Low Cost Veterinary Care

I have a two part question I hope you can help with.

What does one do when they don't have the money for veterinary care? Are there any groups that can help with the cost? I have two cats, (Sugar and Spice, they're sisters) and Sugar is very overweight and has what appears to be a mild case of dandruff on her back. So I'm thinking a thyroid problem. She is in very good spirits and plays and eats just fine. Her sister is a little overweight, but not bad. I'd like to take Sugar to the vet about her weight especially, but if it's her thyroid, I don't even want to think about what that treatment would cost.

The other part of my question is that Sugar can be a real witch. No one can make her do anything she doesn't want to do. She'll hiss and bite, even the hand that feeds her. She had a serious health scare a few years ago (from snacking on a 5 ft piece of elastic string, but that's another story), and she's been very mean ever since. A trip to the vet would be very traumatic for her and no one would be able to touch her. How do they handle animals like that? Surely they have a way. Sorry this is so long! I could use any advice.

Donna from Maryland

Answers:

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Try calling vets or animal shelters in your area for advice. Explain your situation, maybe someone will help you.

I have read that cats usually have an over active thyroid which would make a cat lose weight, not gain. Dogs usually have an under active thyroid which causes weight gain. My dog has this problem.

My niece's one cat is overweight and so far, he doesn't have any health issues. She took him to the vet for tests and everything was normal. He is active for his age but just overweight. The vet recommended a weight control cat food for both her cats since they older. (12/22/2005)

By it's.only.me

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Yes, call the local humane societies. They are usually less expensive than independent vets. Also some vets will let you make payments. Make sure you talk to a Dr. because most receptionists are trained to just say no to payments. Is the incident why she's mean, or did it do damage internally that makes her mean? Is she in pain? If it's just her mood they can give her something to relax her. I would be concerned with getting her personality back by trying to find the source of her meanness. (12/23/2005)

By me

Low Cost Veterinary Care

On the free-feeding issue, a vet told me that some cats can free-feed, and others can't. My cats have done well free-feeding, but when I was growing up we had a cat that if you free-fed, she would eat it all and throw it up! I'm not sure of the cause, but you know cats they keep us guessing all the time. Good luck. (12/26/2005)

By Anonymous

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Different parts of the country probably have different groups available to help with pet costs. You should check with local humane societies and veterinarians to see what kind of payment methods are available to you. (01/06/2006)

By foxyroxyanne24

Low Cost Veterinary Care

In Los Angeles try: the Sam Simon foundation and the Amanda foundation. They are both wonderful. (06/15/2008)

Low Cost Veterinary Care

I don't know where you live, but try a place called Concern 4 Animals. (08/29/2008)

By Teri