Ms Lulu"s surgery option????
Advice needed I have a 10y/o foster gal that has had a second opinion on some masses. First vet didn't really say much but, they should be removed (our regualr vet) I went for a second opinion and they said her mass near her rectum may be attached to her spinchter muscle..so, they may not remove the whole mass (would cause her incontinence) The one on her side they are not comfortable with as far as not being cancerous... What do you do? She is a very happy old lady and loves life so----do we operate or not?? I am up in the air.... I would probably not if it were my own but, I would love input! Thanks Kathy |
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| That's a tough one, I would worry about a 10 y/o not surviving the anesthesia. Is she healthy otherwise or in any kind of pain? If cancer is the worry maybe she could be put on a cancer diet and given pain meds. |
| my 10y/o dolly hAD A mass in her tummy i decied to do the surgery yes it came back as pos. cancer told me she had a week to live 10 months later she is still lovin life, i am glad i did the surgery any added days has helped me.. good luck it is a hard thing to choose what is best. |
| Hi Donners Mom,
Oh that's a toughie and I don't have any answers for you either. Just wanted to offer my support and know you're in my thoughts. While it's true that 10 is a tough age to have surgery, I'd weigh the facts with the vet again perhapsm as age isn't the only factor. Ole Blue had surgery a few months ago to remove an absess tooth and was able to withstand the anesthetic but was checked previous to the surgery. Others that are younger may have problems as it all depends on the individual dog. Things like overall health and of course the type of surgery they are having and the recovery period. I wish you well whatever you decide to do. Sending belly rubs to the ole girl. Marianne |
| I always think "where there is life there is hope"
I would have the surgery if everything else has been discounted (like meds). If it is funds needed, maybe everyone here would donate? I would. pls keep us posted. |
| At nearly 12 years old, my beloved Merlin had a malignant tumor removed from his leg. It recurred and was removed again. He had a couple of good years after that before dying of non-cancer related reasons just shy of his 14th birthday.
My vet does screening before any surgery or dental procedure (including cleanings) on any dog over 7 yrs, to ensure that the dog is healthy enough to undergo anethesia. That would not be my big concern if your vet would do the screenings.. Incontinence would be a big issue, as well as what you might (or might not) achieve for your girl. Would she get more good years? This is a tough judgement call. If she is not in pain, and is getting around well, are the tumors likely to be life threatening or cause her pain or disability? Can they do a needle biopsy to sample the cells to see if there are abnormal cells that might cause other issues? What is the best outcome that surgery could achieve? I hope you get good news. |
Kathy can they not biopsy that mass they suspect as being cancer first? Perhaps then it would help you make the decision.  |
| Poor Lulu... is it possible to do a quick aspirate of the lumps in the office? It can sometimes be a shot in the dark but it might give you some idea what you're dealing with.
Maggie is SO lumpy... every time I find a new one we do another aspiration but she's got so many it's hard to keep track now. We've had several removed too. She's a 10 year old Border Collie mix and her last surgery was last year while she was under for teeth cleaning. But I know Lulu is a rescue sheepie... 
Quote: If it is funds needed, maybe everyone here would donate?
I would. pls keep us posted. You can count me in for a donation too. |
| Savannah had major surgery at 11 (had her spleen removed) I agree with a biopsy to tell you what is going on. This is a difficult decision because of the location . I too would send a donation to help. |
| Thanks for the advice and offers to help.
I have been out of town so, I have not fully discussed it with the vet(Marty took her in) I read about the aspirate and thought "Why didn't I think of that??"(not to mention the vet) The vet did mention it but, he didn't think there was a need to do it (remember I am third party on the conversation so, I will know more when I call) I forgot to mention that he said the one on her side he is afraid is further attached possibly to her lung.... As, I said earlier and it may have sounded odd, I am not sure I would do it to my own. If they have to remove some of her lung how will that effect her? I f she cant control her bowels....that can really stress some dogs!(it doesn't stress me to pick it up as we have another with that problem!) I guess we will decide soon what the best answer is (if there is one) Thanks again to all for your support Kathy and the sweet Southern Belle Lulu |
| I am still not decided on what to do with Ms Lulu
I think we are going to take her back in for another evaluation and an aspirate of the mass The vet has been awesome... He said he would remove the one on her side but, not the one on her resctum. Her bloodwork looks great but, I am not sure if it needs to be removed It is on her right side near her front leg and I am afraid the "friction" of movement may cause some problems (vet did agree) Lulu is 10 y/o and happy.... Should I put her through that?? When Lulu came here she was an escape artist....now she wants nothing more than to lay on her bed! Picking her up she was living in the garage on concrete with nothing more than an empty bag of Dog Chow to sleep on! We adore her and only want what is best for her... Thoughts??? I am not sure what to do Thanks Kathy |
I am confused (as usual  ), do you know for sure that the masses are cancerous?
My husband has been battling thyroid cancer for 18 months now. He has had so many surgeries & radiation treatments in the 100's. He is so often ill or hospitalized that, I am wondering lately if he would have been better letting nature take it's course. But he had to try, yes? Tough decision with LuLu. I don't know if this helps at all. I sometimes make a list w/ pros & cons when I can' decide. Positive thoughts coming your way. |
| Thanks Sue....I am pretty confused as well
He does not know that they are cancerous he just is "concerned" with the one since it does not feel like a "fatty mass" I am going over the pros and cons in my mind but, it would be a good idea to jot them down! Let me know if YOU need anything, I am sure that is exhausting for you and your husband as well. I will be thinking of you all |
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