Maxx with a cone collar, post surgery Last Thursday, I took Maxx in to the vet to have a mole/cyst removed on his hip. Maxx is my 14 year old Australian Cattle Dog (aka Blue Heeler) and has epilepsy. Twelve years ago Maxx suffered from a Grand Mal seizure which caused him to lose some brain function. He had to be learn everything - even his name - and be house trained all over again, but with the help of my other dog he came back pretty good. With medication we've controlled his epilepsy and he's been seizure free for 10 years. The old guy has been through a lot. Last year he had an operation to remove a fat lump from his armpit before it impeded his ability to walk.
Last Thursday he had that thing removed. His first night home was rough, he woke me up around midnight and when I turned on the light to check on him, he was crying! There were tears running down his face - the poor guy! I gave him some pain medication and he slept for about 5 hours. I never knew dogs could cry.
But then I got the call from the vet after the biopsy results came in and it's a Mast Cell tumor which is a low-grade malignant tumor. Unfortunately, since the vet didn't know what it was at the time of surgery, she didn't get all of it, and leaving parts behind will allow it to grow back. This type of tumour is part of the blood system and can be internal too, such as in the lymph system. He could have more. Due to his advanced age and condition, further surgery would not be good for him and so it looks like letting him go on day by day is his best option.
There are more factors that have aided my decision, I just didn't include them all here. After discussing this with my vet and family, I am confident I have made the best decision for him. He has been a faithful companion for me, and I hope to assist him with what lies ahead.
Sharing this with you was important to me and I appreciate your support. Thank you.
6 comments:
All my love to you! It is such a difficult thing to go through, but all you can do is love Maxx everyday!! You are being so brave and strong. If there is anything I can do to help let me know!
Oh, I'm sorry to hear this. Trust yourself - you know what is best for Maxx. Sending best wishes your way...
S t a c i
www.verypink.com
I know the horrendous agony you're going through. You don't want to be without him, but you don't want him to suffer either. I had a cat that was my very best friend and when I learned she had a tumour that would require her going for "treatments". I had to make a hard decision, right then and there. I deemed that her fear was more important than my fear and I had to let her go. It broke my heart to leave there without her. Shortly after that, her companion cat (back at home) who was much older developed cancer in his mouth. I was a bit more selfish and kept him going for a few more months. I feel guilty when I think back on that, because he was in pain. Being a grownup really sucks sometimes. Ya, you can eat all the ice cream you want, but you also have to make these kinds of choices. I totally, totally, totally know what you're feeling. Listen to your heart.
And thank you for sharing such a difficult thing with us. I know you were crying while writing it. I am.
Wow. Thank you Brie, Staci and JoAnn for taking the time to write such thoughtful and caring replies. I really appreciate it and am so glad for your kind words and offers of help - so wonderful. Right now, Maxx is laying in his doggy bed in my work room, snoring away, oblivious of the emotions that are flying around, but if you were in front of him right now, he'd be lovingly looking into your eyes drinking up your love. And that is a good thing.
sending you & maxx loads of love & hugs....
Poor guy. Sounds like he's comfortable, though. You take good care of your pets. He's in the best hands ever.
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