I have a lovely old boy who has been with me since he was a baby. He's been getting noticeably frail over the past 12 months but has still been very active and very inquisitive. He's loved his food.
The last few days he has become very withdrawn and is now quite clearly unwell. I've experienced this in pets previously as I have had lovely old boys like him before for years, probably the best part of 25 years, and so I've tried my best to help him with the symptoms. He perks up, but then becomes unwell again within hours. I can't bear to see him suffer like this.
I'm going to take him to the vet but about two years ago he developed a lump on his belly, which has grown quite large. It has never bothered him in the slightest, but an acquaintance who is a vet had a look at it via video cam as hes abroad and said its most likely a fatty lump, and is harmless unless it affects quality of life.
When I go to the vets later, they're going to think I'm neglectful regarding the lump aren't they? It would break my heart to have my boy taken off me.
Also, if they want to keep him in overnight, am I OK to say no, and that I will bring him back in the morning? I know what he's like and he will want cuddles and just to be in familiar surroundings with his family. Being overnight somewhere strange will distress him more.