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Dog swallowed ball - A question
My BF's father has a yellow lab, about ten months old, named Max. Apparently, Max ate a ball. He started throwing up so they took him to the vet and got him X-rayed. The vet was shocked he was able to swallow it, since it's about 1.5" in diameter. Anyways, the vet said it is not going to be able to pass through his small intestine, and told him that Max will die in ~1 week without surgery. BF's father went to several vets & emergency clinics to get prices on the surgeries. The cheapest any offered was about $4,000, and that was if they could remove the ball through the throat. Unfortunately for Max, BF's father doesn't have the money or credit to pay for it. He is trying to see if they will release funds from his 401K to pay for it, but we are doubtful.
BF & I do not have the money to help out. I called some rescues in my area to see if any would be able to help - but no luck. Does anyone know of any vet offices/animal clinics (or rescues that would help) that allow payment plans for people with poor credit? He is in the MD/DC area. I'm hoping to find a way to help, but I am afraid that he might have to lose poor Max. 
Re: Dog swallowed ball - A question
some vets will also work w/ you...we had to have a toy surgically removed form Dawg's tummy. I paid $20 to be able to split the cost over 6 months. Now, my vet won't do this for 'new' customers, but will for existing/current patients.
possibly helpful link:
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
If he can make it down to Richmond, VA, I'd recommend looking in to this group:
http://www.helpinghandsvetva.com/
ETA: according to the site, the charge for a foreign body removal is $755. Much cheapers than the $4,000 your BF's father is being quoted. He can also apply for Care Credit to help pay for this.
Good luck to your BF's father and his pup.
The vet he took Max to told him that they don't offer financing to new customers. He just got Max recently and so is a new patient to his current vet.
I sent all of your ideas over to him. Thanks so much everyone - I hope this has a happy ending!
Ditto this. I had great luck negotiating a fee for our little foster girl who needed a cardiology consultation. Also, never underestimate the generosity of friends. Someone here suggested a ChipIn page that I announced on Facebook and in no time I had the money we needed to get our foster seen.
Thanks again everyone. Holly is happy and healthy and thriving!
No, we live in the DC area.
But thank you so much for the suggestions.
We're still waiting to hear if he'll be allowed to take funds out of his 401k. He also applied to the CareCredit a PP mentioned, but said his app had to go in for further review. I also told him to look into local vet schools. I'll be doing a Google on them today.