14yr old dog with cancer

Millie2008_2

:cuddle: OP, you must be heartbroken. I'm afraid I am another who wouldn't put an older dog through invasive treatment, but would look more towards palliative care.

I had my beloved GSD PTS a couple of months ago, because she was diagnosed with a tumour on her spleen. The vet offered the option of surgery to give her another few months maybe, but, much as it tore my heart out, I said no. Because at that point, it would have been for me, not her.

I am so sorry that you are going through this, it's the hardest part of pet ownership xx

jackomdj

I agree with Millie that at this age surgery would be for you.

Two years ago we had our old boy PTS, he had cancer on his face. We chose not to have any surgery done and enjoyed our time together until the day came when we knew it was time as his face had dropped overnight on the side with the growth and his eyes told us he was ready to go.

Thinking of you at this difficult time.

pawsies

My 14 year old dog is going for surgery on thursday to remove a growth off his paw that he has been chewing. We've been quoted £700 aswell but he's not ill otherwise. He had surgery last November due to an accident and was absolutely fine throughout it. I'm not worrying about him too much but I know he's a fighter.

He's had various health issues over the past two years and I've been that close to euthanising him but he always bounces back somehow.

He has dementia, is blind and deaf and I lost him a long time ago in my mind- I hate seeing him in the state he is in but unfortunately my family disagree so he goes for treatment.

It's horrible living with a dog that walks into things and my memories of him now are of him deteriorating, not the happy dog he was at a younger age

notechno

Thank you all so much for your touching and thought-provoking replies. My gut feeling as it stands is that I won't be putting her through the surgery. The lump is quite large, but it doesn't appear to be bothering her at all. She does occasionally have a little lick at it, but it doesn't seem to be hurting her. She still seems as healthy as she ever did, ok the past 18months or so she's finding it harder to jump up on the couch, and she's certainly going deaf, but I'm pretty sure these are just normal aging issues. She's still greedy! She still loves going out for walks. And still cheekily gobbles the cats' food if she thinks nobody's looking! I don't want to put her through the surgery if it's not really going to make much difference to her prognosis, yet stops her being the lovely, happy dog she is at the moment

The other sticking point here is that my daughter (grown-up and lives with her partner) really wants us to go ahead and has said she'll contribute financially, but I'm hoping she'll come to see that not going ahead is kinder for Jess.

Thanks again, I really feel for what you've all already been through xxx It's tough isn't it, but our pets can't decide and they rely on us to do what is in their best interests

zaksmum

Sounds like she's still got quality of life then. If she's happy just keep a sharp eye on things for now.

esmy

Just wanted to post a more positive story.

Our X breed, approx 13 years old (no ones sure!) had a cancer on his chin. This grew to the size of a tennis ball and became very smelly and unpleasant. After months of steroid treatment one of our vets suggested attempting to remove the tumour, with no guarantees it wouldn't return.

We decided to go ahead and 3 months ago he had the op. He was immediately happier and we were delighted. However it has started to return, disappointing but not unexpected. The vet believes that the cancer has probably spread elsewhere. We have decided we won't put him through further surgery.

2 weeks ago his face swelled up overnight - vet advised if it hadn't gone down within 24 hours we would have to think about PTS. So, all prepared for this the next day we took him to his favourite place for swimming and chasing ducks on what we thought would be his last day. Watching him run about happily and in no pain or distress we decided against PTS and have spent the last couple of weeks making sure he has a great time.

The swelling did go down, he is still in no pain, is happy and eating and drinking well. I'm so glad we didn't have him PTS because I think the last few weeks have been possibly the best he has had since being a young dog and we have really enjoyed the time with him. As soon as he shows any sign of distress or pain we won't hesitate, but in the meantime we hope whatever time he has left will be as good as the last couple of weeks have been.

Stephb1986_2

We've had our labrador for 13 years now she had cancer a few years ago which she was young enough for it to be removed and she made a recovery. She is now an old lady but has 3 lumps on her chest area external ones that you can feel and see, she doesn't seem bothered by them and we've made the decision not to put her through surgery again and she should enjoy the rest of the time she has with us for the last 2 years we've thought she wouldn't make next christmas but she has.

She spends most of her days sleeping and watching telly with us, she's in no pain and isn't in distress. When the time comes she will let us know.

Only you know what is best for your dog.

Steph xx