Message Boards

Our 14 yr old heeler had an enucleation procedure back in August. We had a time with the initial procedure being undone when he ripped out the sutures. The 2nd surgery using staples has been successful. The problem since the 2nd surgery is with nasal discharge. He did not develop this until after the surgery and I'm thinking it might be related to the surgery but the vet is saying no and that it's not related. He thinks he may have a tumor and wants to do further tests for a diagnosis which isn't going to be cheap. My dog is weak which I think is due to the medications he has been taking but he is eating and walking around. Just wondering what others would do. I just want him to be comfortable. He doesn't seem to be in distress.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Georgia Peach,

You should do whatever you feel most comfortable with.

If it were my dog, and at that age, I would not be apt to treat a tumor with surgery or expensive treatments, so a diagnosis and tests would not be necessary. But that is me and not you.

When dogs are older it can take longer for recovery from any procedures, and if he is not in pain, eating and sleeping (not in distress) that is a good sign.

Thanks Conrad.

DH says he acts like an elderly person with dementia. Every day we see subtle changes.

His eye had to be removed because of the pain he was having so I know I did the right thing but now the vet is saying he may have a tumor. Even if he is right I'm not sure I'd put my sweet dog through surgery again.

Awwww, so sorry to hear this. I can just imagine how you're feeling with this dilemma. I've always said as long as mine are eating, drinking, walking and not in pain, I wouldn't do anything. However, as Conrad said, if it were me and the dog were that old, I don't think I would spend a lot of money either. Sometimes it's best to just let go, and I know that's the hardest thing in the world. Sending thoughts and pra*ers your way and best of luck in your situation.

Thanks GypsyDancer52. DH, DD and I have pretty much decided that as long as he is comfortable and seems content we will not pursue anything else. He's an inside/outside dog and so I've been moving dog boxes and pillows and food bowls and water bowls in every spot that he always likes to be. Front yard so he can see who is headed up the driveway, Back yard near car shelter so he can see who is leaving, and enclosed area where he stays if we are not home. In his 14 years he has always kept a watchful eye over everyone and everything. This has not changed. As feeble as he is, he is still trying to do his best to take care of us.

He has done his best to take care of you, and you are doing your best to keep him happy!

Surgery (and even testing) can be very traumatic/dangerous at his age. Best to you, and hoping for the easiest possible transition time in your dogs life.

quote:

since the 2nd surgery is with nasal discharge.

Similar to humans, eyes, ears, nose and throat are interconnected; post-surgical sinus inflammation may be the cause of nasal discharge. Is it possible he has a piece of food stuck behind his molars?
For your peace of mind, if the discharge continues maybe consider getting a second opinion?

Best wishes and hugs to you and your pupper.

Thanks Tessa. Thanks for the tip. This has happened with other dogs in the past and I just hadn't thought about it. I did a thorough check for food or a stick stuck behind a molar or in the roof of his mouth. Nothing there. He has broken his jaw in the past when a horse kicked him so chewing has been difficult for him for sometime now and also makes it VERY hard to get a pill down. His nasal discharge has gotten better in the past few days and actually he seems to have more energy. Yesterday, he actually growled at the construction crew working on my house A tiny, little, "no I don't like to be petted, don't mess with me" growl, but still a growl

quote:

VERY hard to get a pill down.

To avoid stress and prevent pupper from spitting out a pill if I look away, I break a slice of American cheese into 3 or 4 pieces - one to hide the pill, then quickly offer the second piece as a distraction.
Works great for large pills too because they can be broken into more manageable size before embedding in the cheese - no waste.

Relieved to hear that your pupper is perking up. it's ok to spoil the old boy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,

Thank you Tessa. He is quite the rascal when it's time for his meds.

I agree about the spoiling....I would be giving him all the spoiling he can handle during this time!

If a dog is not interested in cheese (for pill wrapping), and I have only met a couple, peanut butter mixed with a bit of flour to create a paste can often be a real treat. We use this for any nasty tasting pills. They go down so fast, it hardly touches the tongue.

But as tessa mentioned having a small sample before, and another ready and visible, for after the actual wrapped pill distracts the dog. Never had the technique fail with any of ours or foster dogs.

Thanks Conrad. DD says she is going to try the peanut butter and the cheese. I'll let you know. I appreciate everyone's advice and kind words.

So many threads just seem to go unanswered or no followup which leaves you wondering what happened so I thought I would post and let you know that we lost our Catfish yesterday.

He fought hard and this past month there were many days we didn't think he would make it until the next. He stopped eating and drinking on Friday. He passed away about 2 pm yesterday. I'm so thankful he died at home at a place that he watched over so diligently for so many years. We will miss him. Thanks for everyone for their kind words and advice.

Never gets any easier, does it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Georgia Peach,

Catfish looked like a very happy guy in the photo above and sounds like he had a great life. Best one can hope for is they choose their time to pass as painlessly as possible, and no, "It never gets easier".
((Hugs))

Thank you for updating us even if it is sad. Take joy in the happy memories.

So sorry for your loss. No, it doesn't get easier.

GP...So sorry for your loss! What a cool looking dog Catfish was! And I agree it does NOT ever get easier! The only solace is knowing that he truly had a wonderful long life as part of your family and now is playing on the other side of the rainbow bridge no longer in any pain or sickness.

I'm so sorry. No, it never gets easier. I know you'll miss him always. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

what a beautiful boy; he'll always be a part of your memories. saying a prayer for you!