Sorry to hear about all the problems you are having.  I'm in a similar
situation to you, bad health, unable to work etc.
 
I have been very lucky , my vet charges very reasonable prices here in
the UK.
 
If my ferrrets need a vet urgently i know that i can have a word with the
vet and come to an arrangemet to pay a little each week, if necessary.
 
I also take all the change from my purse on a monday and friday and put
it in a tin.
 
I know it doesn't sound much, but it really does add up.
 
It would be interesting to see the diffrences, if there are any , in vet
costs between the US and the UK.
 
I pay [UK#]26 for a ferret castration.Which includes Arnica drops for
2 days preceeding and one day after op.And a visit to check things over
with the vet after 3 days.
 
I pay a one off fee of UK#8 per ferret per consutation.
[Posted in FML issue 4407]