I have a 14 year old dog and he was just diagnosed with cancer in one of his legs. He has been my only companion for such time and I cant face the fact that he is going to let me.. Treatment is extremely expensive and I want to know if there is an association, organization or institution in Boston or the East Coast that can support me and give some kind of financial help in order to give him the treatment he needs.
2006-11-09 08:28:38 · 8 answers · asked by Orange Tiger 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I also want to know if you know of any subsidized vet clinics or vet assistance programs in Boston or the East Coast
2006-11-09 09:27:31 · update #1
Care Credit lets you begin your treatment or procedure immediately, then pay for it over time with low monthly payments that are easy to fit into your monthly budget.
For veterinary care, go to this page, and click on "professions', and scroll down to 'veterinary'.
http://carecredit.com/providerloc/
No interest if payment are made on time, and it gives you up to 18 months to repay..You can apply online and know within minutes if you have been approved..
2006-11-09 08:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a very hard spot to be in. 14 years old is pretty old for most dogs. You need to ask yourself if treatment is the best thing for him right now or if you would only prolong his suffering. Chemotherapy is very hard on dogs and may only extend their life by a few weeks or months. And the time they do have is spent being very sick.
Usually the best thing you can do for your dog at his age and with cancer, is to make his remaining days special. Does he like treats? Then indulge him. Do you usually just give him one a day? So slip him a 2nd or 3rd treat. Take some extra walks, spend more time just sitting and cuddling. And take lots of pictures. Make his remaining days good ones, not ones spent vomiting, running to the vet every week, and constantly sleeping.
Even his last moments are ones that you can make memorable. If you want to end his suffering early, be with him at the end and hold him in your lap while the vet gives him the medication. If you would rather that he be at home, some vets will work with you on that, or you can let him pass on naturally, without medications.
Your vet can help with medications that will help with relieving any pain he might be in so that he can enjoy his time with you.
But most of all, don't rush out and do anything immediately. Take time to sit and think through all of the options. And when you've done that, make the best decision for your dog - regardless of what you want for yourself.
2006-11-09 08:39:15 · answer #2 · answered by escpthemadnss 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry. Has the cancer spread? Have you considered amputation of the leg? Dog's seem to do well after amputations, much better than humans do. If your dog is a pure bred of some kind, sometimes there are groups who help those types of dogs, so you may want to check that out. Some vets will take payments, even on radiation treatments, you could check on that too. Good luck.
My son recently lost his 3 year old golden retriever to bone cancer, it had advanced too far for any treatment to help her. Hopefully, you caught your dog's cancer sooner.
2006-11-09 08:33:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awwwww, I feel SO sorry for you. I'm sorry to say, I don't know of any organizations here, or there or anywhere. my heart goes out to you and I'm praying. My friends Pomerianin was 14 with cancer. They started the treatment but the dog, Jasper died soon after. Treatment is hard and painful for the dog. I was bawling when they knew they had to put him down. That might be the best thing, I mean, I'm glad they put him down because he was in so much pain , and he was hating life. So mabey your dog would like to be like that. I'm really sorry, and i would love to send you money.
Good Luck!!!!
2006-11-09 08:32:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jessica 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so very sorry to hear about your dog. I don't know of any organization to help with expenses tho maybe your vet could point you in the right direction. As hard as this is going to be on you please consider what your dog will be going thru. This is really a quality of life issue. Enjoy the time you have together and treasure the memories you will always have in your heart.
2006-11-09 08:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by mups mom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry about your dog. I just put down my down on nov 3 due to skin cancer that spread...I understand fully what you are going though...Please don't let him suffer..I did what was best for him...what kind of cancer does your dog have.
2006-11-09 08:54:09 · answer #6 · answered by lilbit_883_hugger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treatment is expensive. That's for sure. Will it be effective? or is your best friend going to suffer while you go broke? I don't know squat about your area and support you may get, but I do know your best friend trusts you to do what's right to keep him from suffering if there is no reasonable relief from his condition.
He has no regrets of the past.
He has no fears of the future.
Don't make him suffer for your regrets and fears. Bless you. move on if you have to.
The greatest of gifts given us by our little friends , is that we don't get to keep them, we get to love them. Don't own, don't keep by love, just learn what love is, How grand is that ? , to know we can love.?
2006-11-09 08:54:40 · answer #7 · answered by character 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While you are looking for funding, do a search on the net for Curcumin (turmeric). Studies are showing that it can help with the cancer.
2006-11-09 09:32:07 · answer #8 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋