I am at odds with myself because somehow I didn't pick up on the symtoms. She was 14 years old and I noticed she was sleeping a lot, but I thought it was because she was aging. Her appetite was good, as usual. I feel as though I could have done something more. I hate to think that I caused her to suffer.
2007-06-03 10:12:27 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
There was nothing that you could have done. Splenic tumors are quit common and are truly "silent killers". There really aren't any warning signs until it is to late. You did everything in your power to care for your dog. I'm so sorry that you had to loose her. Good luck
2007-06-03 10:19:57 · answer #1 · answered by Alicia G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the last week I have treated 2 dogs with splenic masses. One had emergency surgery and survived. The second unfortunately did not. Both presented with non-descript symptoms. The one we lost only presented after the owner noticed the belly was hard and swollen. Unfortunately for owners, our pets are unable to tell us if they don't feel well, and sometimes will continue the normal daily activities to the end. If she was suffering she would have let you know. When pets are in pain then cry/whimper, become extremely lethargic and stop eating, drinking or playing. Don't be too hard on yourself. She lived a wonderful life for 14 years. We can't always know what our pets are thinking or feeling.
2007-06-03 17:22:09 · answer #2 · answered by Keker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many times the symptoms of a splenic mass are very subtle and many owners don't pick up on them.
Most of the time when we find a splenic mass on x-ray is because the dog has become sick due to the mass hemorraging into the abdomen. The only treatment is surgery and that can be risky as well. Survival rate for splenic masses depends heavily on when they get diagnosed but unfortunately most are not diagnosed until very late.
I wouldn't beat yourself up over your loss. She was 14 which means you gave her a long and happy life, which is the most you can ask for.
I'm very sorry for your loss.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
2007-06-03 17:20:40 · answer #3 · answered by Tiffany h 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You were lucky, I lost my dog at 8 last year with the same thing. He was absolutely fine on Sunday & was dead by Monday lunchtime. I felt the same as you, he had been a bit quieter than usual for a few weeks which I put down to the hot weather so it came as a total shock to lose him so quickly. Now I've come to accept that it is one of those diseases that we can't know about until it is too late & with no warning & no symptons it does hit you harder when you lose them so unexpectedly. She must have been well loved and cared for to live for 14 years, treasure your happy memories of her, you couldn't have done anything more for her.
2007-06-03 17:36:49 · answer #4 · answered by anwen55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mini doxie Mason and my husband and I are sorry for your lose. She would not be happy knowing mom is so sad. It sounds like she went without much pain so think of the good times you had. Dogs are very good at hiding their pain so dont cry celebrate her life!! She would be happy to know you thought of her funny self(they are all clowns) I worked doggie rescue for 30 years you cant save every one of them. But 14yrs. was a great lifetime!!!! Its not how we die its how we Live!!!
2007-06-03 17:29:47 · answer #5 · answered by Budd P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry for your loss. You have to know that it is not your fault and there is no way you could have known. We all wish that our pets could out live us, but unfortunately they don't. I'm sure she lived a wonderful life with you. Meanwhile there are plenty of dachshunds in rescues all over the country that need an owner like you. You could adopt one of them in memory of your dear doxie.
*Mom of Chorizo the wonder weenie.
2007-06-03 18:07:50 · answer #6 · answered by SaraB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your loss, that is terrible. I am sure you tried your best, and it would be extremly diffuclt to tell that something was wrong. I know that I probably wouldn't have known either.
Take Care
2007-06-03 17:35:27 · answer #7 · answered by Here to Help 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unless people take their animals to the vet monthly, i dont know anyone who does not even me and i have 4 dogs, its VERY hard to detect things esp since it was an older dog. DONT blame yourself I know its hard
2007-06-03 17:19:09 · answer #8 · answered by erin44213 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so sorry for your lost. do not think for a moment that you had anything to do with her death you cannot control mother nature.
2007-06-03 17:17:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please forgive yourself. You just didn't know. I had a similar situation. And felt badly that I didn't realize it was a physical problem.... But I just didn't know.
2007-06-03 17:25:20 · answer #10 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋