My Lottie

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.

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

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

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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?