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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Hold my hand

9 replies

smine1 · 06/09/2022 20:27

Feeling all over the place right now , I took my Buddy to the vets last week as he was limping, after a hug I felt a lump a bit smaller than a tennis ball in his armpit area. The vet took a needle biopsy and called tonight to say the cells taken are not conclusive. They want to put him out to do a biopsy, she said she suspects cancer. He's now on gabapentin which I haven't seen any great improvement. He's eating and drinking but less welcoming when I come in and sleeping more. I ask the options if it is cancer , obviously she won't know what it is until the biopsy, but said treatment options can be chemo , he's ten , he's a large cockapoo. I know it sounds daft but I worked many years in a hospice and I have seen first hand the quality of life people have had for the same outcome with no quality. I don't feel I can put him through that given his age. The other option is steroids.. but this will only be short term until ...
he has had the best life , he is so loved by many and has given so much love in return. The vet said where the lump is they won't be able to totally remove it .. my head is all over the place , just wanted to get this out my head x

OP posts:
Ivedonethisthreetimesalready · 06/09/2022 20:34

Im sorry and do understand your concern. Been there myself.

However dont rush ahead with your thoughts.

Gabapentin will not reduce the lump but will help with any pain. Your dog is probably sleeping more from the drug which can have a sedating effect on some dogs.

A biopsy is common for any lumps and often does not show cancer.

Older dogs get fatty lumps and under the armpit is a very common location for this. I have had three dogs with fatty lumps in the arm hole.

If and a big if chemo is tolerated in a very different way in dogs than humans but you are a long way off having to make that decision yet.

Flowers for you.

4ornot4 · 06/09/2022 20:36

So sorry to hear this 😔💓

The gaberpentin can have a sedative effect and so that could explain why he seems a bit vague. The fact he’s eating and drinking is a positive.

how old is he?

sending big hugs x

Buildingthefuture · 06/09/2022 20:37

Hand hold from me. It’s shit, they are family. We are going through similar at the minute….my vet was certain one of my much loved little dogs had cancer. A mad dash to a very well know vet and the oncologists there are by no means as certain! We had a CT scan, teeth out and biopsies and are waiting for the results….he was cautiously optimistic, but until we get the results, we won’t know. And like you, I’m very reluctant to enter into massively invasive cancer treatment. But, time will tell. Do the biopsy, then decide. Sending lots of unmumsnetty hugs xx

smine1 · 06/09/2022 21:12

Thank you all , he's ten in answer to one post. I will try and remain positive but wow that just hit me tonight. He has been my best mate and it's so hard, currently wrapped up in his bed with a big sloppy kiss from his mum. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 x

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smine1 · 21/09/2022 22:28

Just a little update, he had his op yesterday, he's not great but hoping another day of recovery he will pick up. They have sent the mass for testing and we spoke about palliative care. So for now it's lots of cuddles and see what's what. I won't put him through anymore ops it's not fair , hoping now the biggest part has been removed his mobility will give him some quality of life x

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TwinkleChristmas · 21/09/2022 23:16

I hope you get as much time as possible with him💞

SheldonesqueIsUnderwhelmed · 21/09/2022 23:22

Me too. Time is so very precious. 💜

Cluelessneedinghelp · 22/09/2022 05:04

It’s a horrible experience and I hope you are getting some sleep, OP.

Thinking of you today and hope that he perks up. With you as his mum he knows he’s loved 💙

smine1 · 22/09/2022 08:19

Thank you all, he had a better night, he's still not eating , so that will be 48hrs today with nothing , I've tried chicken, white fish , warmed his normal food , even peanut butter to lick but nothing , he will stand if I support him to and will walk to the garden and back to his bed, he's had a big wee. He just looks so out of it but I'd expect that from the tramadol , I'm going to call the vet and see what they suggest. X

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