So here I am at work and can't stop thinking about my baby, Daisy. She is approaching 11 this year and while it is more of a middle name number for a small dog such as herself, it's still getting up there. Last year we had a breast cancer scare with her, and $800 later with tests and antibiotics, we found out she does have a malignant tumor on one of her breasts, but for now, it's not doing her any harm. At the time, there was an infection on it, causing it to enlarge, hence the antibiotics and the vet (who I LOVED), drained it a little and she was as good as new. It was a really tough time for me because I really thought that it was the end and I would have to put her to sleep. I have NEVER EVER dealt with putting any animal to sleep well. I grew up with at least 12 animals at a time (mostly dogs and cats and horses and we had 5 acres, so no- we weren't "those people" with lots of animals in a small space), and putting an animal to sleep did happen (for their own good)& it never got easier to deal with. Anywhoot, needless to say, I was a mess last year when I thought I had to put her to sleep. Since then, the tumor's have stayed the same smallish size and don't seem to bug her.
Now fast forward to present day- she has been acting a wee bit constipated for about a week and a half now, so N and I thought we'd change her food. BUT, the other day I took her out to go potty, and while I was watching her strain to "poo" (for a lack of a better word), I noticed a medium-large size bulge on her left buttcheek (do dogs have butt cheeks?). After she was done with her business, I examined the bulge and I could tell it is an irritant to her. She is constantly licking down there and she just seems like it hurts her and I am positive her straining to go the bathroom and that lump are connected. She hasn't eaten anything abnormal or largish (to my knowledge) that could get stuck in her stomach, but I still googled "Canine bowl obstruction". The symptoms don't match anything with how she's feeling, so I am so confused.
My dilemma is this: I don't have $800 to drop on vet bills for her to get surgery/xrays/blood tests. Even the vet last year told me that surgery on a dog her age would be risky. However, she is my baby and I'm not going to neglect her, so should I take her to a vet? In the end, I think it'll be best for her, because this lump isn't going away. I'm just nervous she might have to have surgery on whatever it is, and I am going to feel so cold when I have to say "I'm sorry, I just can't afford it".
What do you guys think? Any suggestions?
1 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy. I have animals and it's a hard call.My oldest cat is 15 and I don't have vet insurance on her and she has thyroid issues that cost me a pretty penny every month. I have insurance on my youger animals, now that it is more affordable. My suggestion would be to have it looked at, maybe it's just a cyst and nothing that serious, but if it's a major then let the vet know and see if there is any other course of action. A good vet will tell you if they still have quality of life or if not In my opinion I wouldn't want my furbaby to suffer.
My fingers are crossed that it's something minor. Good luck :)
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