Anyy tips on how to stop my dog scratching mammary tumor?

singlehouseholder

Hello all. I hope some one on here can help. My dog, who is getting on for 18 has a tumor on her teat, her vet doesn't know if its the bad kind but suspects it probably is as she's never had a litter/been spayed. She's far too old to survive removal and it hasn't really bothered her in the past but she's started to scratch it recently. I noticed it was weeping so took her straight to the vets and they prescribed her with a course of antibiotics, which cleared/dried it up. She is determined to scratch it though, and it looks like she's been doing just that while I've been to work today. I'm going to ring vets for appointment in the morning and had spoken to him earlier in the week, he suggested she should wear a childs tshirt to stop her getting at it. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, is eating well and is pretty chipper, enjoying walks and cuddling up. Before anyone says I know she is old and won't go on forever, but if anyone can suggest anything to stop her itching, or even somethng maybe homeopathic to take itch away? She currently takes 2 Vivitonin a day, and eats James Wellbeloved, and their treats. Any suggestions for my little old lady?TIA.

suki1964

Child's t shirt will stop her clawing at it but as to if its an itch or she actually in pain that's causing her to scratch -hard to call. Im wondering if a piriton would help, helps with most itches

singlehouseholder

She certainly doesn't seem to be in pain, or down or off her bait, I know her pretty well too given her ripe old age! She's going to go back to vets,hopefully tom night, but would much prefer preventaion than cure. I'd spend my last penny on her, but she shakes like a defecating dog every time I take her to vets, even though her's is really kind and understanding with her. Am going to give her a bath using a weak tea tree solution if her vets agrees it'll not hurt/sting. Just wondered if anyone else had experienced the same situation with their dog really.

suki1964

singlehouseholder wrote: »

She certainly doesn't seem to be in pain, or down or off her bait, I know her pretty well too given her ripe old age! She's going to go back to vets,hopefully tom night, but would much prefer preventaion than cure. I'd spend my last penny on her, but she shakes like a defecating dog every time I take her to vets, even though her's is really kind and understanding with her. Am going to give her a bath using a weak tea tree solution if her vets agrees it'll not hurt/sting. Just wondered if anyone else had experienced the same situation with their dog really.

Its dreadful isnt it, wanting to do your very best and knowing that doing that (ie visiting the vet) is stressing them out

I would try the antihistamine - either tablet or cream for the itching. bathing in cold tea wont sting at all - i use it for my spaniel's gunky eyes.

Shes lucky to have you (((((((hugs))))))

singlehouseholder

Thankyou for the kind words. She has an appointment Fri night, finger's crossed.

border_collie

There are safer anaesthetics for oldies nowadays, ask your vet should it really be removed.
Good luck at your appointment.

Raksha

I've had tumours removed from 2 oldies, and unless your vet really advises against it, it's got to be worth considering. As the other poster has said - anesthetics are far better these days, and you can have a blood test done before the op to ensure that your dogs organs can process the drugs correctly to minimise the risk.

PS - did you know it's illegal to 'prescribe', that is suggest drugs for animal treatment unless you are a vet?

singlehouseholder

Raksha wrote: »

I've had tumours removed from 2 oldies, and unless your vet really advises against it, it's got to be worth considering. As the other poster has said - anesthetics are far better these days, and you can have a blood test done before the op to ensure that your dogs organs can process the drugs correctly to minimise the risk.

PS - did you know it's illegal to 'prescribe', that is suggest drugs for animal treatment unless you are a vet?

Her vet has already told me he will not put her under, along with her dropping to bits she has a heart murmor, could possibly have a brain tumor/had stroke- which is why she has her Vivitonin. I'm pretty sure her heart prob contributes to his refusal to knock her out. Also ps- you misunderstand, I'm not asking for advice for drug treatment, I'm not stupid, that's why I take her to vets when she needs to, give her the med's she needs and spare no expense when it comes to her food either. My main request was for anyone that could give me advice to stop her scratching/take itch away/suggest ways to cover area to prevent itching. This is an incredibly difficult time for me and her, I'm just trying to make her more comfortable.

Penny_Watcher

I'm not giving any medical advice, just passing on my own experiences. :):-)

Idiot Dog recently had an awful lot of surgery to his chest wall involving lots of itchy stitches. I used Sudocrem nappy rash, eczema and bed sore cream after the wounds were clean and dry, but when the stitches were still in. My rational was that if it was gentle enough to be used on a newborn baby then it was safe for numpty dogs. It seemed to relieve some of his itching. He wore t-shirts for a long time too.

My other thought is that if your old lady has a mammary tumour perhaps the itching is from the inside, so whatever is put on the outside may not help?

Wishing the old girl a more comfortable time soon. She's indeed very lucky to have you.

singlehouseholder

Well, took her to vets, the minute she walked through door she started shaking uncontrollably, the waiting room was packed and everyone was staring at her, luckily I had a few low fat treats in my pocket to distract her, didn't last long though. Her vet has suggested surgery, as some of the op's suggested aenesthetic these days is much more safe. He said her heart is steady and shouldn't cause a problem as she should only be out for about 15-20 mins. She's booked in for Monday. He said it may only give her an extra 6mnths or so, considering her age. I just hope I don't lose her on the table, but can't let her be keep scratching at it and making it worse. Monday is going to be the worst day of my life. Boyf is going to take her in in the morning and I'm going to collect her. I just wish it was over with and she was home woozy, recovering with a few stitches, and no nasty tumor anymore. Sure she'll be fine, her vet is great and was confident she'd be fine, I trust him completely, he knows her well. Will let you know how we get on. I don't consider her lucky to have me, I'm the lucky one to have her. Thankyou all.

suki1964

Im glad shes strong enough for surgery.

You are right, she may not get much more time but at least she will be more comfortable.

Take the day off work and be kind to yourself.

Keep us informed

xxxxx