Old dog's life winding down?

[slvrwhispr]

My parents have a 10 year old black lab named Tyler. He was abused as a puppy, and we rescued him when I was 12. He's a sweet, happy, lovable dog as most labradors are.

A few years ago, maybe four or five, Tyler had a series of seizures. After that, he was very scared to walk on linoleum floor, but was fine otherwise. Of course, my terrified parents took him to the vet, where they ran a multitude of tests and determined that it was either a toxin that passed through his body, or just "one of those things." He hasn't had another seizure since then.

Now, though, he's really starting to slow down. He's not overweight and he's never had any other health problems. He just doesn't run around and play as much, and sleeps a lot more often than he used to.

My parents recently discovered three separate masses on his chest, right along the breast bone. He's going in to the vet soon (in the next couple of days; my mom didn't specify when) to get them checked out, and for his annual check-up. But my mom's really worried about her boy. I know he's only 10, and many dogs live to be much older, but does it sound like Tyler's slowing down for the big sleep? Or is he just exhibiting older dog tendencies? I'd like to be able to say something to comfort my mom, but I don't want to give her false hope, either.

[davet]

here is my client handout in situuations like this....it is very premature but you might just file it away in case it is needed in the future...and as i say it ispremature but you will have it when or if needed


Making The Difficult Decision
submitted By Davet

Making The Difficult Decision
How can we make that difficult decision to end the life of a pet whom we and nurtured, played with and lived with? The pet may have been with us for a short time or for many years. It may protect us, serve us, or just be there when we need something to cuddle.
Our domestic pets have maintained many of their wild instincts. One of the most important instincts, however, is to mask pain and illness. Many pet owners advised that their pet is suffering from a serious disease, comment "But he's not acting very sick", what happens to a wild dog or cat who "acts sick"? Invariably, they are killed by other animals, sometimes even by members of their own pack.
When we have to make that final decision we feel guilty, we are torn by feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger and sometimes the misguided notion that we owe it to the pet to keep it alive at all costs. How can I tell my veterinarian to give my pet an injection that will kill it?
When a pet becomes ill or is seriously injured, we must make a decision based on several factors. We must set realistic limits which include emotional expense to the family, physical costs to the pet, and many times, unfortunately, financial cost. It is best for the family members, or the single owner, to sit down with all the facts in front of them and, as rationally as possible, set those limits. This is the fairest thing pet owners can do for the pet and for themselves.
So, we come to that difficult decision making time, we have to decide what is best for the pet, regardless of the decision, we face the possibility of feeling guilty because we made the wrong one. We feel guilty if we elect to have our pet euthanized. We feel guilty if we choose treatment and it is unsuccessful. We should put ourselves in our pet's position. "What would I want done if I were in this situation"? If an owner, after evaluating all the available information, decides euthanasia is necessary, he or she must tell the veterinarian. In those cases, the owner must realize that sometimes we have to love our pets enough to let them go.
The Five Main Criteria For Euthanasia

Can your pet walk on it's own and how much pain does it suffer when walking?
How are it's sight and hearing and what is the prospect that these problems can be reversed?
Is there irreversible organ damage, i.e., heart, kidney, liver, or brain damage?
Is there any humane veterinary treatment available?
Is incontinence through urinary or bowel control a problem?
The final decision must be made by all members of the family, you may have to overcome your feeling of love for the pet and consider what is the fairest for him. Do not let your emotions override the fact that your pet may be leading to a painful, suffering life.

[slvrwhispr]

Appreciated. Based on those criteria, I would definitely say it's premature, unless the masses on his chest turn out to be cancer, or unless his exam turns something up. I don't think he's suffering. At least, I hope he's not.

[k9Karen]

Lipomas (tumors made of fat - not cancerous, just ugly) are very common in older dogs. Angel has several in the chest area, so, hopefully, that's all these are. Lipomas are usually irregular in shape, somewhat 'soft', and 'move' when palpated. Cancerous tumors usually have a distinct shape, are 'hard', and are 'fixed in place'. (Definitely not an absolute, just a guide - cancerous/noncancerous tumors can't be distinguished by feel). You're doing the right thing getting them checked out. Let us know what you find out.

[Traci]

Unfortunately, slvrwhispr, only a vet exam can tell your parents if this is serious or not.....based on the vet's experience, he should be able to tell them if the masses require additional exploration or not (aspirate or biopsy). I'd strongly advise a full blood panel and x-ray as well, your parents want to rule out arthritis too, since this is a common affliction in older, less active dogs.

Sending good thoughts they are only lipomas and nothing serious. But tell your parents to get him in ASAP.