Expert: Jannie Balliett - 4/3/2010

Question
I was at the vet today with my dog that I got 2 months ago. While there they drew blood and checked for heartworms. They said that she has juvenille heartworms and they wanted to treat her for $667. I dont have that kind of money. We recently just got her and I wasnt expecting her to have heartworms that would cost so much. I love her but I honestly have no way to afford that I am a stay at home mom with 3 small children. Any ways my question is. If i dont treat her then what will happen. Whould she pass away suddenly or slowly over years. Also someone told me today that she can still die after she is treated from the holes left in her heart. I will do what I need to but I need to know that if I put my family in financial strain that in a long run it is going to benifit Roxie. I just dont want to pay all the money then still loose my dog.

Answer
You didn't tell me her age. Yes, she will die if left untreated.

Did you buy her as a puppy? Is she a puppy? Did you get her from a breeder?

If she is young, she can be saved in time with treatment.

If you cannot afford treatment, ask your vet if you can pay some down and make payments.

If not, call a Boxer rescue and tell them so they can take her from you and get her the treatment she needs to survive.