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My dog has a swollen leg and cancer. How can I afford vet care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 4 months old | 165 lbs

Hello . I have a purebred blue nose pit bill who's 9 yes old we recently found out that he has cancer ( he was huge lumps all over him) but it wasn't until recently my husband noticed that our dogs back left leg is very swollen. In the pictures I'm sending you'll see what we're dealing with, what can I give him for pain and swelling? I don't have much $$ , I'm on a sec income of $680 a month and have an infant and a toddler to take care of, we love our dog blue so much, please help us

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 20th, 2018

Poor Blue! His leg is quite swollen, and unfortunately there are no OTC medications you can give him for pain and swelling. Many human pain medications are toxic to dogs, and can be fatal if given. He does have to see a vet as soon as possible for his swollen leg, as this will be painful for him. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends, and I can give you some resources that may help as well. 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/ 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. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope one of these resources helps you, good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 1st, 2019

    Unfortunately there are no OTC pain medications you can give Grunt. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. He really does need x-rays and surgery if required. 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. Best of luck.

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