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My dog has back pain and cries. What if I can't afford a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years old | 20 lbs

Hi! My name is alice and i'm a little worried about my dog. I left her home because i had an appointment and when i came back she wasn't running towards me and as soon as i picked her up she cried really loud. I checked all her paws and she's walking completely fine! When i apply pressure on her lower back she cries! and when she jumps on top of the couch she whines! I don't have enough money to take her to the vet :( Could it just be a bruise or is something broken! please help!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 5th, 2017

Hi Alice! I can understand being worried about Pixie. It could be that she has injured herself while you were gone or has a spinal problem, and I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. As for affording a vet, I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi Alice! Poor Pixie certainly sounds uncomfortable. Her back pain could be caused by a number of conditions, including soft tissue injuries, intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous emboli (FCE), etc. I understand your financial concerns, but since Pixie seems so painful, she should be examined by her vet to check for neurologic deficits and likely needs pain medication. Consider asking your vet if they accept payment plans or look into Care Credit (carecredit.com) for financing options. Until you can take Pixie to her vet, restrict her activity to a crate or a very small room without furniture so that she cannot run, jump, or play and exacerbate any existing injury.

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