Awww !!!!!!, my girl has to have her tail removed!

chris_n_tj

Thanks for taking the time to update us Paradigm. We have everything crossed for you here, and of course we are here if you need aus.
Hugs Chris n TJ xxx

debjam

Paradigm wrote: »

The vet did say that if it was another tumour then, because of where it is, it would be virtually inoperable.

:sad:Know that feeling, my boys is in his spine so they can do nothing. He is on steroids which seem to have helped as he is not as wobbly on his feet as he was, but it is still hard knowing that there will be a day when the steroids will no longer be an option.

Hugs to you all from us two :grouphug:, we have had lots of hugs today (he's not having a good day today) so have sent some to you.

Paradigm

debjam wrote: »

Hugs to you all from us two :grouphug:, we have had lots of hugs today (he's not having a good day today) so have sent some to you.

Hugs gratefully received

Is there an alternative to the steroids for your boy or are they the last resort?

debjam

No no alternatives unfortunately. The tumour is growing in the space between the vertebrae where the spinal cord runs through, the vet said they could operate but he would probably never walk afterwards, so had to make the choice of that or try the steroids to stunt the growth of the tumour so he would have a few more months. It is such an awful choice to have to make, am I being selfish keeping him on steroids or should I have let him go when they diagnosed him iykwim.

We had a check up on Monday and the vet was really pleased with him, how his reactions had improved from when he saw him before the MRI scan so I'm hoping I've done the right thing, he seems a lot perkier today than yesterday, we have been playing with his ball and playing chase round the garden, a lot better than yesterday when he was just moping round the house. Just got to keep his spirits up I suppose (core anybody would think I was talking about a person:rotfl:)

Anyway must go and do some housework I suppose (or visit Old Style Board and sit on there for a few hours reading about how I should be doing my housework). Hope to get an encouraging update soon.

Paradigm

I would say that given the current state of his general health that you made the right choice, if the vets pleased with him then that would be good enough for me

It's only when the steroids start having a negative effect that the choices have to be made but who can say how long that will be?

For the moment it's working so enjoy every minute with him.

Paradigm

Quick update.

I spoke to the vet yesterday & he's got some news but decided not to tell me over the phone.

We have an appt tomorrow to discuss things!

To be fair she isn't very well today & I'm thinking tomorrow is d-day.

Pretty much gutted!

foreign_correspondent

oh no Paridigm.. there is not much I can say except I am really sorry to hear your news, and whatever decisions have to be made, I know you will make them based on your love and kindness for your girl.

Paradigm

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

oh no Paridigm.. there is not much I can say except I am really sorry to hear your news, and whatever decisions have to be made, I know you will make them based on your love and kindness for your girl.

I've already made the decision (depending on the vets advice), it's the least she deserves.

Of course the vet could have good news & I might be being a little over dramatic........ we'll see.

Funny thing is I thought I was prepared but I'm not, not by a long way.

The other thing is my son has virtually grown up with her & he'll be at school, what do I tell him? He knows she's ill but doesn't know how serious it could be.

I don't want him to miss saying his goodbyes but then I don't want to upset him & then find the vet has actually got good news... it's just pants!

orlao

So sorry to hear this but depending on the news - fingers crossed for you btw - could you and your wife go to the vets with or without the dog and if's it as you fear, make an appointment for the vet to come to your home? Just a thought.......

foreign_correspondent

Paradigm wrote: »

I've already made the decision (depending on the vets advice), it's the least she deserves.

Of course the vet could have good news & I might be being a little over dramatic........ we'll see.

Funny thing is I thought I was prepared but I'm not, not by a long way.

The other thing is my son has virtually grown up with her & he'll be at school, what do I tell him? He knows she's ill but doesn't know how serious it could be.

I don't want him to miss saying his goodbyes but then I don't want to upset him & then find the vet has actually got good news... it's just pants!

I think, having worked with bereaved young people around in the past, (and losing a dog is a bereavement) it may be wise not to rush into anything - even if (worse case scenario) she has a very aggressive type of cancer it may be likely that there will be options for medication that may give you a little more time together - if you can, let your lad say his goodbyes once you know what the prognosis is...

I dont know how old your son is, but she will have been around for a big proportion of his life and it will be easier for him is he has a little time to say goodbye, give her a few (normally out of bounds) treats (chocolate!?), and a good old cuddle... maybe, even if letting her go is the only option, and even if it has to be soon, you could set the date for later in the week, either at home or at the vets.

Of course, that may not be possible, (I dont know how she is at the moment) in which case, if you think she may be going tomorrow, I think it may be wise to warn your lad that you think this may be the case, and let him prepare himself for the idea that letting her go may be the kindest thing. Of course, it may be an upset for nothing, but that's probably easier to bear than the feeling of never having said goodbye...