Vet bills

Janypany

Hi all
My 15 year old border collie cross German Shepherd has had 3 visits to the vets in 3 weeks
The first visit 3 weeks ago the vet said
my dog had Tuma tissue, she was leaking fluid from one of her teats and had a large lump near the leaking teat so the vet gave her some tablets and medicine and told me if this medication didn't work to prepare to say goodbye and take her back the following week.costing £140
So we prepared our goodbye, took her back seen another vet which said she would like to try hormone medication but was expensive, I asked about the tuma tissue she replied there is no tuma tissue it is mastitis and should clear up with the hormone medication, this cost £240. she said it's been a phantom pregnancy causing the mastitis.
So off we went yesterday Tuesday the same vet said it had cleared up by 60% but gave her more expensive medicine £120 she said she wants to see her again next week and maybe take blood tests, now giving the fact I've paid £500 and not really got a conclusive diagnoses I am not able to pay any more money out cause to be honest this £500 has totally broke the bank, now of course I don't want my dog to suffer, how on earth do I get treatment for my dog,
15 years ago pet insurance wasn't as prominent as it is advertised these days, my dog has never had any ailments other than a burst blood vessel last year, I thought well she is getting on a bit this is the start of the end but that cleared up and she was OK.
Any advise would be helpfull

Fosterdog

This is the unfortunate side of pet ownership, however pet insurance has been very prominent for a lot longer than 15 years (I can remember back 25 years where it was offered, advertised and recommended by vets and on TV ads and shows like animal hospital showing the cost of treatment without it).

I don't insure my pets but I do have an emergency fund set up and access to a credit card for absolute worst case scenarios.

Your options now would really be having her put down, which would be incredibly sad if it's something that just needs more treatment. Agreeing a payment plan with the vet although they may not allow this or finding another source to pay the bills, could you get a 0% credit card to spread the cost?

I'm assuming she hasn't been spayed as that prevents issues such as mastitis, has she ever had a litter?

Janypany

No she's not been spayed , and never had a litter, unfortunately my vets don't do payment plans, I have no way of paying back any cards or loans,
I think it may come to letting her go she has had a good life and been very well looked after, she is very tired , she has been very loyal her whole life
I suppose the saying " cruel to be kind" is so true
Thanks Fosterdog

Person_one

Are you on any benefits or tax credits or a low income? You could contact the PDSA or an RSPCA animal hospital and see if you are eligible for reduced cost treatment.

No animal should have to die because its owner can't/won't pay for its vet care, that's not kind. Yes, your dog is 15, but if she could have another year or two of quality left if this gets treated then she should have it!

If you don't qualify for any PDSA/RSPCA help then you could try a different vet that might allow payment plans, or local animal charities or rescues, you could even try crowdfunding or maybe a loan from a family member?

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/vet-services/eligibility

http://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/vetcare

Katiehound

If you are on benefits and in the right area you may qualify for Blue Cross. PDSA also have vet surgeries in specific areas.

In both cases it is worth contacting the charity to ask.