My little senior (12 years approx.) terrier has a gallbladder mucocele. It was picked up a year ago via routine blood tests. We've been monitoring it via 3 monthly ultrasounds. He had another one today and unfortunately, it has progressed significantly since the last, although he is still happy and presenting healthy.
For those who aren't familiar, it can lead to a rupture which is life threatening. The only solution is to remove the gallbladder but I have done my research and it is a very serious surgery with a low survival rate during the surgery and afterwards. I am not willing to put him through such a traumatic surgery at his age - he can't even handle sedatives well.
My concern is that I don't want him to get to the stage where it ruptures and he is in pain and we find ourselves in an emergency situation, but at the same time, it doesn't feel right to consider the only other option whilst he is a happy dog still enjoying his life.
What/where is the 'middle ground'? Has anyone been in a similar position?
I need a handhold. Feeling very sad and confused.