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Anyone with experience in Dog Mastectomy? Single breast
Hi all,
Unfortunate news from the vet today. Aunti Mabel (dog) has a large fast growing tumor in a hindmost breast. Xrays show lungs are clear and we have to schedule to get a cat scan to see if there are other areas affected but I am looking for recovery impact on quality of life here. She is minimum age 16 (adopted by us at minumum estimated age of 14) and quite a few of the vets say she's at least 18 and may be closer to 20. She's had a very long run for a dog though as a beagle mix, that does in fact happen with this breed. Reaching 20 is rare but the oldest on record was 27. Average is 13.5 years so she is definately 'geriatric' and probably the oldest dog at the vet we use. I could be sad and say this is the sweet Lord's way of saying 'Aunti Mabel, it's time to come home' but for now, we will hold for tests and see impact. No matter what, we have been gifted with a very sweet lady for 2 years and she's not in any pain at all right now. Carol -- |
#2
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Anyone with experience in Dog Mastectomy? Single breast
I'd wait and see if there is further involvement with other breasts
that's obvious.... Going back through my memory files, I don't recall any bitch I know/know of having just a single mastectomy. I think they did the whole row on one side.... None of the bitches were over 10 yo, however. At Auntie Mabel's age, I'd want it to be quickly in and out with minimal anesthesia time.... which would be a single mastectomy.... Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia, USA |
#3
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Anyone with experience in Dog Mastectomy? Single breast
Jo Wolf wrote in rec.pets.dogs.health:
I'd wait and see if there is further involvement with other breasts that's obvious.... Going back through my memory files, I don't recall any bitch I know/know of having just a single mastectomy. I think they did the whole row on one side.... None of the bitches were over 10 yo, however. At Auntie Mabel's age, I'd want it to be quickly in and out with minimal anesthesia time.... which would be a single mastectomy.... Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia, USA Thas what seems right. Can you tell me if you had one with bottom breast set (pretty much between the lower legs) and recovery issues? I am looking at quality of life after surgery here. I have to wait until next week to schedule her catscan to tell more than xrays and a feel seem to have it local to one breast just now. If for example they have to pull enough muscle tissue to make walking hard, well this may not be a kind thing to do to the old gal who already has arthritic joints that show on xrays. Call me cruel, but I'll put her down early rather than have her in pain for the remainder of her days if the surgery will cost her the ability to just walk to the backyard for the remainder of her days. That's just not fair to make her suffer. For now, she's in no pain. There is an indication of a potential coleo-rectal cancer though. Tests pending... If she has that too, then it's time to keep her comfy and a close watch and when the fun stops for her, let her go softly and easily. What breaks my heart mostly if this can't be fixed, is it's obvious these have been her happiest years and she's had only 2 of her estimated 16 with us. Yet again, maybe she'll be ok if it's just on one breast and have a good quality life for a bit more. -- |
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Anyone with experience in Dog Mastectomy? Single breast
Since these weren't my dogs.... I really don't know details anymore.
You can specify whether you want the vet to take muscle or just do a simple mastectomy.... breast tissue only.... I don't know how often they remove muscle and lymph nodes in elderly dogs.... Questions for the vet..... Simple mastectomy of that one beast can be done as a palliative to reduce onset/source of pain, and source of cancer cells to move to new places.... I don't know that I'd have any surgery done at her age..... due to anesthesia stress as much as from the surgery itself.... but you know Auntie Mabel and I don't.... and she's your dog. But I certainly think you have a very realistic point of view...... and I think I kno you well enough to say that you would do all in your power to avoid allowing her to suffer a long and painful decline. If she also has colorectal cancer, the big worry is bowel obstruction, and that's very obvious..... vomiting is often present at about the same time obstruction occurs... and any visible blood in/on feces.... if any are passed. Jo Wolf Martinez, Georgia, USA |
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Anyone with experience in Dog Mastectomy? Single breast
"cshenk" wrote in message ... Call me cruel, but I'll put her down early rather than have her in pain for the remainder of her days if the surgery will cost her the ability to just walk to the backyard for the remainder of her days. That's just not fair to make her suffer. You're not being cruel; you're being a caring, responsible dog owner. It's the hardest decision you ever have to make and I sincerely hope it's not Auntie Mabel's time to leave for the Bridge yet. {{{Hugs}}} Alison |
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