Diabetes dilemma

I have a 14-year-old Westie who needs medication for diabetes - he is currently on Caninsulin. I buy 10ml at a time, which lasts ten days. This costs £22 at my local vet, and I buy it on a Wednesday, when they offer a 15% discount to us senior citizens. So I have been paying £18.50 every ten days, and as I am disabled and on benefits it has been a struggle, especially as my dog now needs pain relief for arthritis as well.

Today I got a terrible shock when I found the price had suddenly increased to £28.50! My vet is willing to write me a prescription, but at a cost of £10, so I don't think getting it by post is going to help much, especially as it has to be sent in insulated packaging to keep it cool.

I used to take him to the PDSA but they insist on seeing a diabetic dog every week, and it is quite a journey, too much on the buses for either of us now, and a £50 taxi ride away. I will pay it somehow, because my dog means the world to me, and of course I have no idea how much time he has left, but I am having trouble paying my own basic bills.

Does anyone have any advice, please?

Dogs Today reader, by phone