PLease help! Puppy's shoulder

[slh1997]

My dog dislocated her shoulder...and we can not pay for a vet trip. Dott...[my dog] is yelping inpain and limping, my dad doesn't have a job, niether does my mom, and I am helpless...I am Sami HAywood I am 12 years old...Please please please help my baby i don't know what to do...other than waiting it out we have no choice...and I can't lose my baby...I don't want to put her down please help me what do I do?

[Kimberly Coyner, D.V.M., DACVD]

It is sad that your puppy is hurt, but I agree with Dr. Humphries, ownership of a puppy means that there is a responsibility for all kinds of preventative pet care such as vaccines, deworming, and spaying, not to mention care of injuries. There is no need to put her down, you can contact a beagle rescue group who can try to find a person to adopt Dott and pay for the care that she needs. A rescue group that serves Indiana is RobDars Houndsong Rescue: http://home.comcast.net/~robdars/robdar2.htm

Kimberly Coyner, DVM DACVD

[Jim Humphries, B.S., D.V.M.]

Sorry we cannot do emergency care here.  She needs to see a veterinarian.  

This could be a injury of any kind, not necessarily a dislocated shoulder.  It will take an exam to determine what is wrong and how it is treated.  Many vets have a Care Credit system where you can pay over time.  But what are your options?  A 8 or 9 week puppy also needs vaccinations, spay, heartworm prevention, as well as sickness and injury care.  Pet ownership is such a responsibility and you must plan for it.  

good luck.