Pet Health Community

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but if you can not afford a simple check-up with a veterinarian for him, then surrender him to an animal shelter or rescue group that can make the decision regarding putting him to sleep based on his needs, not yours - many shelters have funds/programs set up for such situations as yours. The severity of his health needs to be examined and diagnosed by a professional, not by your pocket book. Who knows, maybe it's more serious than it appears, but maybe his symptoms are explained by a treatable condition - you won't know until he sees a veterinarian.

It could be something as simple as a slipped disk or something more serious. 2 Years ago I woke up to my dog being paralyzed. When I took him to my vet he had 2 slipped disk in his spine that was pressing down on his nerves so he couldn't move. We had him on prednisone (which is super cheap) and he improved. He lived another year and it was a good year for him.

As for the money issue you could always try asking around your area (ask your friends or co workers) if they know of a kind vet. Then go to them and explain your situtaion. See if they wouldn't make up a payment plan for you so you can get your dog looked after. There are also some places that offer loans to people for vet bills when something like this happens. The vet would be able to give you the name of these companies.

I also just have to say this to 4Watermonkeys and please dont take this the wrong way.

pungit said that right now money is an issue but she didn't say way. For all we know someone in her family may have just be laid off from work or injured in a some kind of accident. Just because money is an issue right now doesnt mean that she should surrender her dog or not even have pets. I have got to say that sometimes money is an issue for myself too. But when my animal needs medical help I try everything I can to make sure they get that help. And to me it seems that pungit is trying to do the same but coming on here and asking for help.

pungit good luck to you and I hope that things work out for you and your Dachshund. You will be in my prayers.

Dutchworld - Pungit made it quite clear that if it is not financially feasible to take the dog to a vet at this time, then he and his family plan to put it to sleep. It's as simple as that. The pocketbook should never dictate whether a pet gets to live when there are other options out there.

He has ruptured a disk in his back. He needs to see a vet asap.

I find it incredibly rude to suggest that someone who has a pet he/she can't afford to the vet (especially an older pet) surrender the pet to an animal shelter. Most older pets which are surrendered to shelters are euthanized. I don't have health insurance, and I can't afford to go to a doctor or an emergency room. With your line of thinking, my family should surrender me to a shelter (btw, shelters for humans don't provide health care for the uninsured). Get a grip, man!

You realize you posted to a thread that hasnt had any posts in it for 3 years? I dont think the OPs will see your outrage.

I read these posts last night and realized, too, that it was posted 3 years ago. I hope they found a vet that would work with them. I had a dachshund years ago and, at that age, if my Suzy had been in pain, I think I would have ended her suffering. I had friends with dachshunds who fixed their back problems, but their dogs were much younger. I'm sure the poor owner was devastated.

I realize this is an old thread, but have to put in my thoughts. I am 56 yrs old. My Krista is 9 years old. I never dreamed, when I got her, that two years later, I would become permanently disabled with a potentially life threatening disease and have to live solely on Social Security. Krista has been by companion and my best friend through all I have been through and I can't imagine life without her.
This morning, when I woke up, Krista started walking towards me like she was drunk ... staggering/wobbling. Then, she sat down and wouldn't get back up. I have observed her all day and have come to realize her back hips are compromised.
I love her more than life, but must admit, with my change of circumstances, I can not afford a vet visit or $5,000 surgery! Some months, I can't even afford all my own medications due to increased Medicare costs. I love Krista and want to do all I can to help her. So, I will pray. I will crate her, and I will share my own Prednisone with her and again, pray, pray, pray.
Am I being cruel to her? No more so than I am being cruel to myself. I have cried and cried and cried ... then, I sat here at the computer and started looking for answers. It took hours, but I believe I have found some possible solutions that don't involve a $100 office visit and God knows what other expenses added onto that.