Possible dislocated shoulder

I have a 14 yr old female American Bulldog. She usually lays around the house all day, so I did not notice her limping until a couple of days ago. I looked at her foot before leaving on a trip seeking a job placement in a town several hours away and she didn't seem to be sore and let me hand her foot without showing any pain. At this time, her shoulder was not noticeable with any swelling. She was eating and drinking ok, and I left for my trip. I have a doggy door and food and water containers for the dogs when I am gone, so no one was going to come by to feed the dogs. I got back tonight 1-14-10 and noticed that her shoulder is swollen. The muscle is hard to the touch and her shoulder looks like it is farther forward than the other one. I can touch her and she doesn't seem to be in pain, but she will not walk on her leg and her entire leg is also swollen. The whole area around her shoulder is stiff and solid and covers a larger area than her direct shoulder. Since I don't have a job and have been having a very hard time making ends meet, I am seeking help since I can't afford a vet bill right now. I have no extra money at all. I can't stand to see her like this. Do you have any idea what is wrong or who I can take her to that doesn't charge for medical attention?

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Good morning to you and how awful that your pup is feeling poorly.  

First, if she is not using her leg, she is experiencing some level of discomfort.  She may not "act" like she is in pain, but this is typical for many dogs/cats and is especially prevalent in big tough breeds like the American Bulldog.

Second, it's really hard to say what it might be in a virtual setting like this since our doctors can't see what you are seeing.  Certainly a separated shoulder could be possible, but other issues like bone cancer need to be thought about as well.  I am not a veterinarian, so I can't really address what all those issues are, but it is apparent, as you know, that she needs to be seen in order to address the issue.

Finally, times are tough all across the board right now and you ask a very common question...how can I get my pet taken care of without spending a lot of money.  My very first piece of advice to you is to find some way to pay for an exam fee at your veterinarian.   Even if you have to borrow money from family or friends, this is an important first step.   Doing this will help you and your veterinarian decide whether it could be something treatable with at home care or if further diagnostics and treatments are needed.

You could try to go to carecredit.com.   They have 90 day same as cash options for financing veterinary care that exceeds $300.  A lot will depend on your past credit rating and whether or not you are receiving any kind of unemployment or assistance while you are between jobs.

There are national organizations, like IMOM.org and AAHAHelpingpets.org that offer grants for hardship cases.  Generally, your veterinarian will need to apply on your behalf.

I don't think you are going to find any place that doesn't charge for medical attention.  Veterinary offices are businesses and need to pay their bills just like you need to pay yours.  But, if you have a long term, good relationship with your veterinarian (i.e. you have been a client for a long time, paid invoices promptly, kept pets up to date with wellness care) some veterinarians might allow you to leave several checks that can be held.  Again, the key is that you have already developed that relationship...it's not something a veterinarian will offer to a brand new client.

I also found this site after a web search:  adlaz.org/tucson/#vetbill.  There is evidently some assistance available in your area.

Good luck to you...remember, getting your pet seen is key so find a way to get the exam fee and worry about what comes next after the veterinarian sees your pet.