Lucky

Now Lucky is experiencing symptoms which could be related to a tumor on the brain. The vet has suggested let his current meds run the course and then we will reevaluate. We can do a cat scan at NC State but surgery would be not be an option. The good thing is he does not appear to have any pain yet.

One day at a time.

Just a little personal note with personal experience with our own dogs.

The first was about 1992, before ultrasound was available. Our 10 yr old Golden had an abdominal mass I felt then confirmed on X-ray. I did an exploratory and removed a large liver tumor, benign. But, she had Addison's and that complicates recovery and resistance to infection. She recovered but died three months later from an overwhelming infection. This was before many of the amazing antibiotics that are now available.

The second was just a few years ago. Some of you met Kaiya at an Old Fella rally in Ohio. She developed confusing symptoms while we were on this trip. When we got home, we found an abdominal tumor and ultrasound showed spleen and liver involved. Her spleen had ruptured. I did a surgery and removed the spleen, but she didn't recover from the surgery.

Probably not the best stories to share because neither turned out well. I've also had dozens that did turn out well.

I just wanted to share and let you know we understand what you are going through from both professional and personal perspectives.

We wish Lucky the best! All our pets have been family members, too.

Slightly off topic, but: We did something for our current little girl dog person we have never done. Shortly after getting her from a breeder we purchased automatic renewal medical insurance for her just in case we ever have to "spend whatever it takes" to help keep her around in the family well into our old age. :)

I am hoping for the very best outcome.

Thank you Doug. I do appreciate it. That is what we are planning to do with the ultra sound. Once they can pinpoint the exact location they think they can insert a small needle to extract what is needed for a biopsy. If it is benign and located where it can be completely removed we will do it. If not, well we will cross that bridge when necessary.

Wishing you all the best. It seems more often than not it's not a clear-cut decision. It was a tough call with Jesse last week but it was for the best-per our vet he wasn't going to make it much longer in any case. The more information you can get the better. You will know the right thing to do. Prayers your way.

I've done several and the outcome depends on where the tumor actually is located and the type of tumor. I've often done an exploratory (not really knowing the exact tumor type and location) with the instructions to either euthanize and not let them wake up if terminal or "close them up" to give them what time they have left at home. The best possible outcome (it does happen) is to remove the growth with an uncomplicated recovery.

I wish you the best possible outcome.

Doug, DVM