Poorly dog

[Errin Paddywack]

My sister had to take her dog to the vet today as she found a large round lump on the inside of her hind leg. Vet took a needle biopsy of it and thinks it is a tumour, has its own blood supply. Hoped to be able to take it off fairly easily as it is not attached. However when he checked her over she reacted to him palpating her liver so now it looks as though she has liver disease of some sort. Blood tests taken and she is waiting on results. The liver problems will almost certainly mean she can't have an op to remove the lump. My sister is distraught, she thinks the world of her girl, a 12/13yr old collie lurcher. Devastated for her.

 

[TPO]

So sorry, I hope there is some better news when the results come back

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Really sorry for your sister Errin. Hope news is good xx

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Oh pants, will keep things crossed that results are not as suspected x

 

[Ratface]

So sorry to read about this. I hope your sister has more encouraging news soon.

 

[Horseysheepy]

Really hoping for positive news from the results.

 

[Marnie]

Really sorry to hear this, also hoping for positive news from the results x

 

[Birker2020]

Oh hoping so much its good news for you both xx

 

[FinnishLapphund]

That sounds very worrying, your poor sister. I so hope the test results will offer some hope.

 

[PapaverFollis]

What a shock. Fingers crossed for some hope in the test results. x

 

[Errin Paddywack]

Blood test results came back today and it isn't her liver but she has raised protein levels so now looking at her kidneys. My sister has to get a urine sample and they will see what that shows. Hoping for better news. Birch is still bouncing around happily and chasing my dogs.

 

[misst]

Fingers crossed it is not as bad as it first seemed x

 

[Rumtytum]

Just seen this thread, good news it isn’t her liver and sending positive vibes for the kidney tests. A worrying time for your sister, I’m glad Birch is bouncing around and enjoying herself.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Fingers crossed it ends up being something they can help her with, so that you all get some more time with Birch.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Fingers crossed for her. ?

 

[Birker2020]

That sounds much more positive, fingers still xsed. x

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My sister had the results of the biopsy today. Not good news, it is a nasty cancer though not the worst it could be. Vet says it is one that infiltrates the muscle with tiny fibres that you can't see. Taking it off involves taking a very large margin round it and keeping fingers crossed they have got it all. Other option is to just leave it and put her down when it gets too big. I really don't know what I would do if she was mine but she isn't and my sister is going ahead with an op. Healthwise she has got the all clear for the op. If my sister had to choose between Birch or her husband, Birch would win hands down so this is very hard for her. This really is a bad year.

 

[PapaverFollis]

I'm so sorry. I hope the op gives her some more quality time. x

 

[Rumtytum]

So sorry for your sister and the awful choice she was faced with. Fingers crossed for a successful op., I know you will keep us updated.

 

[AmyMay]

Really sorry that it was not great news. I have everything crossed for a positive outcome xx

 

[Horseysheepy]

That's a shame. Hope the operation goes smoothly and Birch will enjoy some extra time with those who love her.

 

[splashgirl45]

only just caught up with this. not the news your sister wanted but hopefully the op will help and will give her a good quality of life...fingers crossed for a good outcome x

 

[Birker2020]

Sorry its not better news for you and your Sister Errin x

 

[Errin Paddywack]

My sister has had a sleepless night agonising over whether or not it is fair to put a 13 yr old dog through such an invasive op. Requires at least 3cm all round so will be a substantial hole in the muscle. She is a happy bouncy dog at the moment but given her age she probably only has a handful of years left anyway. My sister is so afraid that it will grow fast and she will lose her in a matter of weeks. Glad it isn't my problem but it is affecting my sleep too. I can't imagine her without Birch. Birch goes everywhere with them, on their canal boat, train and bus journeys, you name it she does it. She was a decent G5 agility dog in her prime and helps a bit with the sheep too, provides a woof and a bounce at appropriate times. The vet did point out that she is 13 and there were no guarantees so no way is he pushing her to do it.

Just to add to our woes, my younger girl has now lost 4 complete nails, latest two this morning. 3 I have been able to just pull off, first was a vet job, he trimmed all her nails as they were a bit long. She also skinned a pad at agility training two weeks ago. Something is going on that is for sure. Think I will be back to the vet yet.

 

[Clodagh]

@Thistle . I don’t know if tagging works but Thistle had a lab that lost her nails. I can’t remember why or what they did but she may have some suggestions.
The tumour is one of those awful things that only your sister can decide. I suppose she has to decide how she will feel if she does nothing. 13 is a good age but when it’s your bestest bestie it’s not long enough.

 

[fankino04]

So sorry it wasn't better news for your sister. I wonder what causes a dogs nails to come off??

 

[Clarabel]

My sister has had a sleepless night agonising over whether or not it is fair to put a 13 yr old dog through such an invasive op. Requires at least 3cm all round so will be a substantial hole in the muscle. She is a happy bouncy dog at the moment but given her age she probably only has a handful of years left anyway. My sister is so afraid that it will grow fast and she will lose her in a matter of weeks. Glad it isn't my problem but it is affecting my sleep too. I can't imagine her without Birch. Birch goes everywhere with them, on their canal boat, train and bus journeys, you name it she does it. She was a decent G5 agility dog in her prime and helps a bit with the sheep too, provides a woof and a bounce at appropriate times. The vet did point out that she is 13 and there were no guarantees so no way is he pushing her to do it.

Just to add to our woes, my younger girl has now lost 4 complete nails, latest two this morning. 3 I have been able to just pull off, first was a vet job, he trimmed all her nails as they were a bit long. She also skinned a pad at agility training two weeks ago. Something is going on that is for sure. Think I will be back to the vet yet.
View attachment 96996

I have had two dogs lose nails and both times it was lupus related but there must be many other causes.

 

[Mrs. Jingle]

What a horrible time you are having, and your poor sister too, I am so sorry. I really don't know what my decision would be for a 13 year old dog, very difficult one. Only she can decide what is right for her and her dog, definitely not an easy one is it?

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I have had two dogs lose nails and both times it was lupus related but there must be many other causes.

I asked about this on Agilitynet facebook and the consensus there is lupus (SLO) so booked in to see my favourite vet on Thurs. So relieved this one is insured.

 

[Moobli]

So sorry you’re having such a rough time, and your poor sister too. If Birch were half her age there’d be no question but at 13 I don’t know what I’d do. A decision only your sister can make. A friend had a working Kelpie whose nails kept breaking/falling out to the point she had to rehome him to a pet home but I can’t quite remember what caused it. I’ll ask her.