Now I don't know what to do.

[janedoe]

Fran had another gut episode today, complete with fever and severe discomfort. A quickie ultrasound showed no blood in her abdomen but it looks like the mass is larger. Our vet says that the mass is messing with her insides. So now it's a quality of life issue.

Our vet feels that Fran is a good candidate for surgery and has had an excellent success rate with elderly dogs and these types of masses. Our ultrasound vet really liked the look of everything else inside Fran and is not an expert on the surgical issues. Now we have to make a decision.

I have a cold and am not thinking clearly about pretty much anything right now but my husband is inclined to give the surgery a shot, even with the risks involved. I honestly don't see having to treat her every month when it's only going to get worse and if we're going to do it, we should do it now when she's otherwise healthy.

[Annette47]

As my vet always says “age is not a disease”. If they think she is a good surgical candidate, and I would be inclined to try it in a younger dog, then I try not to let age enter the equation. Jolie successfully had major surgery at 12, but at 14 had developed larngyeal paralysis and significant hind end weakness, so at that point we didn’t consider it. Depends on the physical condition of the dog and the chances of good longer term outcomes for me.

[Tanya]

I have no words of wisdom sorry Sending good thoughts to both of you on the decision.

[Snowshoe]

When I think of all the procedures my Mum endured in her late 80s and 90s I would not hesitate now to go with one for an aged pet if the quality of life was threatened but could be improved. It's an awful think to think of but at Mum's urging all her surgeries and tests and anaesthetics had DNR orders in case something went wrong.

[MontananDakota]

Sending some good vibes for you all. Dakota just had major surgery at 12 1/2. I never thought in a million years that I would agree to it at her age but she really is in good shape, it took her maybe a day longer to recover than if she'd been a spring chicken, but she's fine now and I'm glad I did it.
Tough decisions sometimes.

[janedoe]

Thanks. I think I'm most worried about my judgment right now. It's hard to figure out what the right thing is. I really can't see her suffer and it's at a pretty low level now but it stresses me out on an epic level. We have another appointment next week. Hopefully, my cold will be resolved by then and I'll feel good about the decision one way or another.

[SunDance]

Just seeing this, Lisa...sending all good thoughts for you and Fran. I'm so sorry to hear this.