Our lovely dog is in a critical condition

[PickledMoomin]

After surgery today.

She'd lost her appetite and was excessively thirsty. The vet examined her abdomen and performed an ultrasound and detected an abnormality on Tuesday and we had to take her back today for further investigations.

They found a tumour in her spleen, the size of a grapefruit. She was very lucky that her spleen hasn't hemmoraged. They took her to theatre and removed the tumour and her spleen. The human eye didn't spot any further abnormalities- not sure whether this means there's a chance it isn't malignant.

She's lost a lot of blood and is still sedated and lying on a heat mat. She's 13 and they are worried she will go into shock.

I'm feeling so terribly sad and worried. They said she was very anxious and pale when left, and I'd hate her to think we'd left her there.

The vet said he'd never treated such a lovely natured dog .

Anyone have any experience or know what we can expect next? They'll call overnight if she passes, otherwise we have to call at 10am.

[PickledMoomin]

Thank you all. It's a sad time, but she's had a great 13 years.

[doglover]

I've only just discovered this thread and had to comment. Our old girl has been diagnosed with cancer and we've made the decision to let nature take it's course. As soon as she's in any distress, we'll act, but, for now, she's enjoying her life. She loves her walks, her mealtimes and us. Her end will be peaceful and dignified, surrounded by our love ..................... I'm sure your dog will experience this ultimate act of love, too. Lots of hugs. ((((( )))))

[JustFabulous]

I am so sorry to read your update .

[pinkbraces]

I'm so sorry, I hope u are all able to enjoy the test of her time

[RedwingWinter]

I'm so sorry, Moomin.

[hellymelly]

Oh Moomin that is very sad. I hope you continue to have some good times with her over the next few weeks or months.

[Sarahbeanieslawyer]

Oh so so sorry to read this

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I'm so sorry, Moomin :(

[PickledMoomin]

We found out last night that the cancer has spread. Her teets were very enlarged and I assumed hormonal. Took her for a check up and the squeezed and out came lots of discharge. They said this is a sign of secondaries which weren't there when the operated.
They don't think it's wise to operate after major surgery so recently and expect it'll go to her lungs next. We have to go back in a few weeks, but it's palliative care now.

[PickledMoomin]

She's brighter again today, though still insisting she's fed by hand .
I can't believe how much of a difference a few days has made

[Headiteddie]

So pleased to read the positive news

[Cynner]

I hate fireworks too, so I sympathise..poor little miss. I hope she continues on the mend..

[PickledMoomin]

I do think she's starting to milk it a bit

Appetite is great when she's being fed by hand. My mother made her tuna and rice balls and she's polished them off. There's an occasional wimper, and the little minx can still reach her wound, even with the collar on.

Also started anxiety drugs last night because fireworks push her over the edge.

[MrsClown1]

Great news. Keep us posted. Thinking of you all.

[Happydaze]

Delighted to hear your lovely girl is on the mend, may she have many more happy days weeing in the garden!

[JustFabulous]

Good that she had the desire and energy to go outside.

Hope she continues to improve.

[lucyellenmum]

I don't blame her, tis freeezing today :) Glad she is making good progress :)

[PickledMoomin]

She wanted to sleep in the porch. Seems a little brighter this morning, and went into the garden on her own to go to the toilet but came straight back in. Little steps, I guess

[JustFabulous]

How is she this morning? Did she, and you, sleep?

[Cynner]

Wonderful news! Much healing strength to your lass! Keep us posted..

[ChippingInLovesAutumn]

Yayyyy - welcome home wee girl - get well soon x

[lucyellenmum]

They have removed her whole spleen, which means that they will have taken out ALL the tumour, so even if it is cancerous so long as it hasn't already spread (unlikely, but not impossible of course) then the likelihood of it returning is pretty minimal. It is when they only remove the lumps that there is more risk of regrowth, if i were you i would put it out of your mind, get her well and back to normal. :)

[hellymelly]

So glad she is coming home, brave little doggie.

[PickledMoomin]

She's home. Not springy, but that's expected. She's quite sad, poor thing.

The tumour was cancerous, and there's nothing to say it won't grow back. No chemo required, no anti bs or painkillers. Back to the vet on Monday evening and a dry diet until then. They said not to treat her any differently (as if!!)

You've all been bloody brilliant, thank you!