Is There an Inexpensive Way to Treat a Broken Foot?
We have a six-month-old Chihuahua puppy that jumped
off the couch today and broke her foot.
We lost our home and van two weeks ago because our six-
year-old child is in kidney failure. I don’t have
money right now and all the vets I have called
will not allow me to make payments. I have to
save Hopie–she is all our daughter has left.
Please help!!!! I am able to make monthly
payments. I just need someone to take me at my
word. I have called the SPCA, applied for CareCredit, and called
rescue organizations. I can’t seem to find any help. Our
daughter named this pup Hopie because she gave her
something to look forward too. My heart is
broken I don’t know what else to do.
Thank you so much.
Nicole
Tampa, Florida
Wow. First, let me say that I am very sorry to hear that your daughter is ill. I am also sorry that you lost your house and van. Yours is truly a heartbreaking story.
There are still some options for Hopie. First, you can try contacting the veterinary school at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Some veterinary schools offer discounted services for people in need, especially if the case may be of educational benefit to veterinary students studying at the school. I scanned the school’s website and was not able to find any information about such a program. However, that does not mean that one doesn’t exist. You can try calling the school (contact information is on the website) and enquiring. I realize that getting to Gainesville from Tampa might be a challenge in your situation. However, if the university consents to treat Hopie, she will receive top-notch care.
If you are not able to receive treatment, all hope is not lost. Six-month-old puppies are incredible healers. If the fracture is not complicated or severe, there is a chance that Hopie’s injury may heal without splinting, casting, or surgery. The key to healing is strict activity restriction. This means crating her continuously (except for very brief trips to the bathroom and time spent resting calmly on laps) for about six weeks. If you elect this treatment plan, you should talk with your vet about pain management.
I must emphasize that the crating method described above is absolutely not the best option for Hopie. But if seeking high-level treatment is out of the question, it might work. I have known many puppies and kittens that healed nicely using this plan. With luck, perhaps Hopie will live up to her name.
You have questions. 
There are a couple of other things I thought of. There’s a site on the Internet called IMOM (In Memory of Magic). The sole purpose of this group’s existence is to give financial aid in cases like yours.
The other thing you need to check is the United Animal Nations “LlifeLine.” This arm of that organization will also help financially. Please contact them also.
Good luck! It’s heartbreaking to have both of your kids suffering.
I am a similar situation. I rescued a dog after being hit by a car and after spending a few days at the Houston SPCA I adopted him. I took him to a veteranarian and was told the same thing. They explained to me the costs and that they don’t accept payments. I went through the same steps as you to find another way to treat my pet. He is much older though, he is about 2 years old. The vet basically told me to put him down but, I knew finding him was a godsent and was not about to do that to him. I found him for a reason. When we brought him home all he could do was scoot across the floor, we had to bring him his food and water and carry him outside to go to the bathroom. We have had him nearly two weeks and he is climbing onto the furniture, walking around on three legs, going outside on his own and running in the yard the best he can on three legs. I know if I could get the leg fixed he would be an even more awesome than he is. He is so loving and affectionate. He loves attention. He paws at you when you stop petting him and he pines when you walk out of the room. I am still giving him pain medication but, I am wondering if it is too late to get his leg fixed, he is young enough for it to heal on its own or what. And along with your situation, we lost our home to a fire only 2 weeks before I found my dog on the side of the road. It was like a miracle. So ever since our fire we found a better home, a new friend to the family and I no longer suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome. I use to doubt miracles but, now I believe. I only pray that god helps you and your daughter just as I pray for my dog every night.
Hi Nicole, daughter, Hopie & Family…I hope things are getting better and that you have found a good solution. If not, my mom said you can contact the ‘Betty White Foundation’ for animals (check the web or phone/information). They give funding and/or assistance for situations like this. Best Wishes and please don’t give up. We are praying for you to be comforted and strong.
Try applying for financial help from one of the organizations listed here: http://felinediabetes.com/vetbills.htm The organizations listed will help any pet owner with dogs or cats in need, not just those with diabetic cats.