My Lottie

Oh Annie yet more heartache for you.

Probably just me being dim but did you make the difficult decision for Lottie not to have the recommended operation, only for the £££££ senior vet to come back with a different/cheaper/not so good operation?

Are you concerned that you would be putting your beloved pet through an op that might not make any difference to her life or are you concerned that the ££££ vet just wants the ££££ so will do/recommend anything to get it? Or neither of these?

Will there be a problem keeping her away from the puppy while her stitches are healing?

How old is Lottie, Annie?
I know you said part of the consideration is that she is terrified of going to the vets.. hope discussing it here will help you.

Both of those Tegan, I really do not trust that vet but I want to keep Lottie yet not put her through that pain and distress for nothing, the puppy is another worry, if I had known .Lottie had that lump no way would I have had Phoebe. Lottie as developed confidence now, she bosses Phoebe but also washes her and plays with her. Could I keep them apart if Lottie gas the op? No, only have a small bungalow. If I did agree to the op Phoebe would have to leave us. I love her so much but Lottie has to come first.

I am moaning but between the vet, the inquest,possibility of getting a solicitor, dietician, the physiotherapist and occupational therapist because of the arthritis plus son in law wants me to sort through my daughters things , photographs, letters, diaries etc, I feel swamped .

I so didn't want to start a poor me thread but really need help.

MisAdventure , Lottie is only seven, yes she is terrified of the vet, she certaintly isn't brave, cries when the groomer clips her nails

I had a cat who was like that, Annie. It was pitiful to see how afraid he was, and he developed breathing problems as he aged. I decided to to keep him comfortable physically, but also mentally, by not putting him through lots of procedures. What an awful decision to make though. For you, at this time, I expect its the last thing you could do with.

Very sorry - poor you, and Lottie. She is not old, but if she really is scared of vets, I would be thinking of her quality of life, not length. Often vets want to go on and on with tests and operations, only for the cancer to return, and it isn't in the best interest of the animal.

If it were just the one operation, it might be worth putting her through it.

If she doesn't have any treatment, have they said what they think the prognosis?

The trouble is, you don't feel you can trust your vet. I assume it's not easy for you to go to another for a 2nd opinion, even on the phone? . Is there a dog rescue group near, that might give you some advice?

If you do nothing, might she live for some years still?

I found this, may be of interest.

forum.champdogs.co.uk/topic_show.pl?tid=134202

www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?697657-Mammary-tumors-is-the-wait-to-operate-too-long

So sorry you have this to deal with on top of everything else.

Not qualified enough to give advice Annie but am good at (((hugs))). I'm sorry you have this added burden.

Annie are there any other vets around- maybe if you could get a second opinion? You do have enough on your plate at present.

I would suggest a second opinion if possible.
If Lottie appears not to be suffering, could you postpone the operation until after all the other things that are happening?
If she is only seven, does she have a good chance of survival? You want any more loss in your life at present.
Are there other dog owners you can discuss this with, without the vested interest of a vet?

You dont want any more loss.....sorry.

Would a second opinion be obtained by another vet taking blood samples, doing tests, etc?

Sorry annie, I can’t offer informed advice but I can see the benefit of a second opinion, just as we would for ourselves if we had doubts about a first opinion. Having said that if a second opinion means more tests then of course that brings its own problems. I’m not sure if this is affordable or even possible but might another vet agree to visit Lottie at home? Less stressful for you both. I’m sorry you have this worry. Lots of hugs being sent your way.

corner although it is a good idea asking a vet for a home visit it is expensive and also only blood can be taken. Lottie would have to visit the surgery if an xray was required. If she does have cancer, like us, time is of the essence.

kitty is she insured?

Thank you all. The nearest vet is 20 miles away, I haven't a car, son in law working long hours , I thought of asking the local dog rescue team but I know they have an arrangement with this vet.

I am angry with myself , have had 15 dogs, Lottie is 14th, I made the decision of letting 13 go, devastated but knew they were the right decisions, can it be fear of more loss , perhaps, but this is putting me first, this is so wrong .

Lottie is so special, she is gentle and loving and is the last of my dogs my daughter helped me choose.

Maybe another vet could request all the relevant results to be sent to them? They're up to date, so hopefully no pulling around for Lottie.

annie I had 2 dogs at the same time. One had to have major surgery to her throats and neck to help her breathe. She had stitches from under her chin all down her tummy. I too was afraid of what my other dog would do. The answer was nothing. It looked as though she realised something was wrong and behaved so well, they just cuddled up together.

Whatever you decide, do not regret your decision. None of us knows what will happen in life and whatever decision you make it will be made with love and caring for your Lottie. Hope all goes well.x

Crafting how old were your dogs?

MissAdventure, I cannot take the risk of annoying the vet, they could refuse to treat my dogs, this happened to someone, they have the advantage of being the only vets in the town.

Oh Annie, my heart goes out to you all , including Lottie. I have had 2 dogs in my life and the decisions are never easy but I am sure that you will do your best for Lottie.

Niobe, all that matters is what is the best for Lottie, seven years old and never been naughty, not even when a puppy, she is so gentle . I will have to decide by next week , I can't really believe I am unable to make a decision instead of causing such a fuss. I am so very sorry.

Nothing to be sorry about , Annie. You will do your best for Lottie because you love her and what is best for her will be what is best for you in the long run. You just have so much to deal with at the moment but take a few moments to give her some love and let her give you some love too. X

She is certaintly getting love ? and returning it

I’m not surprised you are struggling annie, you have had so many difficult decisions to make. Whatever decision you come to it will be based in the love you feel for Lottie, so from the very best place.

cornergran, I really an struggling, I would not have started this thread if I wasn't so in need , never been in this mess, have always been able to think things through , seem to have brain fag . Must get my act together , have two granddaughter to care for , thank you x