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suerena schaefer | 5 years ago
My Dog Is13 1/2 Years Old. He Is A Dachshund/German Shepard Mix. More Dachshund. He Has 5 …

My dog is13 1/2 years old. He is a dachshund/German Shepard mix. More dachshund. He has 5 fatty tumors that have all been biopsied and are not cancerous. They do seem to continue to grow in size. Not substantially but still grow. He had to go In for emergency surgery 2 years ago from cutting his artery in one of his paws during a walk. He has been a little different since then. More afraid of things. Urinates in the house every so often. I don’t know if it is from the surgery or just his age. But my question is whether or not I should have his Tumors removed with his age and how he responded to his last surgery. He is in very good health except for one health issue one time. A year ago he fell down and couldn’t walk. Took him to the vet. They kept him over night. They said it was old dogs disease. It went away 2 days later and hasn’t returned. Other than that he is very healthy. Gets his vaccines, heart worm, tick and flea meds. So do I remove them at his age or leave them alone. I keep debating this in my head and can’t make the call. I want what is best for him. I just don’t want to chance issues with going under anesthesia.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

4 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there ???? I think I would chat with the vet at his next checkup and see what their thoughts are. There is always a risk with surgery, but if the pros outweigh the cons, then the answer is obvious. At this stage though, if your vet feels they aren’t a threat and you feel that the dog’s quality of life isn’t effected, then those would be strong factors in determining what the next step would be. You and your vet know your guy best, so that would be where I would start my discussion. Best of luck!!!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I agree with Sarah. This needs to be a decision that you make with the help and guidance of the surgeon. You can get as many opinions as you need but they need tone from someone who can examine your dog. Find a vet (or two or more, or even a boarded surgeon) and ask for advice. Very best of luck.

    1. suerena schaefer Post author

      I have consulted my vet and she told me it was my decision. The tumors are not in the way of his normal every day activity, Yet. I’m just afraid left unchecked they might become too large to handle. I just don’t know what the recommendations are for an almost 14 year old dog in regards to surgery. I know with every surgery there is a risk and I would assume his risk is greater than others due to his age. My gut tells me to remove them but will they just grow back? My heart tells me to leave them alone due to the fear of losing him under anesthesia. I’m absolutely torn.

      1. Sarah

        Just thinking more about your situation…. wondering if you could just have it with your vet to have more frequent visits to check the tumors and make sure they aren’t growing or changing? That might help give you some peace of mind should you opt out of surgery.

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Jasmine | 5 years ago
My Dog Was Originally Prescribed Gabapentin (50mg) Every 12 Hours But When I Went Back To The …

My dog was Originally prescribed Gabapentin (50mg) every 12 hours but when I went back to the vet they allowed Me to do every 6 hours instead because pain seemed to be coming back faster. Now it seems the pain meds are not helping at all even with putting him to sleep. Can I give it even sooner than every 6 hours? My dog is 8.10 lbs.

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    You really need to discuss this with your vet as they know your pet best. Everyone/thing is unique and reacts in their own way. I would talk with the vet and also ask about other methods of pain relief. Best of luck.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with Sarah. There is the book instruction for a drug and then there is the real life patient specific advice. If gabapentin isn’t working ask for other options. There are always options.

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Nicole | 5 years ago
I Have A 12 Year Old Female Cat. She Was Obese For Several Years. I Managed To …

I have a 12 year old female cat. She was obese for several years. I managed to get weight off of her a few months before these issues. There has been a lot of urination outside of the box. The urination has been going on a long time and initially I thought it was behavior because I adopted a rescue dog in October 2018 she hasn’t been thrilled about the dog. Right around the time my cat turned 12 she started with the urination… February or March.

In the last couple of weeks her thirst increased significantly. Also just laying on her side on the floor, not wanting to be in her bed or on the furniture. She’s losing weight /muscle mass and she is hoarse. She is still eating, I had to coax her a bit one day so I made chicken broth from drumsticks she’s been drinking a good amount of the broth and ate chicken and her canned food. She’s actually been gulping the food down.

I can’t tell if this is kidney related or diabetes. I have not noticed bad breath. I am in a real bind and need to figure out what else to do for her till I can get money for a vet.

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    Inappropriate urination is often the first noticeable sign something is wrong. Increased thirst means this has been going on long enough to be a total body problem. I would put a lot of effort into getting her seen sooner than later…going too long can and will cause further damage to her already very sick body.

    (Dr. M told me bad breath is kidneys. Expect a full urinalysis and bloodwork, plus the possibility of subcutaneous fluids and prescription diet.)

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Sanjay | 5 years ago
I Have A Pomerian Dog Of Age 5years.3years Ago My Dog Was Affected By Hematoma …

I have a pomerian dog of age 5years.3years ago my dog was affected by hematoma in the left ear.my dog has again hematoma in right ear.i contacted the vet doctor.it was small hematoma so the vet doctor drain with the syringe.but next day again it filled and gradually it is increasing.i want to know how much it is dangerous for my dog.can I wait one day more for surgery?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Hematomas are not an emergency. So I think it’s fine to wait a day until your vet can see your pup. Please ask For more help in avoiding it the next time. Some dogs have terrible allergies that can be managed better so hematomas don’t happen.

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Sanjay | 5 years ago
I Have A Pomerian Dog Of Age 5years.3years Ago My Dog Was Affected By Hematoma …

I have a pomerian dog of age 5years.3years ago my dog was affected by hematoma in the left ear.my dog has again hematoma in right ear.i contacted the vet doctor.it was small hematoma so the vet doctor drain with the syringe.but next day again it filled and gradually it is increasing.i want to know how much it is dangerous for my dog.can I wait one day more for surgery?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Hematomas are not an emergency. So I think it’s fine to wait a day until your vet can see your pup. Please ask For more help in avoiding it the next time. Some dogs have terrible allergies that can be managed better so hematomas don’t happen

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Ben | 5 years ago
I Just Wanted To Check If Histiocytoma When First Appearing Can Not Be Red As Shown …

I just wanted to check if Histiocytoma when first appearing can not be red as shown in the picture below ? And if they are known for ulcerating the next day ? Also can a mast cell tumour do both those thing also ? I edited the lighting of the picture so it stand out more. I also added a picture of what it looked like a week later after the scab got knocked off and a picture closer to what it look like now. My dog a staffy aged 8.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Nobody can diagnose this via a photo. Lots of lumps and bumps look alike. Please see your vet. They can help.

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Ben | 5 years ago
I Noticed A Raised Lump On My Staffordshire Bull Terrier Aged 8 On The 21st Of November …

I noticed a raised lump on my Staffordshire bull terrier aged 8 on the 21st of November on my dog head that ulcerated the next day. The ulcerated lump scabed over then got knocked off the following week. I have been to 2 different vets within that time and both feel it either a histiocytoma or a mast cell tumour with both vets leaning toward it being a histiocytoma but only a biopsy will make sure. I have a biopsy for Wednesday but my question is would it be worth doing is this lump too close to the eyes for good margins? I have done days of googling and I see 1cm is all that needed for good margins and 90% of other sites saying 2-3cm is needed. I would not put my dog through radio therapy so if good margins is not possible would it be worth doing a biopsy? Another thing is I know it low chance but I don’t want to risk Anesthesia with my dog being that 1 in 2000 dog to die from it. Anyone know if good margins is possible from looking at the picture of my dog?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    Sorry you are going through so much stress with this situation. Unfortunately, it is always so hard to tell anything definite from A picture. I would have frank discussion with my vet and ask about all of my different treatment options from aggressive on down. They know you and your pet best, and can advise accordingly. Best of luck to you both.????????

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Jasmine | 5 years ago
3 Weeks Since My Dog Was Diagnosed With Ivdd. I’m Not Seeing The Light At The …

3 weeks since my dog was diagnosed with ivdd. I’m not seeing the light at the end of tunnel. He doesn’t seem to be getting better. He still cries and walks around in circles with his head low. He can walk for a few steps but then falls. Feeling so helpless. Any advice?

8 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Hi Jasmine, have you contacted an orthopedic vet? Have you considered laser therapy, water therapy, etc? I understand your distress, and I have only barely followed your story so I’m not sure what you’ve done so far.

    1. Jasmine Post author

      I have not. I have taken him to 2 regular vets but I don’t feel that they have followed up with him as they should. They did not tell me anything about a follow up appointment . I am going to someone else. I don’t have enough money for an MRI . I am looking into rehabilitation centers. I think I’m going to try a place called BARC. He is currently on galliprant and Gabapentin for pain. They seem to help for 5-6 hours but then he starts crying (usually at night) I can’t tell if it’s from pain though or from wanting to be near me. He stops crying when I pet him or when I pick him up. I have noticed he also cries when he can’t get himself up( like he’s frustrated)

      1. Laura

        I’d definitely hit a specialist, then. Dr. Magnifico is right – neuro is the way to go (I wasn’t thinking straight when I suggested ortho). Good luck.

        1. Jasmine Post author

          I have a neurologist appointment for him on 12/13/19 at Blue Pearl Hospital. ????????

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I would seek the advice of a neurologist. And reassess pain management and quality of life. I think you need help from someone who can examine your pup and talk to you about Your thoughts. Sending ❤️ To you both.

    1. Jasmine Post author

      I have a neurologist appointment for him on 12/13/19 at Blue Pearl Hospital. ????????

  3. maria

    How did the appt go on 12/23. My dog has already had three spinal surgeries and is now dealing with his 4th episode. I would like some good news. I hope he got better. We really thought we had it beat. He did great after surgery. I just wish it was cheaper.

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Olivia | 5 years ago
I Recently Notice A Lump On My Dog’s Neck And Went To Go Get It …

I recently notice a lump on my dog’s neck and went to go get it checked out. I found out it can possibly be a lipoma and came across a YouTube video and where the cost for the removal was cheaper compared to the close to $2000 I was shown from my vet. I’m a student trying to manage my own college costs and my part time job is barley helping me out. I was wondering if anyone knows of a great vet in Los Angeles with reasonable price for the removal or something to just help me

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Ask friends and family and even place a post on social media or to allthe shelters and rescues for vets who might be more affordable. And talk to your vet about the price. Ask if there is any way they can do it safely but at a price you can afford. And please! Please add the estimate to our storylines page. That is the place we hope to be able to find information about vets and vet practices to rocked transparency in pricing to people around the world.

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Kate Reisinger | 5 years ago
I Have A 14 Month Old Pit Mix That Has Terrible Anxiety. He Is Terrified Of Being …

I have a 14 month old pit mix that has terrible anxiety. He is terrified of being by himself, even if we are just behind the closed door using the bathroom. He cries terribly & will pace the house until we’re done. If I take a shower or bath I leave the door open so he feels a little better, but he then cries & tries to grab my arm to pull me out (not in an aggressive way). When people come into the house he paces, jumps, & whines for them. He also does this outside when he sees people or other dogs. He is told “down” when he jumps & warned with the beeping noise on his training collar. He will sit but it is very hard for him to stay still, as he continues to whine, shakes, & then rolls into the ground. It’s like he knows to listen & tries very hard but literally can not stay still. He also is terrified of thunder & the sound the trash truck makes. When those sounds are occurring he runs right under the table & won’t come out. We are in the process of training & we were told by them that they also think he has anxiety. They think he would be able to comprehend better if it was under control. I have been researching non stop for things to help with this major issue. I don’t want him on prescription anxiety meds that cause him to seem “sedated” & not like himself (that happened with my family dog). I have come across a tablet to help with separation anxiety & the behaviors that come with it. It is called clomicalm & every review or story I have read about it was positive. I really do think this could be a successful choice for him IF I know this is something that is not harmful. There are possible side effects that could occur but that could happen with pretty much any medication humans or pets. This tablet does not cause dogs to seem drowsy from what I’ve read from people’s experiences & has a high success rate to treat anxiety. We have tried natural treats, oils, thunder vests, etc. & nothing has helped him in the slightest bit. I just want to know if this something that would be okay for him to take daily or even okay to take at all?

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like it is time to get help from a behaviorist. Please ask your vet for a referral and also ask them about medications to help bridge the gap as you start to help him overcome his fears and anxieties. Medications can help but they should not be used without also implementing training, socialization and behavior modification therapy. I hope this helps and I hope your pup gets help soon.

  2. Sarah

    I agree with Dr. Magnifico. A behaviorist will be money very well spent and will benefit ALL of you. Very best of luck. Don’t give up!!????????

  3. Laura

    I agree with the others – find a behaviorist. I’d also invest time in a sport of some sort. This can help build the confidence it sounds like he lacks.