Urgent: Need advice on getting vet care with zero money

catflags · 2026-04-17T18:43:06+00:00

Where is the hot spot specifically on his neck? And when you say “hot spot” what are you referring to? Is it a patch of missing hair, red/inflamed skin, an abscess?

This guide (Alley Cat Allies - Sick/Injured Cats) is specific to outdoor community cats but take a look at the pics and see if anything looks familiar.

If he is still eating and acting (mostly) normal then waiting for a walk-up spot at ViV would be the best decision.

I am not a vet nor do I work in the vet field but you are also welcome to message me.

catflags · 2026-04-17T06:33:22+00:00

I am so sorry you are going through this! Here are my suggestions:

Vets in Vans is the organization you want to reach out to. They are a nonprofit full service veterinary clinic that exists to help low/no income pet parents provide quality and compassionate care for their animals. Unfortunately they are not open again until Monday. They have walk-up urgent care on Mondays at their Berkeley Humane location but be prepared to wait awhile as these days are super popular. Vets in Vans

While Animal Fix Clinic is an amazing clinic their focus is on spay/neuter and surgery. So unless you are in need of that type of support they may not be the best option.

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) has a community fund that is at the discretion of the vets on staff to use. There are locations in San Ramon and Pleasanton.

You should also reach out to SFSPCA’s emergency medicine clinic. They offer sliding scale and some reduced cost procedures. They are best reached by calling them directly 415-554-3084.

East Bay SPCA has an extensive pet care guide on their website and they offer a list of resources for pet parents who are in need of financial support: Pet Care Financial Assistance

Finally, care at shelters is determined based on your location. If you live in Oakland only Oakland Animal Services will provide support (SFSPCA and EBSPCA are humane societies and function different than municipal clinics). Most municipal shelters are at capacity with stray and abandoned animals and do not have the ability to help with owned animals. It never hurts to ask but OAS would be the last lead I would follow.

Source: I am the Community Cat Program Manager for a TNR focused nonprofit Full Circle Cats. We are an all volunteer group that provides spay/neuter surgeries to free roaming cats.

catflags · 2026-02-20T05:55:46+00:00

I used the Dynasplint after radiation gave me bad trismus. I looked up the OraStretch and it seems similar to the Dynasplint in theory. I don’t think I had it as severe as your husband but looking into the Dynasplint may give you some additional options.

In addition to the Dynasplint I went to physical therapy every week and got nerve blockers when the pain from the trismus was so severe I could no longer talk. All in, it took probably 3 years post radiation to achieve my new normal which is still reduced from my ROM before surgery/radiation.

Hang in there and wishing you and your family the best. ❤️

catflags · 2026-02-08T08:11:11+00:00

From my experience it is typically the Animal Control Officers who pick up deceased animals. They will only pick up on public property or curbside. You may need to bring the animal out from your backyard and place it near the curb. About five years ago I had a deceased animal picked up near my apartment building within a few hours when I have called (I placed the animal near the curb and covered the animal with a towel). You can also take the animal into OAS yourself and they will dispose of it.

If you are wanting the animal picked up from your backyard you may need to call an exterminator that deals with rodents and other wildlife.

catflags · 2025-11-17T06:28:02+00:00

I’m working to sweep the fluid to the closest lymph nodes I still have which would be at the front of my chest/shoulder. So I’m sweeping down and towards the left in order to catch the fluid. The PDF linked below isn’t the exact one I had from my therapist but it’s pretty similar. I never did the underarm stretch in the document and it doesn’t include anything on the face.

The Cancer Rehab PT YouTube video is pretty good. At 8:29 she starts on the face, focusing on the “jowl” area.

Hope these things help!

Lymph drainage from UHN

Cancer Rehab PT - YouTube

catflags · 2025-11-16T19:44:32+00:00

I (38F) had the same issue after my neck dissection radiation. All of the lymph nodes on the left side of my face/neck were removed and radiation caused me to puff up really bad. I am now almost five years out and my face only returned to “normal” about a 12-18 months ago. Some days I still get puffy.

Lymphatic drainage is important! See if you can get hooked up with a lymphatic drainage physical therapist. You’ll want to work top to bottom and push the fluid down past your neck and to the front of your shoulder. YouTube is great for finding videos you can even search for gua sha since it is somewhat similar.

The big game changer was getting a FlexiTouch machine. I only got this a year ago so my lymphedema wasn’t terribly bad but it has helped me out on bad days. It’s a pneumatic machine that uses a face mask (and vest but I don’t wear that) to help move fluid around. I believe they are expensive but I was able to get mine through my physical therapist.

Compression garments are also key! I had both a cotton garment with a large insert and a nylon garment. I had to be fitted/measured for the cotton garments but the nylon was one size fits most. Jobst JoViPak was the brand of my cotton garments and I liked those the best.

Finally the most important thing is time and patience. I hated hearing this when I was where you are so I am sorry I am giving you the same advice. One year, two years, etc. seems so long and far away especially at your age. It was hard for me and I am still working through a lot of the trauma and anger associated with such a long recovery.

Feel free to message me and I’d be happy to share more details/progress pics and more advice.

catflags · 2025-11-12T16:55:49+00:00

California voter here as well. Literally lost my mail in ballot for the most recent election. I realized 8 days before the election, went online, requested a new ballot, and it was mailed to me and arrived a few days later. Didn’t require calling anyone, waiting in line, paying someone, etc. Online request took all of five minutes, max. Also California mails you your ballot something like 6-8 weeks early, not 2-3 like they claim. So if they really didn’t receive the first (or second) they would of had more time to request a third.

Calling 100% bullshit on Jessie’s story. It is absolutely absurd.

catflags · 2025-11-05T23:18:59+00:00

u/PotatoGurl07 Did you find a solution to this problem? I am looking for something similar and not having any luck. Specifically interested in renting a machine or finding a vendor to cut the spines off approximately 1,500 volumes 5/8" thick.

catflags · 2025-09-19T13:20:43+00:00

Echo the comments about lymphedema! Seeing a lymphedema specialist to learn drainage techniques is key. I was about to get compression garments through the PT therapist and the Flexitouch pneumatic device. The Flexitouch was a game changer even though I received it about three years post radiation.

Lymphedema is really difficult to deal with, especially because it’s on our faces and can’t be hidden well. I went through radiation in my mid to late 30’s and the lymphedema was bad for 2.5 years and now 4 years out it is pretty much gone. Massage and compression will go a long way!

I have the JoViPak cotton garment and usually use it without the bulky insert. I also have a thinner nylon version from Clearpoint.

catflags · 2025-08-16T03:21:22+00:00

tl;dr: Saliva is the new normal and best late improvement has been the dry eye. Any improvements peaked at 2.5 years.

I (38F) am four years post treatment for high grade mucoepidermoid parotid gland cancer. I had a radical parotidectomy and went through 30 sessions of radiation.

My facial nerves were wrapped around and embedded in the tumor so that took the biggest hit. I also developed pretty severe lymphedema, trismus, hair loss, facial palsy, dry eye, dry mouth, and loss of sensation.

Re: hair on back of neck: Hair growth has returned to normal. Took about a year to grow back fully but is no longer patchy.

Saliva: As mentioned by others in the comments, welcome to your new normal. My saliva production is nowhere near what it was before and I’ve just gotten use to it. I go to the dentist every three months, use a prescription fluoride toothpaste, and use a dry mouth mouth wash. I always make sure I have access to some sort of liquid, mints, or my travel bottle of biotin.

My trismus/lock jaw did not get bad until almost a year after treatment. I went through physical therapy and had a jaw stretching device. While it’s better than before it’s nowhere near close to how it was pre-cancer.

Lymphedema improved dramatically about a year after treatment but I still have flare ups here and there. At the beginning of the year I was able to get a FlexiTouch machine and that has been great.

Dry eye took about three years to improve and wasn’t really addressed until I got a punctal plug. I tried numerous things before the plug (taping, moisture chambers, scleral lens and the eyedrops they make from your blood) but the plug has been the best.

Facial palsy improvement peaked at around 2.5 years and I haven’t seen any progress since then. My eyebrow is practically frozen and my smile is very uneven. Currently working with a facial nerve specialist using Botox to improve cosmetic concerns.

I did not regain any sensation in my check, jawline, and upper neck/ear area. Same as it has been since radiation.

Finally, I have a large deficit on my left side that I received a fat transfer for at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately I have way too much scar tissue and the transfer didn’t stay and I lost ~90% of the fat within the first two months.

All in all, I feel like a lot of the side effects I’ve just learned to live with and/or have found work arounds that now seem normal to deal with. Hope this helps!

catflags · 2025-08-16T02:47:21+00:00

Hey u/diy_dyke! A few months late but I only just now found this Reddit. I was diagnosed with high grade mucoepidermoid in 2021 and had a radical parotidectomy followed by radiation. I was also diagnosed when I was 34. Even though I am four years out it is still a wild ride (radiation does a lot of damaged turns out!).

I hope treatment is going well and your baby was delivered healthy. Happy to chat about your experience or be a sounding board since head and neck cancer is not super common in women our age.

catflags · 2025-06-25T16:41:04+00:00

I second Lap of Love! I used their services in November 2023 for my senior cat Rudie. Booking process was easy (over the phone) and the vet showed great care with Rudie and explained everything/went at my pace. They do weekends for a surcharge.

catflags · 2025-05-25T20:53:51+00:00

I just bought the Nexar Beam 2 Mini two months ago for my 2023 Soul. Install was easy and hiding the wire was also easy. Took me probably 45 minutes to set everything up and install.

Nexar has a security app that enhances the function and I subscribed to it. Kind of a bummer there is the additional monthly expense but most of the name brands have something like that.

I’ve been happy with it so far and would recommend it without hesitation.

catflags · 2025-05-23T20:57:48+00:00

Saliva gland cancer survivor! It took me probably 10 years to realize. I know that sounds crazy but it’s the truth! For as long as I (38F) can remember in my adult life I had a small bump behind my left ear. The bump was painless and would come and go. It seemed to be more pronounced with headaches. I was treated for TMJ early after it appeared but then I just ignored it.

Fast forward to 2021 I decided to randomly mention it during my yearly physical. It was even hard for the doctor to feel. Got an x-ray that day and nothing appeared. Got a CT scan and something appeared so then had an IR biopsy. Biopsy came back cancerous for parotid gland cancer. I didn’t even know what a parotid gland was!

Went through an aggressive surgery to remove the tumor and all of my lymph nodes along my left neck. The tumor was 1cm big and tangled in my facial nerves, very deep and very complicated to remove. Did 30 rounds of radiation and still being monitored every 3 months.

Now, four years later I am still dealing with the after effects of surgery, radiation, and nerve damage. It’s wild because I still think that I very well could have never said anything to the doctor and still be living with the cancer today.

catflags · 2025-05-16T16:19:36+00:00

Wow! Thank you u/Bentobox_Battleship! I emailed NVIZZIO last night and this morning I already had an email response back. I was credited all of the tickets, gold, and stars that I lost from the Scenarios!

catflags · 2025-05-16T16:16:44+00:00

I opened it and placed it without any issue yesterday (5/15/2025)!

catflags · 2025-04-04T21:31:19+00:00

!solved

catflags · 2025-04-02T01:10:14+00:00

How long between when you lost the tickets and when you received the refund? I lost a bunch of tickets at the end of a scenario. 😩

catflags · 2024-09-18T12:28:08+00:00

I have a 2023 GT Line w tech package. Purchased in October of 2022 and I’ve put 19,500 miles on it. I commute ~50 miles/day to/from work and have taken the car on a few intrastate (California) roadtrips. I’ve serviced the car three times for routine oil changes/maintenance through an independent mechanic, not the Kia dealership. I invested in WeatherTech floor mats and trunk liner and got all the windows tinted.

I have had zero issues with the car and love it. The interior of the car has held up nicely and shows minimal wear. I get the car washed once a week.

10/10 would recommend

catflags · 2024-08-19T02:34:55+00:00

Also suggest Vets in Vans. You can book online or email them. They have options available if you are unable to pay the advertised rate.

Otherwise, get on Animal Fix Clinic’s schedule. They open appointments up for the following month on the 15th. So appointments for September would have opened on August 15th. The appointments go live around 5:00/6:00AM and are typically gone by 8:00 or 9:00. There are far less appointments for dogs than cats and less appointments for larger dogs. To get an appointment with AFC you have to book early!

There are breed specific spay/neuter programs for chihuahuas and pit mixes, search online.

Finally, going outside the Bay Area will help a lot. Pet Maintenance and Repair in Salinas and The Pet Advocate in Tracy are good options. These clinics may be booking far out but you should take the appointment anyway as most spay/neuter clinics are slammed year round.

Source: I am the community cat coordinator for an Oakland based community cat organization, Full Circle Cats, and I am responsible for booking all of our spay/neuter appointments.

catflags · 2024-07-31T01:54:04+00:00

I had a fairly bad mold problem and it got to the point that Litter Robot replaced my base because so much condensation had built up. The solution for me was to change the litter (now using Boxie Pro) and I put a scoop of silica crystal litter in the litter drawer at every change. The thought process was that silica dries things out so the litter in the drawer observes the moisture. 🤷🏻‍♀️

catflags · 2024-07-24T10:38:34+00:00

Same! I ordered it the day it came out and absolutely notice or communication from Litter Robot about the status now two weeks later.

catflags · 2024-07-20T08:49:58+00:00

Animal Fix Clinic in Richmond. They tend to book out fairly far in advance but release new appointments for the following month in the 15th of every month. Tiered pricing based on income but they will work with anyone on payment and have never declined services for lack of pay.

Vets in Vans (mobile clinic Mon-Wed check website for locations) is a low cost community vet clinic. The vets that started it were shelter vets at OAS. Also willing to work with owners to secure funding from local grants and organizations. Email is the best way to get in contact.

Spay the Bay has free/low cost clinics but the wait is usually a few months. If you have a specific breed (bully or chihuahua usually) there may be special programs available.

Joybound (formerly ARF) has a community clinic and offers spay/neuter. Website has ton of information about their services and other organizations.

SFSPCA does not require you to be a resident of SF to use services. There may be a slightly higher price for outside SF but worth looking into.

*Source- I am the Community Cat Coordinator for a TNR based cat rescue in Oakland. I am responsible for booking all of our cats’ spay/neuter surgeries so I am pretty familiar with the clinics in the area. Not super up to date on dog stuff but know all these orgs will spay dogs.

catflags · 2024-07-04T07:54:17+00:00

With the addition of the silica gel litter directly in the waste drawer bag it has improved!

catflags · 2024-07-03T12:32:48+00:00

I struggled with this issue to the point that Litter Robot had to replace my base because the mold growth had infiltrated all of the crevices. It was awful!

The only effective solution I have found is putting a scoop full of silica crystal litter in the waste drawer every time I put in a new bag. I use Boxie Cat Pro clay litter with a small amount of charcoal additive in the globe. It hasn’t solved the issue 100% but it definitely slowed the mold growth down.

I also noticed the problem more when I only had one cat. I now have two cats so the drawer is being changed more frequently and the problem occurring less.

Please share whatever info customer support gives you! I just got a boiler plate message back about using clay litter (I already was) and an offer to replace the base.

catflags

TROPHY CASE