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Original poster

Can't afford my dog anymore

15 replies

pigglemama · 31/01/2010 21:11

Don't know what to do, my Tibetan terrier is nearly 10 and I've had him since a pup. But since about 1year old he's had atopic dermatitis (very itchy skin) which I've spent his whole life trying to ease for him in different ways, -different foods, steroids, lotions, baths, even chinese herbs you name it really, nothing has made a difference for long.
Now in the last year he's got a new condition affecting some of his paws, they are inflamed & sore, the solution the vets prescribed doesn't work,and they want to do test after expensive test to find out the underlying cause.
The trouble is I just can't afford the vets bills any more, I'm insured but just about to run out of time with that as they only pay for 1 year of a new condition,
I really don't know what to do, I can't rehome him as I don't think anyone would take him as he is so expensive to keep, Not to mention the fact that he's my beloved boy
Any suggestions gratefully received.

OP posts:
Attenborough · 31/01/2010 21:16

Could you call your local PDSA and explain the situation? They might be able to help.

midori1999 · 31/01/2010 21:19

Have you tried him on a raw/BARF type diet? It will probably be cheaper than the food he is on now, and it clears up a suprising number of skin conditions.

Original poster
pigglemama · 31/01/2010 21:33

Thanks Attenborough, what does the pdsa do, don't know too much about them?
Midori - will google that, sounds interesting-thanks!

OP posts:
BelleDameSansMerci · 31/01/2010 21:36

PDSA provide vetinary care for people who have animals but can't afford vet's bills (in short). See more here

They are wonderful.

skymoo · 31/01/2010 21:43

It might be worth contacting your local RSPCA - they helped me when I had little money - paying for injections and arthitis drugs. I was on benefits at the time, but even if you aren't, it may be worth a try.

Hope this helps x

skymoo · 31/01/2010 21:44

arthritis

Original poster
pigglemama · 31/01/2010 21:47

Thanks for the website link Belle, I just looked and unfortunately we're not eligible for their help,
Thanks anyway.

OP posts:
Original poster
pigglemama · 31/01/2010 21:57

Will try and speak to the RSPCA tomorrow, don't know if any of the charities will be able to help as we're not claiming any benefits,
It's just got really difficult since I stopped working to have my dd. And dh says that ill dogs are a luxury we can't afford these days.

OP posts:
Bellasformerfriend · 31/01/2010 22:05

I know this is not helpful but dogs, ill or otherwise, are not a luxury they are a responsibility the same as any other family member and your dh needs to be reminded of that. You, clearly, have your dogs interests at heart and you should not be being put under pressure like that from someone who should be supporting you!

WRT the PDSA I would give them a call anyway, as I understand it there can be some discretion about their support so it may be worth a few minutes on the phone.

Also the BARF/gluten free diet thing does do wonders with many skin conditions so another thing worth a try.

Hope you find something that works for you

Bella32 · 01/02/2010 09:41

Tell your vet about your difficulties and ask them if they will speak to Dogs Trust on your behalf - Dogs Trust have been known to help out with a contribution towards vets fees in cases like this.

Atopic dermatitis, as I'm sure you know by now, is one of the most £££ conditions

Also well worth asking the PDSA.

Best of luck - as you say, he would be very unlikely to find a new home due to his age and having such an expensive condition. Keep us posted please.

Bella32 · 01/02/2010 09:43

On a practical note - I'd push on with all the testing on his paws while your insurance covers it.

Original poster
pigglemama · 01/02/2010 09:45

Thanks, will phone vets today, and go from there.

OP posts:
ThatVikRinA22 · 01/02/2010 09:53

my vets are lovely and if ive had any problems affording treatments in the past theyve let me pay bit by bit. would that help at all? could you ask your vet if they would allow you to pay in installments?

id use the insurance while youve got it - get all the tests done while theyll pay and take it from there.

Original poster
pigglemama · 01/02/2010 11:18

Vets said we've got a month left on insurance for this claim, and they've got one more test to do which should show conclusively if he has an underactive thyroid which they said would explain his paws, if it is that they said its relatively cheap and easy to treat.
They said if its not his thyroid then he's likely to have a tumour.
He's going in on Thursday for the test, So I guess we'll know soon after.
Thanks for all the advice.

OP posts:
Bella32 · 01/02/2010 11:20

Best of luck - let us know how he gets on, please

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