Dogs dont deserve to be unwell.

[Cantbefucked]

Hi,

I dont post alot on here but I wanted to because has anybody been through this situation?

I took my dog (fawn pug) for a dental and FNA as she had some lumps (small and told not to be concerned when pointed them out a year ago). They got bigger though.

She got the dental 2 weeks ago and 3 lumps FNA'd - she came through the dental like a little champ but unfortunately she went downhill for a week and wouldn't eat / vomiting / looking extremely sad!

A week later got the punch in the guts that the lumps are MCTs (mast cell tumors) and 2 of them are high grade. They said this would explain why she took so unwell after the FNA as they released histamine, which would have inflamed her insides! She got a potent steroid and antihistamine injection which brought her back to life in a space of 2 hours and now shes on "palliative" meds.

I chose palliative because she has 8 lumps altogether now (more have quickly appeared) and Im not putting her through all the biopsies / chopping bits out her etc considering 2 are "high grade". Even with ALL the money in the world to try treat it all - Im more of a quality of life than quantity type of person.
I am so sad and terrified. Shes only just turned 8!! She is the most tolerant friendly little dog ever and shes breaking my heart. If you told me around 10 years ago Id be a massive fan of a little pug Id have LAUGHED in your face and said to you "who wants one of those / they arnt real dogs".
This little beaut has got me through severe loss and shown me more love than some people.
My world has been turned upside down and Im worried she wont be here by end of the year. I love her so so much.
Dont even know what I want from this actually... time lines are different for every dog thats went through this! Maybe just a vent??
Dogs dont deserve cancer or anything bad!

I'm sorry for you and your dog. FWIW, I agree with your choice for her treatment. I had a Rottweiler who had bladder cancer, aged 8. We chose conservative treatment for her. She had another comfortable 6 months.
A colleague chose chemo for her small dog who had a similar diagnosis. Her dog became unwilling to get into the car, because of all the vet visits and she too, had another 6 months.
Quality of life, over quantity in action.

I’m so sorry for your diagnosis, I also have pugs which I adore. They are such wonderful creatures. I also would do what you’re doing.

I made a terrible mistake with a cat once and had all the surgery, never again. Palliative care and all the drugs only.

Take care of yourself, no dog deserves cancer.

What a beautiful dog! I am so sorry you are going through this but, for what it’s worth, I believe you have made the correct but painful decision. Sending love 💜

Very sorry to hear about your beloved pug, they are the best of dogs 🤍 I totally agree about palliative treatment only, just because we can treat canine cancers doesn’t mean we should. Keep her as comfortable as possible.

You are very brave, what a lucky dog. I’m so so sorry you’re both going through this xx

You have my sympathy. A while ago one of my dogs had a couple of lumps that had the potential to be MCTs. They turned out not to be, but I had a horrible few days worrying about her. I was massively grateful to the vet who rang as soon as she got the results, and so set my mind at rest as quickly as she could.

I hope you have longer with your little dog than you fear, and that the drugs can keep her comfortable.

Sadly I lost my girl to MCT last year. There’s a lot of support groups on Facebook and with that input I managed to double the life expectancy I was given for my girl upon diagnosis. It is all about reducing histamine - supplementing with antihistamines and omperazole alongside a low stress lifestyle and really healthy diet - I did home cooked food for her. She was healthy and well until a very sharp decline at the end.

You’re putting your DD first here, and are paying the price of a broken heart. I am so sorry. Most on this board know how painful it is.

I would absolutely make the same decision you have (we have the budget for expensive and prolonged interventions, just wouldn’t want it for our angel, and I’ve always drawn the line at chemo).

Thankyou all for your lovely, lovely messages.
I have never had this with a dog, she is my first and means so much. I am stroking her soft fur when she snuggles into me and thinking how much longer do I have to do this? As @Querty123456 said - its a sharp decline I dread.
On one hand Im glad I dont know how long she has left because it would come too soon but on the other Im really scared not knowing?? I dread losing her... its giving me MASSIVE anxiety.
As for healthy food, yes Im trying it all to give her everything I can. Shes losing weight though, regardless, which is scaring me too.
Shes on Pregnisolone, Omeprazole and Antihistamine... Its nice you all understand why I chose palliative. <3

Aw you poor thing :( they are family members. but I also 100% agree you are doing the right thing for your dog here.

As I’ve read your message tears are rolling down my face, my heart breaks for you. We love our dogs, we have 3 now, one passed away in March, she was a 14 year old Labrador. Several years ago one of the other dogs, all Frenchies, was sniffing her ear and wouldn’t leave her alone, constantly flipping it up.

The vets removed a pea sized lump but the Frenchie was still not happy. The results came back as an aggressive mast cell tumour hence her ear being removed. When she came home Wilfie (Frenchie) had one sniff and was satisfied and left her alone, absolutely amazing, clever little bugger.

Dogs have always been a big part of our family life and mean so much. It’s so difficult when they’re poorly, I’m so sorry that you’re going through this with your darling little Pug.

Thankyou @DogAnxiety xx

@Snippit Im sorry you cried reading this. Im glad your little dog is ok and that is amazing the other dog was telling you! Labs are another fave of mines too. Sorry for your loss. Daisey (my pug) has 2 lumps on her ear, 1 on her lip, 2 on her chest, 1 on her shoulder and 2 on her hind leg. Its just not fair. How can these smallish lumps have such impact!?

Id like to upload another photo if mumsnet let's me x

What a sweet doggie. Enjoy precious moments with her, she will be happy in the present and in your presence.

What a beautiful loyal little dog.
I have a black male pug, 9 years.
Love to you and Dailey, such hard decisions but keeping her comfortable and pain free is the least worst option.

So sorry you’re going through this. Yes quality over quantity always. We as pet owners are lucky we have the choice to not let our pets suffer.

I looked after a friends pug once. Like you I didn’t see them as proper dogs by the end of the week I was totally enchanted by the little chap. They are such sweet dogs. As owners our animals are relying on us to make the right decisions for them and you have done this it’s hard for you but it comes from a place of love.

Thankyou all for your messages. Im making this week a priority to do lots of things for her. Her lumps are getting bigger, she has some blood in her poo. Acting completely normal though! (For now but its making me too aware).
Today's pics:

She’s beautiful what a lovely smile. My little boy pug is snoring and dreaming next to me

Aw, give him extra cuddle and pats from me please. What colour is he?

I'm sorry, @Cantbefucked. Animals don't deserve the horrible things that happen to them. I'm sorry you and your girl are going through this.

Thankyou so much. I just want to make her better and know I can't 😌 it hurts x