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Original poster

Poorly dog

61 replies

Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 11:50

Hi I was just looking for some advice, if possible please don't be too unkind. I have a 13 year old bitch, whom I adore. I noticed just over a week ago a couple of blood spots on my sofa, I only noticed as my sofa is light. I presumed she had just had a nasty poo and didn't think anything else of it till I noticed again on Friday the same thing. So I gave her a wipe and had a bit of fresh blood, tehn Saturday I saw it again and tried to wipe it but it didn't go away. My husband left me about 7 months ago and I'm now on benefits so I rang the PDSA and they said it's not life or death so we won't see her. So I rang our usual vet who was out of hours. So an expensive bill and some pain relief and diagnosis of a prolapse. Due to her age they said they would need to take bloods if she was going to be on medication for any length of time. That alone is £230. They would normally stitch it back in which obvs means surgery which I'm not sure when she's 13 years old. After a really, really awful 7 months or so in which my husband decided the grass was greener I'm left with very little money, I payed a lot out on Saturday and I have to take her back today in an hour and I've only enough for the consultation fee. My son and myself have had a really crap time, I'm not sure how much more I can take. Does anyone know if this prolapse is something I can handle at home or am I hoping for too much. Please be kind, already in floods of tears and I'm not at the vets yet. My appointment is 12.30, I guess I'm just hoping for a little miracle xx

OP posts:
Lemonbell · 09/05/2023 13:13

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This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 13:58

Hi, a little update. Today at the vets I was told it's more like a cyst and she can feel like a stalk on it that's obvs leading to something else. She said she would give her a .chance but it may lead to something that isn't good. I still don't have any clearance in my mind as to what I should do. it's not sticking out all the time and the dog seems ok in herself, do I put her through an op? I feel like maybe i'm not making the best decisions at the moment. My husband leaving has been so hard, 21 years is a long time. This beautiful girl is my world xx

OP posts:
userxx · 09/05/2023 14:02

It's so hard knowing what to do for the best. Has the vet suggested an op or to see how she gets on?

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Dogs
Original poster
Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 15:14

Thank you lemonbell, love her so very much.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 15:21

Hi Userxx the vet today said they could do surgery and she said she wouldn't give up on her. I'm trying not to think badly of vets but at 13 years old is it going to work out well for my girl. I don't want to make the wrong choice, I'm not doing so well at the moment and my son and my dog are my whole world xx

OP posts:
Thekormachameleon · 09/05/2023 15:28

Honestly, taming your circumstances and finances out of the equation, I wouldn't put a 13yo dog through invasive surgery

Elle200 · 09/05/2023 15:34

I couldn't put her through surgery at her age, I'd take her home provided she's not in pain and have a few days saying goodbye.

I had to put our little one to sleep on Friday afternoon. It was very peaceful, she was sedated before the final injection and just drifted off painlessly.

Sending 🤗

WeaselKingHenry · 09/05/2023 15:52

I think at 13 and with possible cancer and major surgery ahead, I would sadly let her go, unless you have foot pet insurance.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 16:22

Thanks for your help, I've never owned a dog before this one, I know 13 is obviously old. I suppose I just wanted to give her a chance xx

OP posts:
DhanyaFrancis · 10/05/2023 10:30

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DhanyaFrancis · 10/05/2023 10:30

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Mrsjayy · 10/05/2023 10:36

I wouldn't put a 13 year old dog through surgery I honestly would consider pts if there was no alternative non invasive treatment.

Toomanylatenightprogs · 10/05/2023 10:47

You could try the PDSA again or Blue Cross for a second opinion.
Fwiw a vet told me she thought my dog had cancer in her mouth when she did dentistry on her, very gloom and doom and turned out to be utter rubbish. No cancer at all and she lived another 8 - 9 years.

userxx · 10/05/2023 14:11

Mollylegs · 09/05/2023 15:21

Hi Userxx the vet today said they could do surgery and she said she wouldn't give up on her. I'm trying not to think badly of vets but at 13 years old is it going to work out well for my girl. I don't want to make the wrong choice, I'm not doing so well at the moment and my son and my dog are my whole world xx

My dog started with an oral tumour last year, he was 13 at the time. We didn’t put him through any invasive surgery.

We let him go early January this year. Hardest decision ever but right for him.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 14:37

Hi @userxx I have been to the PDSA today and she said it's a polyp and they would remove it. She said she's ok otherwise. She is a bit overweight, I'm still not convinced about surgery. She said it's not urgent and it would be a couple of weeks before they would do it. I know it's not relevant but my husband went off with someone else after 21 years, my dog is my world and I can't bear the thought of losing her, she's been my little rock through it all. I am struggling so much as the vet said she was happy to go ahead with surgery. I was thinking do I trust the PDSA as it's a charity so they wouldn't just be doing the op to make money, am I making sense. She said patterdales can have a long life. The polyp is popping out when she's straining so it is something that is affecting her daily. She is still eating, drinking and playing outside with the cat, she doesn't appear to be uncomfortable or in pain. The only difference is she's wanting to go out more, the vet thinks that it will feel to her like she needs a poo all of the time when it's just the polyp. The vet saying they would do the op and I'm thinking I owe it to the dog to give her a chance to have more time, but in the back of my mind am I really being selfish and wanting her to be here with me when the surgery could possibly be an awful mistake. Sorry for the long post, I'm pretty sick of my life at the moment, I know if she started to be in any kind of pain I would do the right thing for her. Any advice would be welcome x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 14:46

@Elle200Hi I'm really sorry for not replying to you yesterday, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's so awful not knowing the best thing to do. The PDSA said today they would do surgery to get the polyp out. They seem to think it's worth it, but I'm still not sure. They also obviously aren't going to be paid for it so I don't feel like they are just in it for the money. I'm so sorry about your dog sending hugs x

OP posts:
LemonDrizzle10 · 10/05/2023 14:47

If the PDSA are able to do the op and you think your lovely dog is fit enough to have the op I’d go ahead with it.
My elderly dog had a stroke earlier this year and it was obvious it was his time to go.
When you love a dog so very much you know when it’s time for them to go, do what you feel is right.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 14:48

@userxx hi the message above was for you but I must have spelt your name wrong thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 14:57

Hi @Lemonbell thank you for your kindness, she's been to the PDSA today and they said they would operate on her but I'm still unsure xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 15:03

Thank you @Mrsjayy I am just so confused, the PDSA have said they would do it, I believe they are a charity so I would think they would have just flat out said no. I know I have to make the right choice for the dogs sake but 2 out of 3 vets have said they would do it. Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 15:11

Hi @LemonDrizzle10 thank you for your advice. She is still her normal self i'd say for 95% of the time. Love her so much x

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 10/05/2023 15:33

I think Pdsa etc weigh up the pros and cons don't they? So perhaps their ethos is what's best for the animal.

Original poster
Mollylegs · 10/05/2023 15:46

@Mrsjayy Yes I thought that as it's a cost to them they must think it's worth doing, or am I just hearing what I want to hear. Thanks x

OP posts:
Wotrewelookinat · 10/05/2023 16:18

Hello. I’m a vet. It’s ok for a 13 year old dog to have surgery, and if the PDSA are willing to do this then I think you need to trust them. They wouldn’t do it if they felt your dog wasn’t strong enough.

i wonder if this link might help you for the future? There are resources about making decisions about elderly pets.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

Pet bereavement and pet loss

If you are grieving for a pet, or facing loss, our free and confidential Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) is here for you by phone, email or webchat.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 10/05/2023 16:23

If she's well in herself otherwise, I'd do it. It's not too major by the sound of it and you're extremely lucky to have PDSA help. By the way, vets certainly do NOT do ops just to make money, as you suggest. I find that a disgusting attitude. Many vets are extremely busy as it is, recruiting vets is currently a massive problem. They have absolutely no need or desire to create extra work. They actually do have your pet's best interests at heart. Ex vet nurse here. I hope everything goes well for your girl.