Well today we took the dogs to the vet. My 10 yr old dog is the one who had mouth surgery last July and we had never found out the results. We were right, it was cancer ....Its really not a shock to me as Ive been doing alot of research online about it. We didnt see my normal vet, but another one. We explained we wernt going to do any cancer treatment. I told her I read that even if you did treatment it only prolonged thier life up to a year. She said that was absolutely true.
She said how remarkably well my dog was doing. She said the only she suggested was removing mass as its in the back by her back teeth and is effecting her biting, like chewing on the side of her mouth. She said we could just have it removed, not send it away, not get any extra bloodwork done,just enough to keep her comfortable. She said her senior bloodwork was great no other problems. She talked to us about her own dog who had the exact same problem and eventually put her to sleep. She said "you just know" when its time for them, they will let you know. I told her I could relate to that, as thats what happened to my old dog who we put to sleep about 6 yrs. ago, she was 12 1/2 at the time.Although Ididnt want to do anymore surgery, but when she explained how it was just to remove it so she wasnt chewing on her own skin, made sense. I told the dr I didnt want any heroic measures done to save her life when the time comes, but since her quality of life right now is good I want to do this...She has to leave the notes for our regular vet to look over, then we will schedule something. I made sure to let her know, I do not want her teeth cleaned again thats 209$ in itself, and no extra tests...So although Im very sad , I do no its just not her time to go yet...When I see that happiness gone from her face I will know. Ive had dogs all my life, and I know when its time to let go..

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 01:25 pm:

{{{Jackie}}}

By Bea on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 01:27 pm:

I'm so sorry Jackie. I know you'll make her remaining days good.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 03:52 pm:

Jackie, I am so sorry. But, the vet gave you honest and good information and advice. I think the surgery is a good idea as it will improve her quality of life, and I agree with you about not spending money on the teeth cleaning.

This is such a difficult thing to think about and to have to do, but you are taking steps to keep her comfortable for as long as possible and, having been there, yes, you will know when it's time. Just enjoy the time you have and, as you can, gently prepare your children.

By Sunny on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 04:32 pm:

I'm sorry.

By Rayanne on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 04:54 pm:

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}
I'm so sorry sweetie.

By Jelygu on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 06:00 pm:

I'm sorry that your dog is sick
I agree that the surgery is a good idea. Anything to make her happy with she is still with you.

By Heaventree on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 06:48 pm:

I'm sorry Jackie ((((HUGS))).

By Vicki on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 06:51 pm:

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. I was really hopeful that sine the vet didn't call you last time, the news would be better. I agree that you are doing the right thing. Enjoy the time that you have left with her and take lots of pictures. You will have very happy memories!

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 08:00 pm:

I'm sorry about your dog. It is hard when they reach the end of their life. Honey definitely had lost that "happy" look when we made the decision to put her to sleep. Of course, she wasn't eating, so she was losing weight, so she was getting pretty bony when you petted her.