My Pomeranian suffers from collaped trachea how can I help her? Can't afford $2500 they want for surgery?

Question

What do you do to help you dogs attacks. Are there any organiations help pays for surgery.

Brandi will be 9 years old Aug 13th. She has had the tracheca problem since she was 6 months old.
Some reason the problem is worse since I got her yearly shots just a few weeks ago. She is on Hydromet syrup (Cough Med), prednisone. she licks ice, Her weight is good. she eat eukaneuba dog food all her life.
The vet said she probley shouldnt have her yearly shots anymore. I'm for that.
She mostly has coughing attacks. but three times now in middle of night she stopped breathing and peed all over my bed. I quick grab her give her mouth to mouth she comes out of it just fine. she is my baby.
I am on social security and dont have an extra $2500 extra dollars or I would take her in a min.
I cant understand whay Vets need to charge so much money.

Brandi is my baby for 9 years now. totaly out of ? giving her to somene else. The surgery is high risk at her age. Might hurt her more. Just wanted see what other treatments for the problem I can do more to help her not cough so much. Its very common in small breed dogs.

Just because I am on social security now after working for years means you shouldnt have a pet. Is wrong of you even thinking it. You cant judge me. Lots of people on social security have pets. $2500 is a lot of money for a surgery that might not help, just might kill her.
she has the best vet care and the best food, Lots of Love, she is happy, she not even bothered by her coughing. She never is unhappy.
I'm not lazy. I have had her since she has been 8 weeks old.

Answer 1

Why not give this a try. it is a special no-interest credit card, just for veterinary care..It gives you up to 18 months to pay the bill..
You can apply on line, and you will know within just a couple of minutes if you have been approved.. all they really require is a steady income, from any source..> http://www.carecredit.com/practices/veterinary/
All the vets in my state accept this card...

Answer 2

Some may find my train of thought to be cruel and insensitive, but if you cannot afford paying the Vet and cannot find assistance. Then you need to ask yourself this question, is the animal suffering and do the right thing and put it down. The cost of replacing the animal is probably alot less then the Vet visit, even after fixing the dog, will it be 100%? I've spent 1000s on Vet bills in the past only to lose the animal soon there after. I no longer can justify lining there pockets. Again, sorry to you and those out there.

Answer 3

Here is an article with advice to manage this - conclusion dogs with this often can lead NORMAL if slightly restricted lives.
seems to me the "euthanasia" advice is a tad of an overreaction


http://www.doggy411.com/show_article.do?id=1

Have you ever heard a dog cough, take shallow, quick breaths, and honk like a goose?

Those are symptoms of a collapsed trachea, a health problem found almost exclusively in Toy and other miniature dog breeds.

Not every Toy breed will develop this but enough do (estimates range from 20% to 40%) that owners should learn more about this condition.

Highest risk breeds are Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, Maltese, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers.

The trachea or windpipe is held open by rings of cartilage. When the cartilage weakens, the trachea begins to collapse and the amount of air that can get through is severely restricted.

This condition usually appears between the ages of 4 to 14 years. The restricted airflow puts excess stress on the heart and lungs.

Heat, humidity and excitement exacerbate the problem. A dog will have trouble breathing and may try to vomit to clear his airway.

A dog with a collapsed trachea usually can't exercise without having problems and in some severe cases, may even pass out from lack of air. Any exercise is likely to fatigue him.

If your dog does develop symptoms, the condition usually can be managed with medication and restricted activity. Sometimes children's flavored cough suppressants can help or your veterinarian may want you to use a prescription brand to treat coughs.

In more severe cases, steroids may be used for a time to reduce inflammation in the trachea. Because of their side effects, including weight gain, they are seldom used for long.

In worst cases, the dog's tongue and gums turn blue and acute attacks require hospitalization. About 1% of dogs with this condition do die from complications.

A surgical procedure that uses stents to widen the trachea is available, but this is a risky and expensive surgery that hould only be done as a last resort and only by a veterinary specialist.

Although the condition is congenital or inherited, there are things that an owner can do to lessen the onset or severity of the condition:

1. Feed your dog a high quality dog food. Proper nutrition helps formation of cartilage especially in the puppy years.

2. Don't overfeed, however, as overweight dogs are affected more than others.

3. Use a harness rather than a collar when walking your dog. He can wear a collar with his tags but don't attach a leash that adds pressure and pulling around his neck.

4. Don't smoke around your dog. You wouldn't smoke around a human baby, would you? Remember that it doesn't take much smoke to damage the airway of a 5-pound dog.

5. Keep vaccinations up to date. This helps prevent respiratory infections.

Watch your dog for symptoms and ensure that he gets treatment if any symptoms do develop. Most affected dogs can lead normal, although somewhat restricted, lives.
Source: www.ToyBreeds.com
Written By: Louise Louis

Answer 4

How old is your pom and did you get her from a breeder? I'd check your contract--most reputable breeders will guarantee the health of the dog (against problems like this that are passed on through the genetics of the breed) for a year. I know mine will either replace the sick dog or cover veterinary expenses to fix the problem.

Also, if you take your dog to a groomer for haircuts or baths, make sure they do not kennel dry or use a "heat box" on your pom. This can be lethal to dogs with collapsing trachea.

Answer 5

You shouldn't let her exert herself, "too much running, playing, etc"
You shouldn't make her wear a collar, "use a halter"
You should keep her cool.

Most Vet's will set up a payment plan, ask your vet. But in any case, if she needs help, then she needs help.
How did they confirm it was a collapsed trachea?
My Vet say's the only way to know for certain is to do an x-ray "while it's collapsed".

But the things I listed will help prevent an attack, "not ease one"

Answer 6

Well ask a vet about your other options since you can't afford surgery. If there isn't any and your dog suffers from pain it would be best to put your dog to sleep.

Answer 7

GIVE HER TO SOMEBODY WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY FOR HER SURGERY!!!!!! $2500 IS NOT THAT MUCH TO PAY FOR TRACHEA SURGERY ON A DOG!!!!!! DO YOU HAVE A JOB? IF NOT THEN YOU ABSOLUTLY NEED TO GIVE HER AWAY TO SOMEBODY WHO HAS THE MONEY TO CARE FOR HER!!!! YOUR DOG CAN'T STAY LIKE THAT, SHE NEEDS THE SURGERY AND SINCE YOU CAN'T AFFORD $2500 DOLLARS (WHICH I THINK IS VERY SAD) YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO GIVE HER UP!!!!!! IF YOU ARE LIVING OFF SOCIAL SECURITY THEN YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS OWNING HER!!!!!!!! IF YOU DON'T HAVE A JOB THEN I DO NOT FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BECAUSE THAT IS JUST PURE LAZINESS ON YOUR PART!!!!!!!! YOU SURE CAN AFFORD A COMPUTER THOUGH CAN'T YOU!!!!!!!! I'M SURE THAT COST MORE THAN $2500!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Check humane societies in your area, ask if they can refer you to any organizations that may be willing to help your pet. For just about any breed, there is a rescue group. See if there is a Pom rescue group in your area that may be able to help or offer suggestions.

Answer 9

Even if you had this surgery performed, can you convince your dog to chew slow, take smaller bites, not to bark for awhile, etc.

Do this dog a favor, bring her to a shelter. It has suffered enough.

Answer 10

Save money so you can afford the bill of your dog. Or get a job.