My 5 yr. old golden retriever, Sophie, has a tumor the size of a soda can on her chest. It is benign. However, it is so big that it somewhat hinders her front left leg's movement. Yesterday, as she was jumping around, she hurt her leg, probably because the tumor got in the way. She does not appear to be in any pain, but is limping and tries to avoid putting pressure on the leg. Other than that she is perfectly normal, good appetite, playful, breathing fine. Her limp, however, has been slowing her down quite a bit. We are wondering whether we should euthanize her sooner rather than later. Please give us your input. Thank you.
2007-08-17 11:11:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I forgot to mention a few things...
First... the tumor cannot be removed. It is too large and wound require leg amputation and major muscle removal. She would likely not survive the surgery.
Second... We decided not to use radiation due to side effects and low chances of success.
Third... She is still happy and her quality of life is still good, though her mobility has been limited.
2007-08-17 12:23:10 · update #1
It's really a personal decision - and NOONE on here has the RIGHT to make this choice for you...
What many people (myself included) recommend is that you take into consideration how much pain the dog is in - and the "right" time is when it gets to the point that it is living with more pain then joy.
Following this advice - I would say that isn't time yet, but it could come soon if things continue down the path they are heading...
This is a decision that your ENTIRE family must make together.
2007-08-17 11:28:15 · answer #1 · answered by kr_toronto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it were my dog, because she is young and otherwise in good health, I would have the tumor removed if possible, if not, if the only way is to remove the leg, I would have the leg removed and give her a chance at a happy life. I have seen a lot of 3 legged dogs that are happy. I would NOT put her to sleep. However, if her health is declining, and if the tumor were malignant, I would put her to sleep as soon as I could tell her health and happiness were being hindered. That's me...though... I have a cat that had to have surgery because he couldn't pee..I call it a sex change...to be funny..it has a technical name that I can't remember...anyway, I never once thought about putting him to sleep instead. Hope she feels better!
2007-08-17 18:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Nicky C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry.. She sounds like a pretty dog. 5 years is a pretty short life-span for a Golden Retriever -- however if she's in alot of pain.. It might be for the better. A limp isn't to bad, it will heal, and she'll be fine again. However, putting her to sleep, there is no, 'fine again'.. My only concern would be this repeadetly happening.. And your dog being in great pain. Does the tumor seem to hinder her from doing other things? Like playing with you, or going for walks and ect? At 5 years, most normal Goldens are pretty active, and love going for walks.
2007-08-17 18:23:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
She's a young and healthy dog, other than that tumor. See if it can be safely removed, it should be possible. If not, then let her go until it causes her pain, or really interferes with her quality of life, then consider having her humanly put down. Good luck.
2007-08-17 18:24:17 · answer #4 · answered by darkeyesdrinking 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU JUST SAID HES NOT IN PAIN! take him to the vet they might be able to do surgery if it's early. euthanizing early is like if you were going to die and they were going to pull the plug when you can't eat but they pull the plug early while you can still eat= not fair
2007-08-17 18:21:12 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take her to a vet
can she have the tumors removed?
if she can go with this option she is only 5 years ol
2007-08-17 18:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
take her to the vet u should have token her earlier
2007-08-17 18:34:06 · answer #7 · answered by FASHINISTA ALLY 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋