Amen!!! I totally agree. I would be broke too if I was a vet!

Our Prayers are with you and Teddy!!

My puppy Joey came to me very ill and has needed thousands of dollars of treatment and continuing meds and supplements. I know how horrible it feels to be in such a tough situation. I am just curious. How would something like this be handled in the UK? I know you are so much more evolved than here when it comes to health insurance, is it similar for pets as well, or is it like the US, where if you can't pay, you're just sh**t out of luck?

it seems very different in the uk .. the vets work with you on bills and the cost of treatment is not an issue until the pet has had whatever treatment needed..
they tell you how much the treatment will cost but dont scream pay me now before they do it!
there are charity pet services like the rspca who will help owners out who have not got funding for treatment their pet needs paid direct to the vet and the blue cross with its up to date pet hospitals who only require a donation towards the emergency treatment a pet may need available for none working and low wage pet owners and will never turn a pet away in need so anyone can gain access to them if emergencies arise

pet insurance is available over here but it seems to be only the elderly that buy into those as they cover anual boosters and rotine check ups ect..usefull if have a pet that has to be on meds daily as they pay out on those even if take out the policy after the pet has been diagnosed although emergency treatment usualy has a price cap on so not to usuable in a true emergency lol

as for people health care we have the nhs .. free meds/operations to all lol
the american documentry film sicko certainly made us brits more content/grateful with our free nhs and opened our eyes alot!

You are soooo right!!!! I have two Yorkies that were both rescued from abusive homes with large animals and small children. I, too, was making $60,000+/yr. and was laid off in January. Do I just stop caring for my animals because I want to save money while living on the $300/wk I get from unemployment insurance....hell no!!!! I, just yesterday, had my 9 month old male neutered, his shots updated, microchipped, fecal/heartworm tested for $80 at The Humane Society. This had to be done. Two weeks prior, I took my female to the very same place and had her shots updated and microchipped for $30 including the registration for her chip. Unfortunately, at those times when emergency care is required, these places are often not available. If it were me, I would work out a plan with the vet. No one plans on losing their income, and sometimes, as in my case as a single mother with no supplemental income, saving money is not an option. Savings these dogs was the right thing for me. Great post!!!!

Amen!!!! I, too, am in her situation relating to my lost job, but fortunately my two are healthy and happy. Support is the key word!!! She was merely asking for this support. This situation requires immediate attention and not criticism. I would seek assistance from the breeder or pet store, whichever is applicable. If this doesn't work, a payment plan with the vet. Credit card companies are participating in legalized thievery with their high interest rates, so this may not be a good option. No vet is going to let a small, treatable animal just die. If so, they have no business practicing veterinary medicine.

Can't believe this
 

I could not believe the way this is being presented. She just asked for some answers and advice and was made to feel like she shouldn't have her dog if she does not have money. How many of you if you have or had children in the past was able to pay or it not affect your finances if they came down with cancer or some drastic health condition. I know I had 4 children and it would have really hit me. Just because she is not financially set does not mean that she does not deserve to love a dog or to loved by one. I am new and don't know much about this site but enjoy reading etc. I have a dog that is having liver problems and it is draining my pocketbook and worry that I will not have enough money , shame on people for making this a money thing.

I'm hoping and praying that this little guy is doing okay...any updates?

concerned
 

How is your little Teddy today. I have been praying for him and I know that you are beside yourself with fear for him. I so hope your little one will get better soon.

OP, sending positive thoughts your way for Teddy. I hope everything turns out well.

I bought Chester a month after I was laid off. I didn't have a job for 5 months and had no unemployment either. I completely drained my emergency savings account and ended up moving over to credit cards. The $800 I spent for him was the best investment I ever made. Times were tight but I have never regretted it. I would do it all over again. Chester has made my life better and it is a fact that people with dogs are happier with their lives overall.

I hope your little Teddy is doing better, please updated us, we really do care about you & him. :(

All I can say to some is YT is here to help, discuss, and learn, there are places if you don't agree about something to post them, but when people come on here for help, it seems lately some just jump on and start giving there opinion about everything, not thinking about why the op came here, this lady could lose her baby, money is tight with everyone, she didnt ask for your lecture, she ask for support. Some come on here and ask for advice or crazy questions, thats a little different, this poor boy is sick and needs our support & prayers, and positive thoughts. What if it was you in her shoes. :(

I think everyone is missing the fact that her dog IS getting treatment! Read the first post. He was seen by one vet, transferred to another vet treatment facility for specialized care, given lots of tests even a spinal tap. I did not read that they were refusing treatment and requiring all the payment up front!

I have never been required to pay any fees upfront. Even when we got a pound puppy years back that came down with parvo in the first week. They treated him and we paid after. So, I do not think all vets work on a fee-up-front basis in the US.

Also be careful of believing everything that comes out in a politically motivated film like SICKO. Anyone can make a slant look the way they want. After being on a health forum for years, I see deficiencies in health care no matter if there is a National Health Care Plan or not. The US has so many health care plans right now, I cannot imagine anyone not getting care when they need it. Even if a person is not on Medicaid, they can do an emergency work up at the hospital and have them covered immediately. Most counties have a Well-care program for at least the children. Plus the vast majority of working America is covered by health care programs. I retired with a great medical plan that covers me til Medicare takes over at 65. Plus I can see most any specialist within 30 days not the months some of the national health care countries have to wait. So there are pluses and minuses with both sides of this issue not the one slant you saw in THAT movie.

Apologies to the OP for going off topic but could not let that one ride without reply. Best wishes on finding some help with the vet bills. I am glad your vet is treating your little one and hope the source of the problem is found and cured soon!

:thumbup::thumbup: I hope she hasn't been scared away by some of the unnecessary comments....most of us are truly here to help, if we can! I hope her baby is doing much better!!

Amen
 

It would be sad to think that people think the movie "sicko" epitomizes U.S. health care.

I mean, would I like to live in Cuba under Castro? Would you all?

In any case my only point is that we should be responsible for our own doings be it having kids(how responsible is the Octomom e.g.)or pets and not expect the other guy to pick up the cost. I am in health care and we do a whole lot gratis or at very reduced costs. It is a shame her dog is ill. I think this has been discussed fully.

Has anyone PM her to find out how her dog is doing..I think we have the best Doctors and the Best Vets here in the United States. We also have a very best health care. Most vets will work with you on the cost. This is my personal opinion and I dont want to offend anyone...Thanks