My Poor Scruff Is Sick. RE-CHECK UPDATE 2/2/107 PG 3

**Reachoutrescue** · 01-18-2007, 10:40 AM

This is not good. My dog, Scruff, has been having trouble peeing, so I took him to the vet. The vet tried draining urine through a cathader (sorry not great at spelling) but could not get it through. They said he has stones and need surgery and without it, he could die. It will cost from $1800 to $3500 at my vet....I don't know what to do...that is so much money and I just don't have it. I am trying to find a low cost animals clinics, but it is so hard to find. I tried Animal Welfare League, but they could not give me a price with out seeing him. Anti-cruelty is based on income and is giving me a hard time because my income is less then my rent...I am a bartender, my income varies. Does anybody have any suggestions? If anybody knows any internet based organization that helps owners offset the cost of veterinary care, please let me know as soon as you can. I am emailing IMOM and HELPAPET. Thank you.

Look at this guy....I can't lose him.

**Karen** · 01-18-2007, 10:55 AM

Just keep trying - and contact any veterinary schools near you, see if they have low-cost programs for practicing verterinary surgeons, etc.

**Reachoutrescue** · 01-18-2007, 10:56 AM

Thank you Karen, that is what I am trying to do now. There are very few veterinary schools in my area, if any. There has got to be something.

**critter crazy** · 01-18-2007, 11:04 AM

Awww...I am so sorry! Scruff will be in my Prayers!!!

**jennielynn1970** · 01-18-2007, 11:39 AM

is there a vet that rescues use in your area that offers discounts that maybe could work with you on a payment plan or something like that?? What about a personal loan or something like that, where it could be paid over time too (even if you had to have a co-signer, it would be a help to be able to pay off over time).

**Reachoutrescue** · 01-18-2007, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by jenn_librarian

is there a vet that rescues use in your area that offers discounts that maybe could work with you on a payment plan or something like that?? What about a personal loan or something like that, where it could be paid over time too (even if you had to have a co-signer, it would be a help to be able to pay off over time).

We asked the vet if they would take payments and they said they didn't. I am going to go to the animal welfare league...I have to get him in somewhere. I guess we will just take it one step at a time. Dave and I talked, there is no way we can afford an $1800 vet bill all in one lump sum, we will see what the league says and go from there. Fingers crossed please and lots of prayers for our Scruff.

Thank you everybody.

**doolittleky** · 01-18-2007, 01:43 PM

I would try out of the area vets even in neighboring states. You are close to Indiana right? Vet costs vary so much in different areas and states. For example, katie in NC vet costs seem to be double for things that are charged in KY. And I know if you go up north like NY they are even more expensive. I would try calling out of the area vet clinics and seeing their prices.
Melissa

**Reachoutrescue** · 01-18-2007, 06:57 PM

I know I am running out of time...I have a few more places to call and a friend of mine if giving me some numbers of vets in Southern Illinois. There has to be something.

**Reachoutrescue** · 01-19-2007, 08:19 AM

Scruff spent the night in our bed with us last night. When we woke up there was a big wet spot where he was laying. I let him outside this morning and he urinated a little better then he did yesterday. He didn't seem to strain as much. I just let him out again and he urinated in a small stream, stopped, walked around and urinated a little again. I am thinking, but don't want to jinx anything, that he may have passed the stone. I am taking him into another vet at 11:45 am CST for a quote and to see if he may have passed it. Fingers crossed please!! I pray he is okay now. If not, I am awaiting a phone call from my kids' grandmother about lending me part of the money. I tried care credit, was denied. I contacted IMOM, but nothing yet. Thank you everybody...I know there is hope somewhere.

**Catty1** · 01-19-2007, 08:21 AM

Fingers crossed and prayers and everything else.....!

**ramanth** · 01-19-2007, 08:44 AM

Ohhh Scruff!! I hope you passed that stone! Pee boy! Pee!!!

**kuhio98** · 01-19-2007, 09:01 PM

Tracey ~ I'm so glad that Scruff is doing better. More of the IMOM website is back up and they are not accepting applicants until January 26th. But, they do have a list of other organizations that may be able to help -- should you need them. http://www.imom.org/fa/

**Reachoutrescue** · 02-02-2007, 12:22 PM

I brought in a urine sample for a re-check on Scruff. The vet called and said Scruff's crystals are gone. He still has a high white blood cell (I didn't know they can check that with urine), so they are refilling his Primor. They beleive he has some kind of infection still going on. I updated them on his diet. They said that feeding him a Raw Diet is great. Especially adidng in the Missing Link Vitamin Supplements. I am so glad he is getting better. I just hope this infection gets cleared up soon!! Thanks everybody for your help and advice.

**borzoimom** · 02-02-2007, 01:07 PM

Sounds great- keep him on the cranberry too.. At least a half a capsule with each meal- or a whole one at night when it is in the system the longest..

**cyber-sibes** · 02-05-2007, 04:58 PM

Great news! Give your handsome boy a hug from me. Your situation is a good reminder that it's a good idea to sock a little away each paycheck...just in case! (writes note to self)
The suggestions about finding a vet clinic at a college is a good one- when my cat got a major blockage and had to have a section of his colon removed, there was no way I could afford it either. (I was laid off at the time) My vet directed me to the vet clinic at Ohio State, where students did the operation for about 25% of what the vet quoted. They did a fantastic job, too - my cat lived for another 12 years!