Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some advice. Yesterday my Mali, Blue, decided to take aflying leap out of my hands and now her back legs don't seem to be working so well. I called a vet and it will cost me like $150 - $200 just for the office visit and some x-rays. As much as I want to get her some help I can't afford that much right now and I hate the idea of her being injured and possibly in pain. I live in Virginia Beach and I was wondering if anyone knew of any rescue places that might be able to help me out. She is still moving around and has lots of energy. Her tail still seems to be moving around some although not as much as before. When she walks she drags her legs more than walks. I feel so guilty that she got hurt and now I can't afford to do anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry to hear that your uro got hurt. I don't know of any rescue people around you, but maybe you can find something online.

Not to knock you, but I do hope that someone else who's thinking about getting a uro, will take into consideration this very thing when getting ANY pet for that matter. If you cannot afford vet care, then maybe its not a good time to get a pet. Being a responsible pet owner is being able to take care of them properly and give them vet care when needed, and grooming (when its an animal that requires it). Many people go to jail for not giving pets vet care (mostly dog and cat owners)because they feel they just dont need it or cant afford it.
So please do not get future pets unless you are prepared financially!

I hope you can get some help and maybe save up some $$ for future care that may be needed!
Renee

I appreciate your comments and will continue to search online but you must also understand that sometimes people are able to afford things and that bad things happen at bad times....this happens to be a bad time so unless you know particulars of what is going on in a person's life I might not jump up on a soapbox....

Could you talk to your vet about setting up some kind of payment plan so you can pay a bit at a time until you can get enough to pay off the rest of the bill? A good vet should at least be sympathetic about the fact that your animal is suffering and that you can't pay right away but will be able to in the near future. Try it, I hope it'll work out for you.

Hope this helps
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1 Mali Uromastyx named Ra

I appreciate the advice. I did talk to them and a couple others and they have some kind of credit that I can apply for so I will be trying that. I have an appt today to take her in so hopefully it will all work out. Thanks for your concern and Blue thanks you too!!!

Brian

I realize what your saying. I wasn't aiming it at you directly, just for future people who maybe won't think of everything before a purchase (not that you didn't!)

I guess after awhile I just get so fed up with all the "toss away" and neglected animals I see constantly at the shelter I volunteer in, at the pet stores that I have sued along with the humane society, etc. Just stupid things like....a lady really wanted to adopt a dog. It was this huge, hairy, collie mix type dog. Now mind you, she had seen the dog, visited the dog, swore up and down she was in love with him. She adopts him. 2 days later she brings him back. Why? He had too much hair! ahhh....didn't notice that when you saw him??? DUH Just stuff like that really irks me.......and I see it with reptiles as well.

Again..I apologize if I offended you...wasn't targeting you...but wanted to just make the point to new possible reptile owners.

Renee

I would speak directly to your vet. Usually they tell you that you have to pay upfront but a good vet would want to help the animal that is in need of care and would work with you and arrange a payment plan. I would tell the vet your tight money situation and see what he/she can do to help. Suggest making partial payments and see what happens. Ask or you'll never know...and they most likely will never offer it to you but it is doable, I've done it before.
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Lisa

1 Mali Uro - Matilda
1 Leopard Tort - Herman
1 Shih Tzu - Jake

lisasmith@optonline.net
Monroe, NY

As an aside, people should keep in mind that the vet is trying to run a business, too. They may have all the best intentions and love of animals in the world, but they simply cannot keep their practise afloat without payment.

If you do find one that will allow a payment plan, that's awesome, but don't fault a vet that can't treat an animal that someone can't afford to pay for. They are busy people, and you just can't run a business that way. Time and supplies are both expensive.

I wish you all the luck with your uro, and sincerely hope that you can find someone who can help.

Has anyone tried contacting a local college or university who has a vet program? Is there any chance of someone there being able to help out?

Best of luck,
Nicki
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Nicki and...

0.0.2 Uromastyx geyri (Saharan Uromastyx) - Dragon and Little One
1.1.0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis (Mali Uromastyx) - Spike and Lizzy
1.0.0 Lampropeltis mexicana thayeri (Variable (Thayer’s) Kingsnake) - Kavi
0.0.1 Lampropeltis triangulum campbelli (Pueblan Milksnake) - Callia
0.2.0 Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis (Red-Sided Garter Snakes) - Spot and Fluffy

Ontario, Canada