Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Any vets around? Massive ethical issues

170 replies

NewYoiker · 27/03/2019 21:19

Our 4 month old puppy was attacked last week and today as a follow up they checked over her mouth and found a lump that wasn't there last week, it's 'of the bone', not soft tissue about the size of a pea. The vet wants X-rays but he isn't happy.

It's definitely bony but the vet suggested putting her to sleep or refer her to a hospital or Fitzpatricks for removal of her jaw bone and inserting a metal plate or just removing the jaw.

Is there any way it isn't cancer?

X rays on Friday and I'm so worried

OP posts:
Original poster
NewYoiker · 27/03/2019 21:20

Oops - my ethical issue is; so I put a 4.5 month old dog down or put her through huge surgery?

OP posts:
BrokenWing · 27/03/2019 21:26

I would wait until I got the xrays then if needed a referral appointment with the surgeon to find out how invasive the treatment will be and how long/difficult the recovery, success rates, and costs before making a decision. Insurance will cover the initial xrays, consultations etc.

SmallFastPenguin · 27/03/2019 21:28

Sorry to read this. I'm not a vet but just watching Supervet as I read this. If she were mine and I had the finance I would definitely go to Fitzpatricks. They are experts on this type of thing both cancer and replacing joints, and would be able to tell you your options.
Also I believe Border Terriers are Noel's favourite breed so he would be sure to love your adorable puppy.

FourteenCows · 27/03/2019 21:35

Fitzpatricks is fastastic, my dog had to have a surgery there (covered under insurance). If you can it’s worth a shot.

Whereareyouspot · 27/03/2019 21:36

Wait until you have all the information

Your dog is beautiful btw

furtivefeline · 27/03/2019 21:36

Cancer is very rare in young animals. The lump could be trauma from the dog attack. It’s not possible for the vet to know the lump is bone if x-rays haven’t been taken yet. Puppy needs a biopsy to get a diagnosis and plan treatment.

LaurieFairyCake · 27/03/2019 21:40

I can't even imagine how unlikely it is that it is cancer Confused

I would NEVER put down for this. Tests and a wait and see for me. Tiny lump might be nothing.

Sooverthemill · 27/03/2019 21:41

Wait for the results and take the advice of your vet as to what your options are. If you are insured then you may have more than you think now. Quality of life is what you need to ask about. I'm sorry, I hope it isn't so dreadful as you fear

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 27/03/2019 21:43

I agree with BrokenWing, I would wait until you have the x ray results and I wouldn't make a decision until I had been for the referral.

Fingers crossed you get good news

Highlandcathedral · 27/03/2019 21:45

I’m a vet. Cancer at this age is very very rare. Not impossible but very rare. I’d suggest getting vet to send X-rays to a specialist for their opinion. And ask them if they have ruled out craniomandibular osteopathy (most common on westies but can occur in other breeds, appears often at this age) or previous injury. Definitely don’t rush into anything like put to sleep without confirmation of what is going on. And btw, gorgeous pup, I’m a border terrorist owner too. Good luck, keep us updated!

Takethebuscuitandthesink · 27/03/2019 21:47

Ethically speaking my gut reaction would be to go for the surgery option.

Tinkobell · 27/03/2019 21:47

Absolutely get a second opinion before you decide to euthanase - such a big decision. You need to be totally confident of the diagnosis. Can she feed a bit?

springbreak3 · 27/03/2019 21:48

What a sweet, cute, fluffy piece of gorgeousness. Smile

Can't offer any proper advice, and an actual vet has advised above me.. ^ So I really hope it all works out well. Flowers

mcmooberry · 27/03/2019 21:48

Lump far more likely to be inflammation/reaction from the bite wounds. I might even adopt a wait and see approach especially if it isn't painful and any infection is ruled out. Highly unlikely to be cancer and if she is eating normally all this talk of removing jaw bones and putting to sleep sounds well and truly premature!! Good luck and try not to worry.

Shouldhavebeenkat · 27/03/2019 21:50

We had a 3 year old poodle with a lump on his jaw 30 years ago, we were given exactly this dilemma. It was a case of I can TRY something or we pts there and then after diagnosis confirmed because it was too fast moving and awful for quality of life.

My parents opted to try the experimental op. His jaw was essentially removed and wired in, op cost 2 grand then! He lived to the amazing old age of 15.

I would (if I could afford it in any way) give the chance

Tinkobell · 27/03/2019 21:50

Can you syringe water into the mouth to maintain hydration? If not, I'd get the pup on a drip whilst you seek a second opinion. I'm sure Fitzpatrik would be a good route to head.

Villanellesproudmum · 27/03/2019 21:52

Could it be panniciltus, this can be caused by trauma to the skin, my dog suffers from this and is only 2.

kingfisherblue33 · 27/03/2019 21:54

Why is your vet rushing to suggest such extreme measures?? Have x-rats and wait to see what they show!

Is your dog eating ok? In any pain?

IHateUncleJamie · 27/03/2019 21:55

Not a vet but a longtime dog owner and tbh I’m shocked that your vet has suggested euthanasia for a (otherwise healthy?) pup before puppy has even had x rays. 😳 It could be any number of things.

Do you trust the vet? Have you been with the practice long (with previous dogs)?

puppy23 · 27/03/2019 21:56

Oh she's gorgeous, praying it turns out to be nothing sinister

IHateUncleJamie · 27/03/2019 21:56

Do you have pet insurance, by the way?

NotSureThisIsWhatIWant · 27/03/2019 21:59

Not a vet here, but another vote for wait and see. It is such a young dog to put to sleep, the main question however is, is it insured? No point of going through all the suffering of you are not able to complete the treatment Sad

Villanellesproudmum · 27/03/2019 21:59

panniculitis is the spelling.

Original poster
NewYoiker · 27/03/2019 22:00

She's eating fine weirdly, honestly if you hadn't felt it you wouldn't know it's there. I was already pretty pissed off at their care. I'm livid now though that other vets wouldn't rush to put her down. He said she would have no quality of life if we did the surgery and without it she'll die.

He then said he couldn't fit her in for an x ray until Friday but could put her down today. You can feel a lump on jaw but it's not in her mouth it's growing downwards not up at the moment. I'm going to go ahead with the X-ray with this vet as she's already booked in but DH has found somewhere for a second opinion already.

Ive never had a dog like her she's so full of character

OP posts:
onionchucker · 27/03/2019 22:02

Go to another vet and get a second opinion.
No idea why the vet is suggesting PTS when they haven't done x-rays yet.
It could be to do with the trauma of the attack.
See what a different vet has to say. You need a lot more tests before a decision can be made.
Also how is the puppy - is she eating and drinking?

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.

Swipe left for the next trending thread