Pyrometra

Frugalista

Unfortunately it is a very serious operation - especially in a dog of 16 years old . Is she in good health otherwise? What has your vet advised?

Ultimately the only person you should be listening to is your vet - especially as time is of the essence in these situations.

http://pet-diseases.suite101.com/article.cfm/pyometra_in_dogs_and_cats

Good luck with your girl .

Leedash

all she said is she would be at high risk to have op,so time and money would be wasted,she did say about putting her to sleep,but im still working out what would be best for her,i would like for her to have the option of op,but would it result in the same outcome as she would be without it as advised by vet.She has had a good life lots of love and attention,so making her in pain later on in her life maybe would not be fair,i love her, in tears and will miss her lots,i wish there was more help out there for people who have low income etc wonder how many animals have died due to lack of the dreaded pound note.Very sad lee.

KVet

Have you tried the PDSA?

Very risky op even in younger dogs. Other option is no surgery but using hormonal drugs and antibiotics to help open up the uterus and expel the purulent material (doesn't always work)

Leedash

I was not told about this ? tell me more

foreign_correspondent

so sorry to hear about your dog... is she home with you, or still at the vets? I think I would let her go rather than let her suffer - she has had a good life, but it must be very very hard for you.

Lee, if it was my dog, I would feed her treats, give her lots of love, and let her end her life in as comfortable a state as possible - even if you could afford the op, it is high risk in an oldie and she may well die soon after.

Fire_Fox

LEEDASH wrote: »

I was not told about this ? tell me more

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/

Leedash

thanks for all your comments,she is at home sleeping and pottering about,please if any more comments do not hesitate to post.thank you all

thorsoak

Oh dear - not good. See here :- http://www.downlandvets.co.uk/Pages/Clinical/Pages/Pyometra.html

Sending you {{hugs}}

ANGLICANPAT

Leedash. This is not advice either way, merely my thoughts. Ive assisted in veterinary practice recovery rooms , and I always thought how upsetting it was to see really elderly dogs,many half blind and deaf, struggling to come to terms with the major surgery or chemo they had had. They are frightened by the atmosphere, by the administration of anaesthetic, theyre inevitably in great discomfort from the cutting/stitching, theyre sick/shaky from anaesthesia after effects, disorientated by being in a strange metal recovery cage, and most of all distressed because their beloved owners arent around to comfort them. They will also hear around them, the upsetting sounds from other post op animals. The worst thing, animals think in the 'now' so a dog doesnt know this situation is not going to last for ever ! Busy practice nurses are kind, but theres no time for much personal ongoing reassurance and comforting. They may only be there for a day or two before coming home (where they will still have to go through recovery pain) but if there are complications , they may be unfortunate and stay there for many days .
All this to me seems justified if an animal could be expected to enjoy a couple more years of good quality life. If the animal already has other problems, eg like arthritis, or more good years arent really a realistic outcome because of advancing age, then I personally wouldnt want to gamble and subject my dog to a lot of downside stuff, just because I hoped she could beat what seem very poor odds.
Can you risk letting her go through all this , and have it go wrong and not spend her last days with you?
Can you risk getting her initially over this op and then get caught out in a few weeks/months when maybe she has a set back or a new painful condition and you cant find a vet in the middle of the night and she suffers till you do ?- (because she will fail from something in the not too distant future, by virtue of her age-only the lucky few animals die in their sleep)
I would reason that the one gift we can give to animals, which we cant even give to our loved relatives , is a well timed dignified painfree exit from this world. At the moment , you are in a position to do this for your dog. She has had 16 wonderful years. I believe the strongest love is the love that can let go. You have a hard decision to make Only you can weigh up these pros and cons because you know your animals particular circumstances.
My heart goes out to anyone in your position , so take a hug from all the animal lovers on here , and do whatevers right for you and your pet.

Quinny_2

What a beautiful and well thought out post AP.

We were lucky in that Stella made a complete recovery last year from Pyometra. In fact I think FC was one of the first to ask about her after her op. But the difference here is Stella is 2 next month, and I'm sure that her age went in her favour at the time, plus the fact we have a superb vet who has looked after all of our animals over the years.

At 16 you have a bloody hard choice to make, and I for one do not envy you. Whatever you decide, you can live with the knowledge that you have given you dog such a wonderful life, and that if the world was full of similar people, then there wouldn't be as many animals suffering.

Please do let us know what you decide.