Wet cough, distended belly......

Help, please. I don't know what to do. My Firebird is getting worse. I adopted her last July. She's one year old now. The moment I brought her home from the no-kill shelter, she had a dry cough with sneezing, though looked completely healthy when I went to meet her. Almost one year later - after a diagnosis of moderate bronchitis and almost every antibiotic there is, she's worse with a wet hacking cough and now a belly that makes her look pregnant. She is not lethargic yet and is active. What could it be?

Also, I'm in a tough financial situation with only $2k to my name. I have a job but am not sure how long it will last. I live in New York City, which is expensive. What would people here do, were they in my shoes? - get an updated diagnosis asap and foot whatever bill comes, or ask that the shelter I took her from take her back and give her the health care she needs? (The contract states that they can take her back).

Does the shelter she came from have a vet? If so, you could try going back there and seeing if they can offer veterinary treatment at a reduced cost. You could also talk to your regular vet and see if they can offer some kind of payment plan.

One way or another, I'd say she needs to see a vet as a matter of urgency.

Both of these symptoms are worrisome to me.  I would either do as Columbine suggests, or turn return her so she can get the treatment she needs, if that is your only option. 

Are you familiar with CareCredit?  I believe it's discussed in this thread, along with other possible options:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/155462/cant-afford-a-vet-please-read

for little Firebird

Firebird said:

Help, please. I don't know what to do. My Firebird is getting worse. I adopted her last July. She's one year old now. The moment I brought her home from the no-kill shelter, she had a dry cough with sneezing, though looked completely healthy when I went to meet her. Almost one year later - after a diagnosis of moderate bronchitis and almost every antibiotic there is, she's worse with a wet hacking cough and now a belly that makes her look pregnant. She is not lethargic yet and is active. What could it be?

Also, I'm in a tough financial situation with only $2k to my name. I have a job but am not sure how long it will last. I live in New York City, which is expensive. What would people here do, were they in my shoes? - get an updated diagnosis asap and foot whatever bill comes, or ask that the shelter I took her from take her back and give her the health care she needs? (The contract states that they can take her back).

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i would get an exam and diagnosis and go from there. if i couldn't afford it, i would reluctantly giver her back.

http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/yourpet/vetcare.htm

"Full examinations are provided for only $25, re-visits for the same issue for $15, vaccinations for $15-$40, digital x rays, two views for $75, full blood panels for $80-$100."

http://www.lowcostvet.org/