My dog has a growing lump. How to get financial help for vet bills?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 16th, 2018

  It could be cancerous, but without seeing Toby in person, I can't say for certain. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. If paying for a vet is an issue, 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/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you, and please make an appointment with his vet. I hope this helps!

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 15th, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. You could consider taking him to the local humane society as it tends to be less expensive. Otherwise you can monitor it for now and have him examined if it progresses. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 20th, 2017

  Oh no, poor Bubbles! Unfortunately these tumors will not heal themselves, she needs veterinary treatment now. She could have an abscess, a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. The only way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet. If she has a ugly open wound from this tumor bursting, it's likely very infected and will need to cleaned and sutured, and she will need antibiotics. 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/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
 The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.
 Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.
 I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet, please take Bubbles into one asap.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 27th, 2019

  Wow, that is really serous. I'm so sorry but this looks like a pretty serious cancer. Some other possibilities of what it could be are a severe bacterial infection, fungal infection, granuloma, autoimmune disease, etc. There is no way for us to diagnose this over the internet. I guarantee you there is nothing you can do at home to fix this. She needs to see a vet ASAP. I understand you have financial constraints but it is not a reason to neglect the health of your pet. I don't mean to sound harsh but having a pet is a privilege, not a right. This is only going to get worse, not better. Here are some things you can do to try and find funding to get her seen by a vet. 1. Care Credit: ( https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/ ) 2. Find a low cost/affordable veterinary clinic in your area. With a simple Google search I found this one right away. There may be more. Just do some research. ( https://aawl.org/node/143 ) 3. Refer to this link of organizations that help people with veterinary care. ( https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet#Michigan )

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful