Medical expenses may mean losing pets

GREENVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) - As a local family struggles to pay their dog's high medical expenses, they turned to problem solver Susan Hogan for help.

Ten-year-old Lexa was just diagnosed with Lyme disease and Anemia but while in the middle of a blood transfusion at a local clinic, veterinarians told owner Yvette Kelley the treatment would cost $3,000.

"They literally came into the room and said we are going to have to disconnect her until you come up with the money," Kelley said.

While Kelley borrowed what she could from family and friends, it was not enough and Lexa had to come home. Kelley said Lexa saved her life last year and will do anything she can to save her dog's.

"I have my grandmother's ring. If I have to sell that I would."

Families nationwide are dealing with the same issue as Lexa's family. Veterinarians told Call 12 for Action that they see one to two families a day who cannot afford to pay medical bills.

"It's gotten worse in the last two years with the fall of the economy," Dr. Dan Simpson said.

While Simpson's practice does charity work everyday, there is only so much they can do.

"If everyone that came into the door needed free care we wouldn't be here so if we do our little part then hopefully somebody else is doing their part also," Simpson said.

The veterinarian said the best thing families can do is bring their pets in for yearly checkups so problems can be detected before they become too hard and expensive to treat.

While Lexa's future is still unknown, Kelley will not give up.

"You put a price tag on a life...I don't get it," Kelley said.

To show their support, Kelley's friends have started a Facebook page to raise money for Lexa and so far it has raised $700.

Click here to help Lexa.