useful just to get a fresh perspective on the situation. Different vets have seen different things in their practices and just have different ways of thinking about problems. I know you're just up the road from me, and I would feel confident recommending my vet for a second opinion if you want to pursue that option first. I'll keep thinking to see if I can come up with any other ideas for you, and I'll keep an eye on this thread, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Amanda, My sister did something with a web site and paypal when her rescue great dane needed surgery to remove a mammary tumor. She found people who were willing to give I think mainly because the funds went directly to the vet practice, so there was no question of them being misdirected to anything else. If you want to go this route, PM me and I will put you in touch with her and she can tell you how she did it. And I don't want to sound ugly or anything, but if your financial situation is a poor one, you might want to reconsider pet ownership for the near future until your situation is more stable. At any rate, I think your next step should be to sit down with your vet and define with him what your options are and what types of tests will give you the most bang for your limited resources. I'd try not to feel too guilty about the fact that he's been doing work for cost for you--it was his choice to do so, and he may have had a professional interest in doing the work (i.e., he learned something from it too). A frank discussion about what you can afford is the place to start. Get his honest opinion about what tests, etc., will provide the most information. Also get his frank opinion about whether this is a case that has a good prognosis. Many vets are reluctant (and rightfully so) to advise a person to stop spending money and go the euthanasia route, so you need to discuss what sort of quality of life Chance has now and in the future, given what might be gained (or not) from the tests. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandakay Posted September 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thanks for the help. I will go for a FOURTH doctor. I really think i am going to lose him This is so hard! Cant I just die with him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thanks for the help. I will go for a FOURTH doctor. Sorry, Amanda--I didn't realize you'd already had multiple opinions, as I only skimmed the previous thread. If you have already sought that much feedback from that many different sources, maybe Julie's suggestion would be a better use of your resources: a frank discussion with your vet to review the tests and what you're likely to find out from them and then to prioritize them. And, most difficultly, at what point to draw the line. Again, I'm really sorry you are in this situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenajo Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 I would contact the adoption agency he came from and see if they have any ideas. They would also be a better position than an individual to solicit larger donations - perhaps even put his story in their newsletter or magazine to help draw attention Just a FYI...most people are more likely to donate directly to the vet or humane society than to an individual person they don't know. That way they know their money goes to the intended place. You're legit I'm sure, but because others aren't everyone pays. Sad...but reality anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 I really think i am going to lose him This is so hard! Cant I just die with him No, you can't. As much as you can't envision life without him, if he does pass on or you have to euthanize him to end pain or suffering, he will live on in your heart. You can feel this way about certain animals (or people) in your life, particularly when things have been very rough. They may leave you now, and you may ache horribly when they go, but they will always live on in a loving heart. Julie's idea of speaking to your vet about a payment plan is excellent. My daughter has a standing arrangement with her vet. When she has an expense that she can not pay in full, the vet allows her to make out post-dated checks over a time period that she can afford. This has worked well for her and gotten her and her animals through some pretty tight spots. Most vets are in the business because they love the animals. Once you have a good relationship with a good vet, they will usually be willing (or eager) to work something out for the sake of the animal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieDog Posted September 23, 2008 Report Share Posted September 23, 2008 I know you've been to a ton of vets already, but have you considered holistic treatment? When my parents' cat developed horrible allergies holistic treatment really helped him ad it cost the same or less than conventional stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 I know you've been to a ton of vets already, but have you considered holistic treatment? When my parents' cat developed horrible allergies holistic treatment really helped him ad it cost the same or less than conventional stuff. I was thinking along those lines too. I'm so sorry to hear of Chance's problems. And I know how hard it is not only with the money aspect but also trying to make the right decision of what to do in this kind of chronic, frustrating, confusing situation. Conventional vet care has saved my dogs lives a few times over the years and worked very well with a variety of issues. And then there is Quinn -- Nature Boy. He came to me sick at 9 weeks old and at 2 1/2 not only was he still sick but traditional approaches only seemed to be making him worse. I took him to a holistic vet who got him off all meds (three at the time) and onto a homemade diet with lots of supplements. He is doing great now. It was a big step for me to switch the type of care so completely but by that point I was getting desperate. Now I wish I had done it much, much sooner and maybe his immune system would be stronger. But we live and learn. Just something to think about. There are no easy answers here but if you are really afraid you are going to lose your dog, you might want to consider an alternative approach to what has so far not even diagnosed the problem. Whatever you choose and however it turns out, I know you will do what you feel is the best for your dog and you need to give yourself credit for caring so much. He has had very bad luck with his health but sure won the lottery when you became his owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms.DaisyDuke Posted September 24, 2008 Report Share Posted September 24, 2008 Hi Amanda, It is terrible to hear about your troubles and I hope things pick up, I really do. You've been offered some great advice and I hope things work out for you. I really urge you to find out more about Blastomycosis and get Chance tested for it. It is a serious infection and I am quite positive that NWOntario can't be the only place it's been found. If you live in an area that is prone to humid, hot summers this mold/fungi can grow and a dog would pick it up through sniffing and routing around in areas where it grows. (Under wood piles, rocks, decks) People have even been effected by it just from working out doors. julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted September 25, 2008 Report Share Posted September 25, 2008 Hey, Amanda--I was just wondering how you and Chance are doing.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizmo Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 Hope he's better Amanda. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millie&MeBC Posted September 27, 2008 Report Share Posted September 27, 2008 Any update on Chance? I hope everything works out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skybarker Posted October 14, 2008 Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 The most important piece of advice I can give you is to get Chance to a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist. I faced a similar situation with mounting costs of endless tests and group of Vets who were ALL wrong about what was causing my dog's problem. Someone here told me to take her to a specialist and it saved here life. The specialist didn't waste my money running every test under the sun, she took a look at the lab work that had already been done and did just one more blood test to confirm that had much more minor and treatable problem (but one that needed the correct treatment) than the Vets at her regular clinic thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted October 28, 2008 Report Share Posted October 28, 2008 Hi, folks, Because it looks like I'm not the only one who was curious about how this situation with Chance & Amanda played out--and because she may have left the boards--I wanted to post a brief update. I learned from another local BC person this week that Amanda opted to euthanize Chance. I wish Amanda would have contacted one of us here locally before making her decision, as we were ready and willing to help out, and I know others had offered assistance, too. But I obviously don't know the details of the situation or of her decision-making process. However, I snapped this picture of Chance just a month ago at our local Humane Society's "Puppy Paddle" (at the city water park), so I am posting it here as a small memorial for him. Rest in peace, sweet boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted October 28, 2008 Report Share Posted October 28, 2008 Hi, folks, Because it looks like I'm not the only one who was curious about how this situation with Chance & Amanda played out--and because she may have left the boards--I wanted to post a brief update. I learned from another local BC person this week that Amanda opted to euthanize Chance. Ohh, that is so sad. She must be heartbroken. Hopefully, she's just left the boards...she sounded pretty despondent in her earlier posts... Has anyone been able to check on Amanda? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted October 28, 2008 Report Share Posted October 28, 2008 Has anyone been able to check on Amanda? The person who shared the update with me talked with Amanda over the weekend at the local dog park, where she was visiting with her sheltie, Ruckus. It sounds like she's doing okay and has purchased a sheltie puppy that is keeping her busy. I got the impression that she has decided that shelties are a better match for her than BCs, which is why I thought she might have left these boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanillalove Posted October 28, 2008 Report Share Posted October 28, 2008 I was wondering about Chance and Amanda too, and I hoped this wasn't the reason that this thread was re-activated. That's heartbreaking, poor boy. I wish her and her new Sheltie a wonderful life ahead, I'm sure he'll help her find some happiness during these hard times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz P Posted October 29, 2008 Report Share Posted October 29, 2008 If I have learned anything it is to not second guess people when they make the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their pet. It sounded like he did not have a good quality of life and she gave him the only relief she could offer. I hope that she has better luck with her Sheltie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Beer Posted October 29, 2008 Report Share Posted October 29, 2008 I certainly am sorry for her loss and I hope all goes well with the new pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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