If your dog was just diagnosed with a herniated disc and the veterinarian quoted you thousands of dollars for surgery, you probably feel overwhelmed and anxious. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) surgery, like any medical procedure for pets, can put a major dent in your savings if your pet insurance won’t cover it fully.

But there are ways you can find the money for this critical treatment if you’re short on cash.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Look into financing options like CareCredit and Scratchpay, ask your vet if they offer payment plans, start a GoFundMe, borrow from friends/family, apply for assistance from nonprofits like RedRover, and look for lower cost clinics like vet schools.

Understand the Costs to Budget Accordingly

Get an Estimate for the Specific Surgery Needed

The cost for IVDD surgery can range widely depending on the specific procedure needed. On average, surgery for a ruptured disc costs $4,500-$6,000, while surgery for herniated discs averages $3,000-$4,500 (according to PetMD).

To properly budget, have your vet examine your dog and provide an estimate for the particular surgery recommended.

Factor in Aftercare and Physical Therapy

Post-surgery care is crucial for your dog’s recovery and adds more expense. This includes medications, cone collars, bladder expressions, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments. According to the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, the average cost for 4-8 weeks of post-op rehab is $1,000-$3,000.

Physical therapy on the higher end may utilize advanced modalities like therapeutic laser, massage, and aquatic therapy. Factor these aftercare costs into your overall budget.

Compare Prices Between Vets and Clinics

There can be major price differences between general practice veterinarians and specialty clinics. One study analyzing disc surgery expenses over 8 years found fees ranged from $1,700 at a GP clinic to $7,400 at a specialty hospital (see more). Location also plays a role.

Prices tend to be higher in areas like major cities with a higher cost of living. Research options in your region to find who offers quality care at the most affordable rate.

Consider Your Available Funds and Payment Options

Add up all the costs – the surgery, medications, aftercare, rehab – to get your total. Compare this to your available savings and funds. Most vet clinics allow you to apply for third-party financing like CareCredit if you cannot afford everything up front.

Make sure to understand payment plans, interest rates, and budget accordingly so you don’t take on debt you cannot handle.

Surgery Aftercare Physical Therapy Total
$5,000 $500 $2,000 $7,500

As shown above, a common estimate would be around $7,500 for a mid-range disc surgery with aftercare and moderate rehab. Compare quotes between vets to look for lower costs. Having pet insurance can be a huge asset as many policies cover IVDD treatment.

If the total expense exceeds your current savings, carefully review financing options.

Explore Financing and Payment Plans

Apply for third-party financing like CareCredit

One option to help afford expensive IVDD surgery is to apply for third-party medical financing through companies like CareCredit. CareCredit offers 6-24 month financing for treatment and procedures not fully covered by insurance, with no upfront costs, no prepayment penalties, and no annual fees.

Depending on your credit score, you may qualify for promos like 6-18 months deferred interest if paid in full. This can give you over a year to pay off your dog’s back surgery bill without accruing interest.

Other popular healthcare credit cards and loans include those from LendingClub, Prosper, LendingPoint, and credit unions. Compare terms and eligibility requirements to find the best fit for your financial situation.

The application process is usually quick and funding can be fast, making these excellent options for unexpected vet bills.

Ask your vet about payment plan options

Many veterinary practices understand the high costs of surgeries like IVDD treatment and will offer in-house payment plans to clients. Typically you’ll need to pay a portion of the bill upfront, such as 20-50%, then can spread out the remainder over 6-12 months.

Some clinics charge modest interest or finance fees, but others will let you pay interest-free as long as the balance is paid on schedule.

Be upfront about your financial constraints from the beginning, that way your vet can walk you through all payment plan particulars before treatment starts. This gives you and your vet transparency and assurance that you’ll be able to follow through with their recommended medical care for your pet.

Use crowdsourcing to fundraise quickly

If you need money fast, crowdsourcing through sites like GoFundMe or YouCaring (now part of GoFundMe) can be an efficient way to fundraise. You’ll tap into your community and social networks by creating a campaign sharing your dog’s story and surgery costs.

In 2021 over $160 million was raised on GoFundMe for pet medical bills alone, showing the power of outreach.

Make sure to provide lots of cute pictures of your pup, explain the recommended treatment plan for IVDD to educate donors, note your specific funding goal amount, and offer donor rewards like pet bandanas or dog walking hangouts. Spread the campaign actively by sharing across all your platforms.

The more engagement, shares, and networking the more potential funds can pour in quickly.

Find More Affordable IVDD Surgery Options

Look for discounts at nonprofit clinics

One great option to find more affordable IVDD surgery is to look for discounts at nonprofit veterinary clinics. Many communities have animal welfare organizations or humane societies that operate vet clinics and offer reduced pricing.

For example, the ASPCA and Humane Society clinics often provide orthopedic procedures like IVDD surgery at 20-50% off regular veterinary prices. Checking with any nonprofit clinics in your area to see if they offer IVDD surgery for dogs at discounted rates can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Consider vet school teaching hospitals

University veterinary teaching hospitals can also provide IVDD surgery for much less than private practices. Vet students need real medical cases to practice their surgical skills under professor supervision.

Because of this, the surgery fees at veterinary colleges are typically a fraction of normal prices. For instance, Cornell’s Teaching Hospital offers IVDD surgery starting at around $2,500 compared to $4,500+ at private vet offices. Just be aware that appointment availability may be limited.

Overall, vet school hospitals are a fantastic budget-friendly option to receive high-quality IVDD surgery for your dog overseen by board-certified veterinary specialists.

Search for mobile low-cost clinics

Mobile vet clinics are another great affordable choice for IVDD surgery. These clinics are able to reduce their overhead costs by operating out of a mobile unit instead of a permanent brick-and-mortar facility.

These savings allow them to perform procedures like IVDD surgery for a much lower price point. For example, Animal Balance in California offers canine back surgery starting at $1200 – a fraction of the normal cost.

Mobile clinics tour around the country, so search online for ones coming to your state or city. Just be sure to vet their credentials and experience level with IVDD and spinal surgery first. With some research, mobile vet options can save you big on urgently needed back surgery.

Join local pet health Facebook groups

Finally, tap into local community resources by joining pet health Facebook groups in your city or state. Post about your dog’s IVDD diagnosis and ask about affordable surgery options in your area. Fellow pet owners will likely have personal recommendations for specific vets, clinics, or veterinary programs that offer reduced rate IVDD procedures.

For instance, someone may know a skilled vet willing to do a full surgery for the cost of materials or nonprofit that has special grants for orthopedic surgeries. Check sites like Pawboost too. With the power of community connections, you can often find special programs, discounts, or deals only known locally to save majorly on your dog’s urgently needed back surgery.

Reduce Other Costs During Recovery

Make your home disability friendly

One of the best ways to save money while your dog recovers from IVDD surgery is to make your home disability friendly. This will allow you to care for your dog at home and avoid costly rehabilitation or boarding fees. Here are some tips:

  • Install ramps at stairs and elevated areas. This will allow your dog to easily move around without having to hop or exert too much effort.
  • Get doggie diapers or pee pads. Your dog may temporarily lose bladder control, so these items will save your floors.
  • Get orthopedic beds and mats. These will cushion your dog’s joints.
  • Block off slippery floors with carpets and runners.
  • Confine your dog to one level of the house to avoid stairs.
  • Rearrage furniture to open up pathways for your dog to navigate through doorways.

The initial investment in these home modifications may seem high, but they will pay off tremendously in avoiding kenneling or rehab costs which can run $40-60 per day.

Learn to do physical therapy exercises

Your veterinarian will likely prescribe a regimen of physical therapy exercises to help strengthen your dog’s core and hind legs after IVDD surgery. By learning to properly do these at home, you can provide daily physical therapy and reduce the need for visits to a canine rehab facility.

Excellent video tutorials are available on websites like DrsFosterSmith and from veterinary hospitals. Focus on massage, passive range of motion, weight shifts, balance training, and hydrotherapy if you have access to an underwater treadmill.

Your dog will greatly benefit from 20-30 minutes of guided exercise per day.

Cook nutritional meals at home

Your dog will need top notch nutrition to heal after surgery. Cooking balanced meals at home can be much cheaper than buying a prescription diet. Focus on recipes and foods that provide tons of protein, omega-3s, glucosamine, antioxidants, and probiotics.

Great ingredients to incorporate include tuna, salmon, eggs, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, yogurt, and apples. Portion control is also key to keeping your dog trim; excess weight will put more strain on the back.

Home cooked meals also allow you to cater to your dog’s changing needs as they progress in recovery.

Save on medications and supplies

IVDD surgery and recovery involves a lot of medications, supplements, wound care supplies, disposable pee pads, and assistive devices. These costs can quickly skyrocket. Here are some great tips for saving:

  • Buy meds from online pet pharmacies which offer discounts and rewards programs.
  • Split larger medication doses into two smaller doses to double your supply.
  • Apply for financial assistance through organizations like the Red Rover Relief fund.
  • Purchase pee pads and bedding in bulk online at wholesale retailers.
  • Make your own saline wound flush and cold compresses.
  • Borrow or rent items like harnesses, ramps, and wheelchairs from pet charities.

Getting through IVDD recovery without breaking the bank is very doable with some adjustments. The most important thing is providing at-home love, exercise, and nutrition for your dog. Stay positive and celebrate the small wins during your dog’s journey back to mobility and health. 👍

Apply for Financial Assistance Programs

Ask your vet if they offer any hardship funds

Many veterinary clinics understand the financial strain that unexpected medical procedures like IVDD surgery can put on pet owners. Consider checking with your vet to see if they have an established hardship fund or financial assistance program.

These programs provide discounts, payment plans, or grants to help owners who cannot afford critical care for their furry friends. For example, BluePearl pet hospitals offer the Dylan’s Hearts Fund to support families facing financial challenges.

Reaching out is simply about asking – you never know what help might be available unless you inquire.

Look into aid from foundations like RedRover

Nonprofit organizations like RedRover provide financial assistance and resources for pet owners in times of economic hardship. Their RedRover Relief program offers grants up to $200 to help families cover emergency vet care costs.

To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain income requirements and provide documentation about your pet’s diagnosis and treatment plan. RedRover has helped over 21,000 pets get medical care since their founding in 1987.

Other similar foundations to check with include the Pet Fund, Brown Dog Foundation, and Care Credit. Every little bit helps when managing an expensive surgery.

See if you qualify for Care Credit’s hardship program

If you can’t afford to pay for a multi-thousand dollar surgery all at once, using a healthcare credit card like Care Credit allows you to finance the costs interest-free over 6-12 months. This makes expensive vet bills much more manageable by spreading payments out over time.

And for those facing serious economic hardship, Care Credit offers hardship assistance by waiving late fees, stopping collection calls, and working out a reduced payment plan. To be eligible, you’ll need to provide detailed information about your financial situation.

Care Credit’s hardship program has aided over 1 million applicants to date – it’s definitely worth looking into if IVDD surgery would cause major financial strain.

Conclusion

As scary as an IVDD diagnosis can be, there are ways to access life-saving surgery for your dog even if you don’t have thousands in savings. Getting creative with financing, looking for discounts, and fundraising can help bridge the gap so your pup can make a full recovery.

With some planning and resourcefulness, you can find the money for IVDD surgery and take comfort knowing your furry friend is getting the best treatment possible.

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