Re: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona

["Judith Stroh Miller" <jsmiller@newmex.com>]

My Cousin had a Malamute that had a cancer on the tail, not sure exactly where tho.  They 
had the tail removed and the dog lived 6 months.  It is my understanding that tail removal is a 
major deal and very hard on dogs.  Although all the literature says it's no big deal.  

It is never easy to make these type of decisions and I always resort to what will the quality of 
life be if I do or don't.  According to the GPCA Health Committee the average life span of 
Male Pyrs is 8 years old and in females 10 years old.  We all know they can live much longer.  
But again I believe the quality of life plays an important role.

This is such a personal decision and it does sound like you you and your vet have a good 
relationship.  I would certainly make an appointment just to sit and talk about Arizona.

I feel your pain.



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On 28 Sep 2009 at 10:28, Bea Stephens wrote:

I took Arizona back to the vet on Friday. It looks like she has a cancerous tumor - right at the 
base of her tail. It doesn´t look good. The vet says that he can try to remove it, but she will 
lose her tail. Has anyone dealt with something like this before? Sure could use some input 
from my pyr friends on this one.

Arizona is 8 years old, and is a rescue that someone just threw away. She has severe 
allergies and a possible immune system problem. We´ve struggled with multiple ear 
infections, skin infections, etc. Right now, she´s beautiful - no skin problems and her ears are 
clear. All except this growth on her tail. I don´t want her to suffer. The vet says even if he 
removes the tumor and her tail, there is no guarantee that it won´t grow back. I think he feels 
my pain. He didn´t charge me for Friday´s visit.

I´m so sad. And I just don´t know what to do.

L

Bea
Judith
Taos, New Mexico
jsmiller@newmex.com
http://www.goldstaranimalshelpingpeople.com/team.html