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at wits end

3K views 20 replies 8 participants last post by  huntergreen 
#1 ·
Tess my gorgeous 9 yr. old Purebred GermanShepard has been back and forth to the vet since last june (2013) for what was diagnosed a a UTI. In that time period I have put over 2 thousand dollars on my Visa card...She has had three routine urinalysis two xrays..and a sterile sample of urine drawn from the bladder sent for analysis.
They have put her on every antibiotic they had repeatedly beginning with amoxiycillin...not just once but twice because "oh well mavbe we'll just try her for a little longer" (I would have thought if two weeks did not work 4 weeks would not either but I'm not the vet right")...they then switched her to Novolexin...again some improvement and I mean just a bit while she was on it then as soon as off back to blood and puss and dribbling....While they were doing all this dicking around my un neutered dog came down with pyrometria requiring emergency surgery...after which she was put on Cinadmycin.....after the drug was finished the urinary infections began again.....back to the vet this time...okay this is our best drug yet...Ciprofloxacin...My poor Tess is still dribbling in the house and begging to go out even though today with the wind chill factor we are in a deep freeze of -40....I only let her out a few minutes then scream my head off to get her back in and follow her with a mop. I recently phoned this "wonderful" animal clinic..which by the way is not just one vet but several and although I remained polite I informed them that I have given them over 2 grand so far and I am tired off this and they are slowly killing my dog. Their equally polite answer was to tell me to take her to a specialist. I am 60 yrs old with advanced spinal arthritis..unemployed and have been living off of the bit of savings I had after my husband walked off 4 yrs ago, there is NO MONEY LEFT..I cannot put any more on Visa because I cannot now even make the minimum payments..I will be calling Visa later today to ask them to freeze my card to allow me to skip payments..i hope. the house I am in which I have half ownership of is a giant old farm house out in the sticks of southern Ontario and has been for sale for over 3 yrs...life is pretty grim right now..to make it even worse my little darling toy poodle Cara..14 who has been sick with Cushings and I have been treating holistically to try to at least ease some of the awful symptoms (she had to have her eyes removed two years ago which I put on Visa along with what I have been ordering for the Cushings disease ) wandered out the kitchen door which blew open on Jan 1st while I was upstairs using the bathroom. I was only upstairs for less than 5 minutes.......I searched from

3 in the afternoon until past 10 at night screaming her name until I was horse and the batteries went dead for my flashlight. I searched for 3 days after in the bitter cold and cannot even find her little body to lay to rest. I swear to God I would hang myself if I didn't have Tess and Espie (Cara's eski poo daughter) to look after. I have no income of any kind and was turned down by welfare because my "ex" pays for the roof over our heads (the agreement he made when he left until the house sells) and that puts me over the allotment for housing support even though I can't touch a dime for food or gas or even garbage tags.....oh god I'm blathering so sorry...I found a site that recommend apple cider vinegar and yogart mixed in Tesses food...I just got her to eat some now...thank god I have both in the house because there is about 4 feet of snow surrounding my car so I can't go anywhere....does anyone else have any ideas besides telling me to "find a new vet'"?? That is no longer an option..and please don't anyone give me **** about..well you should have found a new vet before please bear in mind this clinic consisted of 5 vets..none of them helped...I lowered myself enough to even beg in person in the office after all the money I gave them asking for them to try to help her now...sorry...nothing more we can do...take her to a specialist.....thankyou anyone for taking the time to read this...Tess's Mamma
 
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#2 ·
Sorry for your troubles.

A cheap solution for UTI's is vitamin C, Cranberry extract, Golden seal tea.

Add meat stock to her water to encourage her to drink more.

Also Apple cider vinegar is very good for this and general well (being mixed with water).

You can also improve diet by adding some raw and find better water supply for her. You want soft water free from calcium and lime. I also think Kelp is a good nutrient for dogs in general.

More on UTI's

Canine Kidney Stone and Bladder Stone Prevention - Whole Dog Journal Article

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/health-issues/382546-uti-bladder-stones.html
 
#3 · (Edited)
Thankyou...I can't get out to go anywhere now...I mixed two tablespoons of ACV and two tablespoons of greek yogart in her food..I cook for my dogs...if a piece of meat comes in this house it goes to them...I will tear my freezer apart now and see if I have overlooked a bit of something and give it to her raw....I'm sure she has a fever...been there bfore..just lying around...what can I give her...I know asprin is out of the question...I truly am snowed in and no there are no "freindly farmers" around here that would come and plough me out...oh by the way no crystals ever showed in any of the urine samples or xrays...
 
#4 ·
Discovery Health "7 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections"

Here Baking soda is also recommended. Again if the dog won't drink it try adding some meat stock.

You probably don't have these lying around but they also help fix UTI's

  • Cleavers (Galium aparine) has a long history of use in treatment of urinary infections.
  • Marshmallow root (Althea officinalis) has very soothing demulcent properties. Best used in "cold infusion." Soak herb in cold water several hours, then strain and drink.
  • Buchu is a soothing diuretic and antiseptic for the urinary system.
  • Corn silk (Zea Mays) is a soothing diuretic.
  • Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an astringent and mild diuretic with tissue-healing properties.
  • Usnea Lichen is very soothing and antiseptic.
 
#6 ·
The following list may be able to help with some financial aid. I haven't checked the links lately so there may be some inactive links.

Having Trouble Affording Veterinary Care? : The Humane Society of the United States

AFRP Financial Assistance for Pets

Saving More Lives Together : Asheville Humane Society

ANIMAL ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF ORANGE COUNTY

FAQ | ASPCA

Speaking for Spot: Dog Health Care Tips & Veterinary Advice | Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care

Find financial assistance with veterinary care | RedRover

Vet Bills: Organizations Offering Financial Help | Truth4Dogs

http://www.voicesforanimals.org/links/vetassistance.php

Did the vet(s) ever do a culture or was it just a urinalysis? A culture from a sterile sample is the method that should be used to determine which antibiotic will clear the bacteria in a UTI. Judging by your post, they were just throwing antibiotics at her and hoping? Sometimes it can take more then 2 weeks to clear up. Next question is did they just do xrays or was an ultrasound done? It took doing an ultrasound before the stone was found in my lab.

Check the label on the yogurt you are giving your dog. It should be plain yogurt with live culture. Double check it doesn't have any of the fake sweeteners in it (some of them can be deadly to a dog).
 
#10 · (Edited)
You are very kind to take such trouble to list all of those places that offer assistance for financial help for Tess. Unfortunately I live in Canada...Soutwestern Ontario as a matter of fact..my nearest big city is London which is an hour away....wish I lived where you are now...thankyou though...Oh Twyla...they did three routine urine checks where they just test for pus and blood cells (honestly you could do that with your eyeballs) and no crystals showed in the urine...when they did the xrays they inserted a needle into my poor dollies bladder for a sterile sample and sent that off for anaysis...that's when they came back and gave me the cpirofloxacin.....I'm down to praying on yogurt and acv cause that's what I've got and i give up on doctors and their miracle drugs
 
#11 · (Edited)
I'm sorry for your grief and your troubles.. I know it must be very difficult and troublesome. I know how you feel, because I have also mourned for pets I have had previously who passed and it's very difficult to get through. I don't have any medical advice, seeing as I'm not a licensed veterinarian.. But I do think adding meat stock to her water or food is a good idea, as well as the apple cider vinegar. I can somewhat relate to your situation, as I don't have a job either, and my boyfriend got laid off from his workplace and is currently searching for another job.. We are trying to get pet insurance but neither one of us has an income yet so we're having to wait.. And Cratos needs a vet visit. :/ Please keep us updated! Again, so sorry. Something will come through for you. :hug:
 
#12 ·
The Farley Foundation offers funding in Ontario with certain eligibility criteria. Eligibility Criteria I hope something there will include your circumstances. I saw your post on another forum also. There are quite a few Canadian members there who may chime in but the forum is less active than this one and it may take a while. Thinking of you and wishing you better times.
 
#13 ·
You can also check out Companion Animal Wellness Foundation 2011 The Companion Animal Wellness Foundation. They have one qualifier that may be awkward - treatment has to be given at the Vet Emergency Clinic in Toronto although they say it may soon be extended to other municipalities. It is worth an ask.
 
#14 ·
I can completely understand what you are going through. Thankfully there are healing powers in nature.

Have you taken her temp, not just speculated a fever?

Where are you in Southern ON. (general area is fine)? I may be able to refer a holistic vet who may be able to give you a phone consult? (not sure, but worth a try) She is not expensive.

Parsley water is a good natural diuretic that will help flush bacteria out. Google for a recipe and include dog in search.

Uva Ursi is another UTI herb.
Goldenseal or any berberine herb is natural antibiotic (use 3 weeks max.). Licorice root (not the candy) is a natural cortisone like herb - for inflammation (use only for two weeks)
Astragalus root too is a mild diuretic and immune support herb - it is also considered for the spleen

I have concerns that she has an infection from the surgery. This happened to a cat I had many yrs. ago after having his large intestine removed, even though he had a coarse of abx. after surgery. I was in and out of the vet for chronic diarrhea - the opposite problem for his surgery. It was so bad that I had covered every furnishing in my home with sheets and blankets. This went on for months...Vet through his hands up - forced my way into a specialist as he wouldn't refer me...blood work showed a bacterial infection...a round of abx. for 10 days and it resolved.

As for YOU. Did welfare turn you down for emergency funds or help direct you to ODSP? They won't give you money for shelter, as your ex is "paying" for it, but what about food?

Have you contacted or looked into federal disability? This is permanent disability (as ODSP is only temp, but you have to be considered unable to work for at least a yr.), You can also draw early from your pension, it goes hand in hand with fed. disability...I know two people who have done this, but not sure of details as to how.

I am so sorry for your lost little doggie:( I will make a wish on my wishing jar for safe return. May have found shelter somewhere and is too cold to come out right now...
 
#15 ·
GatorBytes;4791922 As for YOU. Did welfare turn you down for emergency funds or help direct you to ODSP? They won't give you money for shelter said:
I second what GatorBytes says. Since you are 60 you can apply for CPP early assuming you have a work history. It will be a reduced amount but you need the income now. Do look into ODSP if you are incapable of working for the shorter term and if you are on these, or if Ontario Works will put you on partial benefits then you for sure qualify for The Farley Foundation funding. The weather is going to break by Friday, hang in there, be strong for your girl, and take care of yourself. :hug:
 
#16 ·
call the vet and ask for the results of of the C&S. if not done ask why. then call visa and see tell them they defrauded you with incompetent care that is not consistent with the usual vet standard of care. so sorry to here about your little poodle. also i would think vinegar would cause the symptoms to be more pronounced, as in causing your pup to drip more as it would irritate the urethra due to the acetic nature of vinegar.
 
#17 ·
call the vet and ask for the results of of the C&S. if not done ask why. then call visa and see tell them they defrauded you with incompetent care that is not consistent with the usual vet standard of care. so sorry to here about your little poodle. also i would think vinegar would cause the symptoms to be more pronounced, as in causing your pup to drip more as it would irritate the urethra due to the acetic nature of vinegar.
ACV is alkalizing:)
 
#18 ·
Thankyou so much for your lovely reply..I live in between Glencoe and Appin Ontario..I need binoculars to see my nearest neighbor.Ontario Works turned me down because apparently they have some sort of "roof" over the whole thing and what my hubby ( ..separated he moved back to Victoria puts in the bank in the "joint" but it is only "Joint" in case there is some screw up with the auto payments..propane..phone..etc..but I cannot touch it. Bottom line..with what is allowed for maximum under housing for OW even if he took his name off the account it still would not cover what he is paying for every month...Big house my dear..big giant old house wish I could dig a hole and bury it. I will put credit where due..lots of guy who decide they don't want to be married any more just walk WALK away. I did originally apply for a CDPP (did I get that right?)penison for all the CPP payments your whole life...they rejected me stating that in between "flare ups" when I wear a horse collar since the AS is predominated in my neck and I take prescription pain meds (another reason to remain Mrs..I'm on his health benefits even though he's retired) according to them I was employable..we shall look over the fact that I am nearing 60 and have a grade 10 education..according to the federal government somewhere in Canada there is a sedentary job for me that won't mind if you have a lot sick days..it was the agent for OW herself who told me flat out. 95% are rejected right out..I had to have a doctor (and pay for) forms filled, go to london and have an MRI of my neck blah blah on and on but I guess that" NO" 95% of the time separates the chaff from the wheat..guess I'm the chaff..I am the canadian bred and born female uneducated worker bee who's time has come to get booted from the hive. According to her I should have re applied. Mayhap I shall or maybe I should just be applying for early CPP..I have worked my whole life a low paying back breaking jobs....so I guess the coin toss is 50 50. Well that was certainly more than you expected from me wasn't it. There is a certain comfort in anonymity.
 
#19 ·
Dear everyone...I'm sorry I rambled on about all my personal woes..and I did not realize I could click on a name an send a personal message to questioned asked privately instead of hanging out all of my dirty laundry for the world to see...yes I know when all else fails "read the directions"
Thankyou everyone for any and all help....I can't get back on line again until much later today..in the meanwhile the local town...now that I can get out of the driveway...use to have a health food store. I will try to find D-Mannose and Probiotic.
I have cooked up some beef kidney, heart and hamburger to that I add a tablespoon of ACV..2 of Greek Yogurt and about 200 mgs of Ester C..Tess will eat that..she won't touch anything to drink unless it is just the bottled water..not even with beef broth.
Thankyou everyone.
 
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