My Lottie

Well done for making a decision- it is so hard.

When I finally managed to tame Minou, with his fallen off mangled leg - this is what we decided- if there is no infection further up, amputate, if there is, don't let him suffer more. We were lucky ...

Courage x if I was nearer I'd ofer to have Phobe- perhaps someone else here could help? x can't post flowers, my keyboard does not have square brackets

Jura, when all my dogs have come to the end of their lives I have the vet come to my home, I think this is the kindest way for them to end their lives, in their home, on my sofa. X

Thank you all x

starbird, he loves me , as he loves us all, I have never doubted this.

Well I have had another talk to the vet and made a decision.

Lottie will go there Monday morning, they will sedate her , x ray to see if her lungs are clear, if they are they will remove the lump, if her lungs are not clear no way will I put her through surgery. If another lump appears at a later date I will then decide on letting her go. Depends how she copes with this op.

Now have to see if I can get Phoebe into a crèche so Lottie can have quiet through the days and I can give all my time to her.

Am I fearful? Yes, but I must give her this chance.

Something helpful came from the conversation, because I have been with this practice for many a long year , several new partners, I have no need to take out a pet insurance plan for Phoebe, should the worse happen with her the vets will give me a payment plan should I need it.

I am so grateful for your support and kindness to me and your care for Lottie, thank you so much x

If youdo decide operating is not the best option for her- make sure the vet comes to you- to avoid stress. The best money ever spent for us for all our pets.

So sorry to hear this annie- and sending hugs and good wishes too.

I have never had to make that decision with a young dog - so I just cannot say what I would do. But I wouldn't want a beloved dog to suffer and be really stressed- and probably would come to a different conclusion than most here.

If you are going through difficult times in your life - you also have to put yourself first at this time- or you won't be in any fit state to help yourself or anybody.

xxx

I would think that what is now being suggested would be cheaper and less traumatic for Lottie, buy maybe less safe in that they could miss part of the cancer. However, the vet must know best and I would be inclined to follow their advice if you can afford it. They probably know something of your circumstances and unless pounds, shillings and pence is truly heartless, I doubt if she would try to shaft you at this time.

You could however ask if it would endanger Lottie to postpone the op for a couple of months, and be guided by what they say.

I have heard it said that trials in this life are a sign of God’s love, like refining a knife in the fire. If you are not being tested you are either perfect or God thinks you are not worth fighting for! Annuebach I think you are a best beloved in His sight.

I didn't mean you were going to ignore it completely Annie; what I meant was [and this is what happens with me if I'm worried about something health wise] I sort of try to put it to the back of my mind, but it's there all the time nagging away at me. I often find [as someone who can't make decisions most of the time] that I feel such relief when a decision has been made, even if that decision means something extra to worry about [I hope that makes sense]...

Annie you have been and are going through so much it must be dreadful trying to make all these decisions. I'm in agreement with Oldmeg that due to Lottie's young age she probably should have the op if this is what the vet is recommending. I certainly wouldn't send Phoebe away though - she is obviously a great comfort to you and will also help Lottie post op. I'm sure the vet will be able to advise on how to avoid the stitches being pulled. Do you have a quiet room you could put Lottie in for a couple of days to heal a bit? I know she hates the vets - I have a cat who is completely traumatised and has to be sedated for every visit. I'm in a similar situation in that she needs very expensive treatment and has to be sent away for 2-4 weeks and be in isolation for it - its so worrying but I've been reassured that it's far worse for the owners than the animal so I've agreed to have it done as I know it's the best chance she'll have of a cure. Obviously you have the final decision - thinking about you x

I was never going to ignore the lump, I cannot decide to put her through the op or ops or watch her carefully and let her go when discomfort starts.

Thank you NannyTee x

Oh Annie my heart goes out to you right now. Poor Lottie. It must be so difficult right now. Is Lottie showing any signs of slowing down or being poorly?

...and tell the vet there is a limit to how much you can pay; as I've mentioned before my vet charged £1200 for an operation that had cost me @£800 the previous time, because they decided to do other things [x rays etc] without telling me. Vets think that people have unlimited funds these days, due to insurance policies. If you 'ignore' the lump you won't really be 'ignoring' it because it will be on your mind all the time.

I think I tend to agree with OldMeg in view of Lotties age. My Hattie is also terrified of the vets, having had so many problems over the years, but she usually recovers quite well from various procedures. Oh; if, as you say, Lottie hates having her claws clipped might be worth asking the vet to cut them back while she's sedated. You can get all sorts of coat things for dogs these days that should prevent the puppy from scratching her stitches. Or maybe a crate to keep her in out of harms way.

If it was me I’d go ahead with the operation and hope they’ve caught it before it spreads.

But that’s only my opinion.

PS When my daughter has her bitch neutered she used a baby vest with poppers to stop it biting/licking the stitches and to keep it safe from her other dog.

Dear Annie, I haven't been able to contribute to this thread with any sort of help, but as Kittylester says, I am good at hugs and sending thoughts of love through the GN ether. You have been on my mind , but please, never apologise for posting your worries. There are many here who can and do help, and you are never a nuisance

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

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.

She is certaintly getting love ? and returning it

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?