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Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

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Unmentioned subject: how to pay for care
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Member Since:
3 May 2012
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1
3 May 2012 - 3:02 pm
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Hello everyone,

My companion of 11 years has rt leg cancer. Chaz has been a great dog (Lab)and this has been really really difficult.

The subject of finances is tough when thinking about Chaz. Not having work for a long time makes the decision even

more poigiant. I love Chaz but where does the money come from for immediate care and long term care. Please forgive me for broaching this subject , I understand the strain of the medical aspect , what about the other? Any thoughts, experiences, solutions? Thanks, Scott.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
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3 May 2012 - 5:27 pm
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A sensitive subject indeed, which we all understand, and the reason why we don't allow personal fundraising for veterinary medical expenses in the Tripawds blogs and forums. Thank you for your sincerity in bringing this up.

This post in the Downloads blog may help:

Financial Help Resources for Pawrents

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Las Vegas, Nevada
Member Since:
14 August 2009
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3 May 2012 - 7:31 pm
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Unfortunately, decisions of our pet's health sometimes comes down to finances. 

Hopefully you can work something out with your vet to at least get Chaz's painful leg amputated.  You don't have to do anything more after that if you can't afford it.

I'm sorry to hear about Chaz.  I hope you can work something out.   

Her Retired AvatarComet - 1999 to 2011

She departed us unexpectedly  January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.

She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.

In your heart, where I belong.
Member Since:
9 February 2011
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3 May 2012 - 8:10 pm
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Hi Scott,

Most people here have had to let finances make some (if not most) decisions for them. I can suggest a couple of things that might shave some costs, depending on where you live and whether or not any of this is relevant. I had my dog's amputation done at a veterinary teaching hospital. We were able to join in 2 clinical trials there. One saved us about $700; the other only about $50. It meant a couple of extra trips to the hospital, and it was about 2 hours each way, but it was well worth it. 

If you are anywhere near a teaching hospital, you can see if there are any trials you can join that will cut the cost. We all understand this. It's a big deal, and you are not alone.

Shari

From abandoned puppy to Tripawd Warrior Dude, Dakota became one of the 2011 February Furballs due to STS. Our incredibly sweet friend lived with grace and dignity till he impulsively raced over the Bridge on 12-15-12.

Dakota's thoughtful and erudite blog is at http://shari.tr.....pawds.com/

Washington
Member Since:
1 February 2011
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3 May 2012 - 10:43 pm
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Like it or not, finances always play into our decisions for veterinary care -- whether you have a little or a lot, money is one of the deciding factors when it comes to treatment.  The Care credit card might be another option to look into -- it allows you to pay for the expenses up front, but then gives you several months (usually at least 6 months) interest free to pay it off. 

We were fortunate that when Rio was diagnosed we were able to afford treatments, however if we were facing that deluge of vet bills now, there's no way we would be able to do as much as we did four years ago.  We all do the best that we can for our furry friends, and I'm pretty certain they know that.  I'm sure Chaz would never ask more of you than you are able to give, so try not to feel guilty that you can't give more. 

I am hoping that things work out for you.

 

Rio's momma, Micki

the Woo

~ ~ Rio ~ ~
Forever in my heart...

April 2000 – January 20, 2012
Diagnosed with Mast Cell Cancer in June 2007. Left rear leg amputated Feb. 8, 2011.
Mets discovered Aug. 31, 2011. Read more of Rio's story here.

Member Since:
18 January 2012
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4 May 2012 - 12:19 am
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When Baby was diagnosed I was devastated that our financial situation would determine whether she would live or die.  Not fair!  But it is reality.  The vets and surgeons in our area were charging thousands of dollars.  We found a vet a friend used outside the city and it cut the cost in half.  We cut out several tests and have not done chemo (partially finances, partially choice). 

Whatever your decision is, you have to accept that you're doing the best you can.  You're obviously a caring pawrent and Chaz is lucky to have you.

 

Hugs and Slobbers

Judy and Baby

Peoria, IL
Member Since:
8 November 2010
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4 May 2012 - 12:49 am
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I am so sorry money plays into this very emotional equation, but the reality is that it does. Like Shari and Dakota, we took part in a clinical trial at a teaching university and that helped a lot. Have you considered discussing your plight honestly with your vet? He or she might provide some practical options.

We all want to do all we can to help our fur-babies, but the optimal phrase is "all we can." Surgery and post-op care were very expensive and, although we don't regret our choices a bit, everyone must do as circumstances allow.

The wonderful thing about our babies is that they live in the moment and accept what life deals them with courage and dignity. There are no wrong decisions here, so don't beat yourself up. Chaz knows you love him and understands — whatever you decide.

Best,

Beth and Spirit Smilin' Sammy

Smilin' Sammy, March 16, 2004 – Dec. 5, 2011
Golden retriever, diagnosed with osteosarcoma in September 2010 — right front leg amputated November 2010. He fought valiantly to stay with us; but a second diagnosis of osteosarcoma, this time in his left front leg, was more than our golden warrior could overcome. He loved his pack — and everyone else he met.

We loved him even more.
Thanks for the pennies, Sammy. They helped.

San Diego, CA
Member Since:
29 October 2010
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4 May 2012 - 1:57 pm
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Welcome to you and Chaz. Sorry you had to find us here. And, as others have said, the finances definitely have to be a part of your decision. If a pup pawrent does something that will stress him out financially, that doesn't do anybody any good as your pup will pick up on your stress.

We didn't have a teaching hospital near by, but we were lucky in that our vet has a 'roving' surgeon who comes in once a week to do specialist surgeries. Our vet could have done the surgery himself, but he'd only done 2 amps and he said it probably would have taken him twice as long as it took the surgeon. Maybe you can find a similar situation. What we paid was about 1/2 what I know another person in our area paid taking her dog to the local "hospital".

Hopefully you can work something out. If not - Chaz knows you love him. You've given him a wonderful life and he would want you to make the decision that is best for BOTH of you.

Hang in there,

Jackie, Angel Abby's mom

Abby: Aug 1, 2009 – Jan 10, 2012. Our beautiful rescue pup lived LARGE with osteosarcoma for 15 months – half her way-too-short life. I think our "halflistic" approach (mixing traditional meds + supplements) helped her thrive. (PM me for details. I'm happy to help.) She had lung mets for over a year. They took her from us in the end, but they cannot take her spirit! She will live forever in our hearts. She loved the beach and giving kisses and going to In-N-Out for a Flying Dutchman. Tripawds blog, and a more detailed blog here. Please also check out my novel, What the Dog Ate. Now also in paperback! Purchase it at Amazon via Tripawds and help support Tripawds!

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