Dogs

[docellis]

So about a week ago I noticed my dog was drooling. She has never drooled before.
All week it got worse and worse. Someone said they thought she must have a tooth or gum infection and needed antiboitics and her teeth brushed. So I brushed her teeth all week. But nothing looked infected.

This morning I finally brought her to the vet, expecting to get antibiotics and be on my way.

The vet opens her mouth really wide and says "She has a ping pong ball sized tumor on the back of her tongue" and shows it to me.

It is horrific looking.

He says there is nothing that he can do for her, but recommended a specialist, called him at home and told him I would be calling him first thing Monday morning.

I never thought I would be a person who would spend hundreds of dollars on surgery for a 14 year old dog, but I completely collapsed when I saw that tumor.

[Freed Roger]

So about a week ago I noticed my dog was drooling. She has never drooled before.
All week it got worse and worse. Someone said they thought she must have a tooth or gum infection and needed antiboitics and her teeth brushed. So I brushed her teeth all week. But nothing looked infected.

This morning I finally brought her to the vet, expecting to get antibiotics and be on my way.

The vet opens her mouth really wide and says "She has a ping pong ball sized tumor on the back of her tongue" and shows it to me.

It is horrific looking.

He says there is nothing that he can do for her, but recommended a specialist, called him at home and told him I would be calling him first thing Monday morning.

I never thought I would be a person who would spend hundreds of dollars on surgery for a 14 year old dog, but I completely collapsed when I saw that tumor.

Damn it. Sorry to hear that Doc.

After the shock wears off -Get all the info you can from the vet - but let the vet know your philosophy on the extent of procedures you can put an old dog thru -because vets deal with the whole spectrum of pet owners.

Also, dogs have a way of letting you know what to do. She may let you know.

[docellis]

I'd pay everything I have if it meant she would die of something else. Anything else.

But I recognize that as irresponsible.

And you're right. She knows something is wrong. We took her everywhere today. Multiple walks, we took her with us to the new house we bought where we are doing demo work, and I think all the special attention - she knows something is up.

[JoeMcKim]

Not just the money but you don't want to put your dog through all the procedures required to taking care of the tumor. Especially if it meant removing her tongue, which would have to be like torture for a dog. It's sad but sometimes the best thing you can do for them is just let them die peacefully instead of being in agonizing pain for the remainder of their life.

[docellis]

Not just the money but you don't want to put your dog through all the procedures required to taking care of the tumor. Especially if it meant removing her tongue, which would have to be like torture for a dog. It's sad but sometimes the best thing you can do for them is just let them die peacefully instead of being in agonizing pain for the remainder of their life.

The hard part is she seems fine. A little more tired, but if you get a ball out, she is ready to go. She wants to go for walks, she wants to play, she wants treats. She is 14 years old and until a week ago, you'd think she was 3 or 4 years old. Now she just seems her actual age.

[Freed Roger]

Not just the money but you don't want to put your dog through all the procedures required to taking care of the tumor. Especially if it meant removing her tongue, which would have to be like torture for a dog. It's sad but sometimes the best thing you can do for them is just let them die peacefully instead of being in agonizing pain for the remainder of their life.

The hard part is she seems fine. A little more tired, but if you get a ball out, she is ready to go. She wants to go for walks, she wants to play, she wants treats. She is 14 years old and until a week ago, you'd think she was 3 or 4 years old. Now she just seems her actual age.

Uggh heartbreaking.

Yeah, that's completely different than when we went through this years ago. Found out the 12 y/o dog had cancer. I thought we'd be able to get some steroids or whatever to mask the disease for a while, and let her enjoy a last trip to the country or something. But the light went out in her eyes -and no spirit left. Wouldn't eat anything - cheese, hot dog -nothing. We let her hang on a day until my wife returned from a business trip, and then gave in.

If it seems she has aged 10 years in a week though...she may give you your sign soon. Good luck Doc.

[docellis]

Thanks Freed.

I'm going to the surgeon Monday. They will do a biopsy (sp?) I think let me know if they will laser the tumor off or try and shrink it.

This dog has been with me since sometime between 1999 and 2000, has traveled across the country with me over and over again...has moved from condo to house to house with me.

I am praying like crazy.

[planet planet]

I'm sorry you received that kind of gut wrenching news, doc. Best of luck on Monday that you get a palatable treatment option. Thinking of you and your puppy!

[JoeMcKim]

At least you know about the cancer and can spend some quality time with her before you have to do the thing that you know is coming soon.

[docellis]

At least you know about the cancer and can spend some quality time with her before you have to do the thing that you know is coming soon.

I'm still holding out hope it isn't cancer. It could be a benign tumor.

fingers crossed.