Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We currently live in a very high cost of living area and cost is the biggest factor in saving our beloved Lady. She is an 8 year old american Staffordshire Terrier.
My husband's work allows him to fly free and we get speci accommodation in many cases.
If you couldn't afford treatment in your city or state, would you take your sick pet out of state via plane or driving to get affordable care?
Depending on diagnosis, if it is osteosarcoma, our home state has a university doing trials of the vaccine and the operations would be more affordable. That would be in Missouri, with treatment in Kansas. This would also allow her former owners mom to see her again (we stay in touch. Sadly her former owner passed from cancer at 25 last year)
I wouldn't fly, due to all of the potential what ifs. I'm sure a vet would have to give the all clear on how long after an amputation it would be safe to fly. There would be hotel, car rental, and food costs to consider. I'd definitely drive, though.
hknox1989 said
If you couldn't afford treatment in your city or state, would you take your sick pet out of state via plane or driving to get affordable care?
Depending on diagnosis, if it is osteosarcoma, our home state has a university doing trials of the vaccine and the operations would be more affordable. That would be in Missouri, with treatment in Kansas.
Absolutely. Driving, yes, flying, nope. I think that's too much stress at a time like this, especially for the pet, unless s/he is already used to flying. We drove six hours to take Jerry to UC Davis for his amputation and it was a great decision.
As for Mizzou, that's great! Terrific school. You may want to check out our interview about the ELIAS cancer immunotherapy vaccine with Dr. Bryan from their oncology team:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
jerry said
hknox1989 said
If you couldn't afford treatment in your city or state, would you take your sick pet out of state via plane or driving to get affordable care?
Depending on diagnosis, if it is osteosarcoma, our home state has a university doing trials of the vaccine and the operations would be more affordable. That would be in Missouri, with treatment in Kansas.
Absolutely. Driving, yes, flying, nope. I think that's too much stress at a time like this, especially for the pet, unless s/he is already used to flying. We drove six hours to take Jerry to UC Davis for his amputation and it was a great decision.
As for Mizzou, that's great! Terrific school. You may want to check out our interview about the ELIAS cancer immunotherapy vaccine with Dr. Bryan from their oncology team:
https://tripawd.....y-vaccine/
Is UC Davis affordable outside of the research studies? I am in South Bay of Los Angeles County (Lawndale, near Hermosa/Redondo/Manhattan) and we are being referred to the veterinary cancer group in Torrance, but I'm concerned about the cost. Both my human daughter's had/about to have surgery and our emergency funds are all but depleted. Our dog has been with us through their health issues and we aren't about to abandon her in this fight if we can find a way to afford it.
You are in CA? I’m in the Bay Area and can relate to high cost of living concerns. Our dog was initially diagnosed with a probable CCL tear and my usual vet quoted me $6000 to fix it (I nearly peed myself hearing that number!) I started researching vets out of the area, but within driving distance. Specifically the Stockton/Fresno/Bakersfield areas and also further north Mendocino/Lake Co. There are definitely more affordable options out there but still within the state.
I would say that UCD is maybe a bit less expensive but not much these days.
You’re a great advocate for your girl. One thing to keep in mind is that getting rid of the bad leg is the main thing. Chemo is optional. So if paying for it will cause you a ton of stress, then your pup will sense that and feel stress too. That’s not good medicine, all she wants is for you to be happy.
I will share more thoughts soon. Hang in there.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thank you. I have a list of places to call Monday to see about prices. I have a gofundme going to help us out and the surgeon has already started the referral for us to see the Veterinary Cancer Group in Torrance. He started the referral before even doing the surgery because the x-rays were clear enough. She's recovering from her biopsy surgery now. She's still happy as can be except when I have to put the e-collar on.
I've found the list of organizations that have financial assistance and ideas on funding things. I still keep in I'mtouch with her former owners mom (her owner passed from cancer at 25) and she's sharing the gofund me to try and help as well. She's told me how grateful she is that we have Lady, as they wouldn't have been able to afford the biopsy, let alone the treatments. And my husband's work has an employee family fund we can apply to for our human daughter's surgery bills, so that makes the prospect of paying for this treatment a little less terrifying.
I am also designing a shirt/sticker with a smiling Tripawd pitbull that will say I'm a lover AND a fighter with the cancer ribbon for the i ( or just behind the word fighter?) To sell as well.
This waiting game for the biopsy is rough.
I just want to know what it is and how bad it is. I want to have this horrible, painful leg gone so she can be free of it.
I made a ramp for her to get to my bed. And a sling to help me get her up the stairs. I changed her diet to the cancer starving diet they suggested. And it's helped her energy a ton already.
Also, thank you for compiling and maintaining this site. I was able to have a ton of information to be prepared for our biopsy consult in just the short 48 hours between the xray diagnosis and the surgical biopsy consult. Which meant I was prepared going in to leave Lady for surgery that afternoon instead of having to schedule for another day and wait even longer. It's also given me the focus of which goal I need to meet first. Instead of the big picture of the cancer cost, I know I can look at amputation and affording that. Then move to the next piece of the plan.
Also, my daughter is starting to be excited about her dog being a tripawd instead of being scared of it, because she can see all the pictures and stories.
Awww I'm so glad you are being helped by the community, that made my day. You are ALL making great progress on so many levels and that adds up to a much better situation no matter what you decide to do.
Yep, amputation first, everything else is icing on the cake. Step by step, just like Lady. She's a great example for life.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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