Is my dog dieing?

[tonya28574]

I have an 11 1/2 yr old German Shepherd that is not wanting to eat, when I let him out to go potty this morning, he seemed like both of his back hips (or legs) hurt, he then went into the dog pen, walking gingerly, and layed down and drank from the water bowl, then refused to get up and go potty or even go back into the house.  He has been getting skinnier over the past few months but eating fine until just about 2-3 days ago.  My daughter and I were able to get him to come back into the house, but he seemed so weak to walk up the stairs of the deck, then didn't seem too excited about coming back into the house, and it's raining, which he doesn't like rain.  He has been on a diet of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for several months and doing fine.  He is just laying on the floor, not wanting to get up.  I have another dog who is just fine.  What should I do, what could be wrong???  I do not want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for a vet if it is inevitable that he is dieing... I love this dog... but just cannot afford this right now... don't want to seem heartless.

Thanks

[Breesejacques]

Just ridiculous...I'm going through the same thing as we speak and can hardly afford my rent or groceries! But you better believe if there was s an chance a vet can save my baby girl of 16 years old I will make sure she gets that help no matter the price!!!!

[Koodock]

Vets are pretty straight forward. If your dog isn't going to live, they will be up front with you. You have to take him....just in case.

[peekawho]

What if this is something that a vet could help, though?  That he might die without treatment?

Take him to a vet.  It is your responsibility.  A vet will determine what is wrong, and if it can be helped, or not.

Something is terribly wrong with him, and he is obviously suffering.  You must take him to the vet immediately.  Its not only the right thing to do, its the law.  

I hope everything works out for you.  There is a program called CareCredit that extends a credit card to people that can only be used for veterinary or medical expenses.

Often, vets will take payments for services, too.  Do NOT let finances keep you from  getting this wonderful family pet veterinary care.