Serious dog health question - please help?

Question

I'll preface this by saying I'm broke right now and a trip to the vet is not allowable - I wish it were, but things are just so tight right now...
I have a 12.5-year-old Springer mix. He has always been extremely energetic, and now that he's older, he still runs around and jumps, etc., occasionally (like if you say "OUTSIDE?!" enough times). Last night he wouldn't jump up to sleep in my bed, which he does sometimes, so I didn't think about it. But this morning he was incredibly lethargic, keeping his head bowed down and sitting with his back paws very close to each other. It's really unsettling because the only other time he's acted like this was when my mom accidently overdosed him on antihistamines; he hasn't had anything but his regular (topical) skin meds in a long time.
Any advice, or similar experiences you could share? Thanks so much.

Answer 1

I know you're getting a lot of "take it to the vet you cruel person" answers, and I'm sorry about that.
However, I have to agree with part of that - a dog that age, there's no way any of us without medical training and/or actually seeing your dog can do anything.
My absolute best piece of advice in this situation (which I understand is really horrible) is to CALL your vet first - explain his symptoms to them. Then explain how you just do not have the money for a vet visit right now. If he needs care, they can't - and won't - refuse him. If nothing else, they will refer you to another vet or hopefully work out some sort of payment plan with you to help your dog - that is why they are in the business after all. Best of luck to you and your dog.

Answer 2

He would not jump up on the bed and this morning he is keeping his head down, not wanting to move around and seems to be sitting in a strange position. Given his age, I would suspect arthritis. Our 13 yr old pointer has it and she sits like that and doesn't jump up on the furniture any more. There are some medications that your vet can give you, but there are also over the counter remedies that can help. Get a glucosamine/chondriotin supplement, which will help a lot. There are several that you can buy over the counter at someplace like PetsMart or Petco. Also, Omega fatty acids can help give him relief. http://www.canismajor.com/dog/arthrit.html
http://www.vetinfo4dogs.com/dogarth.html#Rimadyl%20and%20liver%20problems,death
http://www.petcaretips.net/canine_arthritis.html

Now, all that being said, there is no way to know if your dog has arthritis or an injury or if there is something else going on without a visit to the vet. I know you said you cannot afford it right now, but if you don't find a way, you could be jeopardizing your dog's health or forcing him to deal with unnecessary pain.

Answer 3

This is a tough one because you say you can't afford it, but the only way to make sure your dog is okay is to go to the vet. ANYTHING could be wrong with such an old dog so there is no way for us to help you.
You have to ask yourself what is more important. Not spending the money, or possibly losing your dog.
If you really wanted to, there are ways to get your dog vet care. There are vets that take payment plans or you could sacrifice elsewhere to get your dog the care he needs.
It sounds like you have already made up your mind and are going to choose the money over your dog. There is always something you can sell or do without to provide proper care. A dog is entitled to medical care, owning a dog is a priviledge not a right.

Answer 4

Just keep an eye on him for a couple days. Maybe, something has changed that you have not noticed. Another thought might be arthritis. Not jumping up & down on bed. Sitting legs close together, etc. are basic signs. With dogs it is hard to tell when they are in pain because they naturally try to hide it so they do not look weak in the wild.

I understand tight budgets. I am in the same boat right now. We barely have money for groceries. Did you change his food to a cheaper brand. It may be the less nutrients also.

Just keep an eye on him for a couple days and I hope he perks back up.

God bless

Answer 5

At that age, many things could be wrong. Trying to borrow money to hocking something to get the dog to the vet would be a great idea. Would be really sucky if there was something really wrong and the dog died. Failure to provide vet care when necessary is a crime in many states.

There is no law that I am aware of that states a vet must provide care when faced with a sick or injured animal. It is not like humans, where a hospital has a LEGAL obligation to provide care without ability to pay or insurance. Vets are not under the same law. Animals are considered PROPERTY under the law.

Answer 6

Honey there comes a time when you have to make yourself afford a trip to the vet. I know what it's like to be broke trust me, but when a life is in your hands then money can't be taken into account.

If you are in the US or Canada I have a couple of numbers that may help you. In the US: Care Credit
1-800-365-8295. In Canada: 1-866-453-9961 You can do this now and be approved in minutes.

I'll be praying for your dog. Good luck!

Answer 7

Could be arthritis or a hip problem. Dogs will get lethargic when they are in pain and scared.

Call the humane society. They run low cost clinics.

Also, if you have a regular vet, they may let you make payments.

Answer 8

You have no choice but to take him to the vet. Many vets will offer payment plans if you beg them and they LEGALLY CANNOT deny your animal treatment since it is in pain.
He might have ruptured a disc in his back since you said he jumps around a lot- either way, this is very serious and needs to be seen immediately. It's your responsibility to treat your dog when it is sick- the vet will be nice as long as you explain your situation and beg if you have to. Also, it is illegal in all states to not get your dog treated by a vet when you know it is sick.

AT LEAST call the vet immediately and see what they say- tell them you can't afford a trip there right now and see what they say.

Answer 9

Sounds to me like he is suffering the awful pain of arthritis in his neck, spine or other joints. COULD be lots of things. An ear infection, CDRM, etc.
Your old chap is at an age where he really needs you to give him all the support you can - sometimes love simply isn't enough. If you REALLY can't afford the vet, please ask your surgery if you could see a vet nurse - he or she may be able to give you an idea if it is something that could be treated.
Good luck - and please remember, money isn't everything - he has given you a lifetime of devotion, the least you can repay him with is paper money. (NOt meant to be a dig - more a plea)

Answer 10

It could very well be that old age is setting in, arthritis is . probably making him sore, and at his age it could be kidney or liver failure. You need to figure out a way to get him to the vet. If you have one that you use often they may be willing to put you on a payment plan. Good luck.