Need to make a decision for an older dog (long)

[bluetick]

I could use a little help making a decision as to the next step to take with one of my dogs.

I have 3 GSD's - ages 11 years, 9 years, and 20 months. They are unrelated, and each was at least 16 months old upon joining the household.

Zenta is a 9 year old spayed female, and was adopted at 3 years of age. Until recently, she has shown a mild weakness in her back legs requiring a boost to get onto my bed. During the past few weeks, the weakness has become more pronounced. She can still run and climb stairs to the bedroom, but I like to follow her up the stairs now fearing she might fall and tumble down them. She occasionally gets her back legs "tangled up" with each other.

With that as background, Z threw up twice on Sunday night, and twice again on Monday morning. This was unusual so I got her in to see the vet Monday afternoon, fearing bloat. He did a physical exam, did some blood tests and took some x-rays. The bloodwork was fine, but the x-rays showed a couple of spots of concern. One is a "marble sized irregular firm subcutaneous mass" close to or on a mammary gland in her abdomen. Then there is the mass near or on her spleen. It was not clear on the x-ray, but is softball size. Her lungs are clear, and her spine is "beautiful". Her hips were not x-rayed. She has not been sick or sickly since Monday.

My options include an ultrasound, laparoscopy (including sending a sample of the larger mass for biopsy), or exploratory surgery. Either of the last two could result in having her spleen removed at the same time. I have sufficient funds put aside to cover any of these options, but here's where I need some words of advice/moral support.

Considering her age and the fact her back end is getting weaker, should she be put through major surgery? The young dog is a ball of fire and plays hard, with lots of running, jumping, and mouthing. The older dog has been showing signs of degenerative myelopathy for a year. Medication and supplements have kept him on his feet, but his back end, too, is getting weaker. I have to place his front feet on my bed, then lift his back end onto it. (This is becoming a geriatric ward, and I have to include myself!)

Zenta is a sweetheart and I don't want to make her last months (years?) harder than they have to be. Any words of advice?

[CJ]

Oh wow what a horrible choice to have to make. We all want our dogs to run and play happily and die in their sleep. At 9 years of age for a GSD, she may or may not be near the end of her life. I think most live from 9-12 years of age, they aren't generally a long lived breed.

Ours are with us constantly, and when we sold our farm, they came with us in the RV. We're very close to them, so I don't say this lightly, but at 9 years of age and that much surgery, I think I'd probably (but I can't say for sure, I'm not in that boat) opt to put her to sleep if the vet can't make her comfortable without surgery.

The Wandering Quilter's Life in a Box!

[Ardie/WI]

Originally Posted by CJ

Oh wow what a horrible choice to have to make. We all want our dogs to run and play happily and die in their sleep. At 9 years of age for a GSD, she may or may not be near the end of her life. I think most live from 9-12 years of age, they aren't generally a long lived breed.

Ours are with us constantly, and when we sold our farm, they came with us in the RV. We're very close to them, so I don't say this lightly, but at 9 years of age and that much surgery, I think I'd probably (but I can't say for sure, I'm not in that boat) opt to put her to sleep if the vet can't make her comfortable without surgery.

The Wandering Quilter's Life in a Box!

This is so hard for me to say and there are tears in my eyes but I have to agree.

[belladulcinea]

I agree with the above posters. I think I would work with the vet to see what needs to be done and make her days comfortable. (((((hugs)))))

[MaineFarmMom]

Two of my dogs are getting older so I've put some thought into this kind of thing already. I'd opt for the laparoscopy and base your decision on that information. At then you'll (hopefully) know what you're dealing with and what to expect. Good luck. I hope it turns out as well as it can.

[GoldenMom]

I would get the ultrasound-totally non-invasive. As for major surgery, for myself I have decided I will not put my older dog (also 9) through anything major like a splenectomy. If it is cancerous you will at best buy your buddy a few weeks or a few months. Is the pain of surgery and recovery worth that (this answer is different for different people and dogs)?

[bluetick]

Thank you all for your compassionate words of advice! I was kind of leaning toward the ultrasound. Unfortunately, she will have to be shaved and will be an easier target for mosquitoes, and other biting insects. Still, it beats invasive surgery, and she will be able to be as active as she wants to be afterwards.

Except for a rogue duck or two, none of my pets pass on in their sleep. I hate playing God - especially to dogs! Thank you again for your comments.

[mare]

what a hard thing to go thru. i know when my first golden was 12 i was faced with this. i loved that dog with all my heart and i couldnt bear to see her in pain---it was the hardest thing i think i've had to do but i feel it was the right decision to end her suffering. that is the hardest part of being a pet owner. good luck with whatever you decide.

[Ardie/WI]

Originally Posted by bluetick

Thank you all for your compassionate words of advice! I was kind of leaning toward the ultrasound. Unfortunately, she will have to be shaved and will be an easier target for mosquitoes, and other biting insects. Still, it beats invasive surgery, and she will be able to be as active as she wants to be afterwards.

Except for a rogue duck or two, none of my pets pass on in their sleep. I hate playing God - especially to dogs! Thank you again for your comments.

We understand all too well.

[Smallhold]

German Shephers are prone to spleen trouble. My previous beloved Shenna was 6 when she came to live with us. Heavily abused and her spine was damaged from the previous owner kicking and hitting her. So she lived on painkillers all her life.
When she was 9 I sensed more trouble with her. Even took her to a clinic in Amsterdam where they examined with ultra-sound. At that time they couldn't discover anything. Back at the vet I kept nagging them to open her up to see what's on. I literally yelled at them to go in now and help her.
They finally agreed and discovered a spleen about 6 times bigger than it should be. One large cancer tumour!
They removed it and she lived another 3 years.
She died in the backyard in my arms. Fighting for breath and fighting to stay with me until I told her to go cos she'd been a good dog and suffered enough.

Oh heavens, need to get a hanky now.

Don't know if your dog's walking problems are connected to this. If she has HD as well the decision could be different. Cos she has some issues walking the stairs an operation could be too invasive. My dog survived the surgery and her hips were fine. Not so sure about what you say about Zenta's hips and legs there.

Present Black Shepherd is 10 and sleeps in bed with mommy every night. He shouldn't walk the stairs but knows how to open every door so he comes up anyway. But I'm wary of any indication of spleen trouble with him too.

[bluetick]

Smallhold, you were lucky to get another three years out of Shenna! I was looking for a hanky too after reading about her. Both my males came from abusive situations, and are wonderful dogs! Zenta's background was a bit sketchy, but she has been delightful to have. All three get along very well.

I'll call the vet on Monday to see if I can get a better idea of how much an ultrasound will help in a diagnosis and treatment plan. I do not want her to suffer.

[RandB]

Sending sympathies for the tough situation you are in. Just a suggestion for both of your oldsters if things go well, do a "google" on the Bottoms-Up Leash. It is a simple harness for the hind end of big dogs, they can step right into it. It has a short attached leash, and you can use it to support them for going up and down stairs, and other situations where their hind ends don't work too well. We had one for our last old shepherd, he learned to accept it pretty quickly, and it did help him. Best wishes.

[Maura]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I would keep the dogs off the bed. Get them each a nice comfy pillow or doggy bed and let them sleep next to your bed. They won't get their feelings hurt. Every time you help Zenta or her buddy up, you are probably hurting them. And, should either of them slide off the bed, well that's gotta hurt, too (and every time you roll over). As for the youngest guy, keep him off too or you may have heirarchal problems if he's allowed on and the others aren't.

[bluetick]

Update - Zenta had the ultrasound yesterday. Now, it seems her spleen is merely enlarged, and there is no mass there. While this should be good news, I just re-read Smallhold's response and have new concerns.

They also took a look at the hard lump near a mammary gland and recommend it should be removed. They say it is not a cyst, but something solid.

I am thinking maybe a needle biopsy should be done on the lump. If it is cancer, remove it, but if not, leave it there. Can a needle biopsy be done on her spleen? I don't want to put her through major surgery if I can avoid it. The vet was not available to go over his findings with me, so the results were reported to me by the office manager.

Comments/suggestions?

[GoldenMom]

Yes a biopsy can be taken of the spleen using the ultrasound (probably with sedation, too). If you prefer, yes the lump can be biopsied too.