I used Orajel when I cut into the tumor
last week. I don’t know if it helped or not. Arizona is such an awesome dog. She has a
high tolerance for pain. As I said before, she is a rescue that someone just
threw out on the street when they decided that a tiny little dog was better for
them. During her time with them, she was shot in the eye with a paintball gun,
with the ball lodged in the lower eyelid. She received no medical attention.
She loves me and would never consider growling when I’m providing care to
her. Although, there is no doubt she would lay down her life for me. We used
her as a lifestock guardian when we lived on the farm. She almost killed
another one of our dogs when she saw him heading toward the doggie door at our
house. It was very early (just about dawn) in the morning. We had shaved down
Ralphie the night before (he’s a mixed Irish Wolfhound-English Sheepdog).
She was outside and didn’t know he was shaved. All she saw was a threat
to her family. Blew flew. I screamed. But Ralphie survived, and we all learned
a lesson on that one.
I think Arizona would really miss her tail. I’ve
heard having a dog’s tail amputated can be difficult for them. I don’t
know. All I know is that this tumor is right at the base of the tail. Perhaps I
should ask the vet – if it were his dog, what would he do?
From:
owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org [mailto:owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org] On Behalf Of Amy Bailey
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009
11:43 AM
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Subject: RE: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona
So sorry Bea, just
when all look was looking good for Arizona,
this is awful.
My dogs are very
vain about their tails, Charlie went into hiding when I cut too much fur off to
get rid of burrs. He would suffer a great deal if he lost his tail.
How does Arizona
react about hers?
Is she in pain now?
She will be if the surgery takes place even if the physical pain is only for a
few days, although it can certainly be treated with medication while she heals.
You mentioned that she let you use a scalpel to drain the lump, I assume you
did not numb it first, so she is either very stoic or already bothered a great
deal by this lump. Is this the only tumor? My Sofee, a blond lab
mix, did not show any signs of illness until she developed a cough, but had
extensive lung cancer which had spread to her liver and spine. Sometimes
there is no clue of a problem until almost the end.
I wish you could
ask Arizona
and have her tell you what she understands and wants – that is the
toughest part of the decision – you can only look at the brown eyes and
guess what she is trying to tell you. Don’t rush and the right
decision for both of you will come. See if Arizona can tell you what to do. And
give her her favorite treats while you decide!
Amy
From: owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
[mailto:owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org] On Behalf
Of Bea Stephens
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009
10:29 AM
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Subject: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona
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