Bad news about my dog

[nickydwuk]

We have 4 dogs - each with their own personality. Our oldest dog (almost 7) recently went to the vets as he was having tgrouble walking and appeared to have lost some weight. After x-rays (and about £120) he was diagnised with arthritis and we were given some anti-inflammatories for him. He went for a check up last week and we were told to continue the tablets (a further £100) and that the wastage we could see was muscle wastage. By this time Apollo was not eating as much as he had been - we had put it down to the pain from his leg. We were advised to feed him puppy food as this is higher in calories. We started him on it and for a couple of days he managed ok then he slowed down and was only just about managing about 1 tin a day (he is a fully grown Rottweiler!!). Over the next few days he became slow and more lethargic and ate less & less. So we took him to the vet again today who gave him a really good check and found a large growth in his abdomen. He couldn't tell us much more without investigating further but he did say it was quite big. It could possibly be attached to his spleen or stomach. They want to operate so that they can see inside and see where it is attached and if it has spread. Chances are if it is attached to more than one organ or has spread they want our permission to increase the anaesthetic and put him to sleep. If not they may be able to remove it. I thought I was a strong person (being a nurse you have to be) but I was crying like a baby even though we were half expecting it. I now have the job of taking him to the vet on Thursday and maybe being the last one to see him alive. Not sure if I can cope afterwards

[keeweegal]

Oh Nicky, I really feel for you. So far we've been fairly lucky with our two wee monsters. The only ops they've had was when they were dressed & I was beside myself - ringing the vets every few minutes to see if they could tell me how they were.

I guess all you can do is take the vet's advice & make your minds up what is best for him. To look at things practically (which I know won't be easy at the moment), if it had to happen, its probably best you've found out now - could have been a really difficult trip down under for him.

All the best and we'll be waiting to hear how things go on Thursday

[ebianca]

Thats not nice news Nicky. Like Sal said though- best you found out here before putting him thorugh that big move.
I'll be thinking of you on Thursday- whatever is decided i'm sure it will be what is best for him although it's never easy.
Chin up.

[Dawn]

I feel for you Nicky. Having had many furry friends over the years I can empathise with the anxiety and hurt that these situations bring I know you're trying to prepare yourself for the worst but don't give up hope yet. If the worst does comes to the worst you've got to do what's best for the big fella. He's looked after you for the last 7 years and now it's your turn to look after him. He trusts you, remember that if the time comes.

But remember, it aint over till the fat lady sings. Our canine companions are full of surprises

[zummerzet_lou]

Oh Nicky, Just wanted to give you a huge virtual hug. You poor thing.

I shall be keeping everything crossed for you, and just pray that the vet will have some good news for you.

I lost my "baby" about 18months ago, when she was 7. Don't think I've ever cried nor felt so wretched, but I know that I had to do the right thing for her quality of life.

Lou
x

[1happywoman]

I hate hearing that about your Rottie. I know the hardest thing for me here will be leaving our boy, Knuckles. He is 6 years old, and my son's dog, but "mommy's baby". It's worse that leaving a child.

I know how I would feel if something like this happened to Knuckles and I am so sorry you are going through this. Only Rottie owners know what wonderful, sweet, smart dogs they are. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.

[ebianca]

Good luck at the vets Nicky- will be thinking of you- hope they give you some good news.

[keeweegal]

Originally Posted by ebianca

Good luck at the vets Nicky- will be thinking of you- hope they give you some good news.

Ditto from me, Nicky

[zummerzet_lou]

am sat here with everything crossed for you .. really, really hope the vet can give you some good news.

Lou

[nickydwuk]

It was bad news today. The tumour was on his spleen which in turn stopped his blood cell production. There was also kidney involvement and they think that his bone marrow was affected. He had lymphoma which went round his body. If we hadn't taken him to the vet he would have died in about 2 weeks having just wasted away. They deepened the anaesthetic and we will collect his ashes in about 10 days. Then we will scatter them on his favourite walk.

The whole family is devastated and I cry every time someone asks me about him. Part of the grieving process I guess Better it happened now and not just after we arrived in NZ as it would have been awful to have put him through the journey only for this to have happened.

Thanks for your support & kind words.