Need some advice regarding our Dog

[crashz]

Need some advice TBN:

We have three dogs, two Maltese and one rescue Chihuahua. My wife and I don't have kids and these little guys are our family. The dog in question is our male 11 year old Maltese and my wife's bestie, Vinny. We recently took him in to see the vet because he was peeing a lot and drinking a ton of water. He has lost some weight too. As it turns out he has diabetes which I guess is not uncommon in older dogs. During the visit, they found a mass in his scent glands, took a biopsy and it is malignant.

We have been referred to a board certified surgeon, but the consult is not for another 2 weeks (5/17). Our vet also stated that we need to get his blood sugar under control (we have just recently started insulin injections) before we can do surgery. But even getting the biopsy results have been slow. I feel like we don't have time to screw around.

So I'm wondering what you guys think we should do. Wait for the consult and see? I want to do what is right by our dog. He has been the best little friend we could ever hope for, and I don't want him to suffer. But I feel like sitting on our hands waiting for an appointment is going to make any treatment too little and too late. The other thing on my mind is that my uncle died of pancreatic cancer last fall. Even with rapid fire appointments and pretty quick action, he went quickly. I'm not comparing the two, but I'm scarred by the loss. My uncle was very important to me.

Obviously, Vinny is important to both of us and my wife will be devastated. The TBN group here is both highly knowledgeable and keenly practical. I value your opinions on this.
Thanks,
Leo

 

[MossRoad]

I can't offer advice on the cancer part of the issue, but I can tell you that we had a diabetic cat. He was about 14-15 years old when he developed it. I gave him insulin shots twice a day for 2 years. He didn't mind, and had great quality of life for those 2 years. I'd call him for his shot, he'd come running, I'd set him up on the kitchen counter, put a treat in front of him, he'd start eating, I'd scruff his neck, give him the shot, and he never flinched. I taught my 12-13 year old child how to give him the shots, too. Wife as well.

So take that part for what it's worth. Hope you get the other part sorted out.

 

[crashz]

Thanks Moss, so far the insulin isn't too bad to administer. I say that pretty easily because my wife has done it all! It has pep'ed him up a bit and he's not drinking as much water.

 

[Rockbadchild]

Sorry for your dog and I understand your situation, we love them like family... this might be a unpopular suggestion but I will say it... personally I wouldn't want to give daily injection to a dog especially if the process is difficult for both parties... At that age I wouldn't spend the money for the operation or treatment for the cancer... If the injections are a smooth process you could do them until the situation deteriorate then say your goodbye and put it out of its misery... That's just what I would do...

 

[crashz]

Thanks Rock, I appreciate it. The insulin is no big deal. Easy enough to do and not crazy expensive. I want to do right by the dog though. I really don't want him to suffer, but if we can fix it, I'd like to.

I have found a service called Journey's End that euthanizes pets at home. When it comes time, I think that's what we'll do.

 

[alexpops]

My deepest sympathies for your dog. Having lost a few best friends over the years, I know the pain, worries & doubts that creep in. My approach is that as long as the dog can enjoy being a dog, do what it takes within reason. When the dog can't enjoy being a dog, it's time to end the suffering, hold & comfort them at the end, & remember the joy they had for most of their too short lives. No experience with diabetes, but I have lost a dog to cancer, & my only regret is that I was out of town on business so I couldn't put her down a week earlier. Best of luck to you & maybe the specialist will have a different take.

 

[kenmbz]

Well, you have two weeks to get the blood sugar level before the consult.
Make sure if you go that way, to write down your concerns and have that with you.
Once in the Dr. office it will be more difficult to deal with the details.

Good luck and prayers this goes well.

 

[MossRoad]

I will share a little levity with you on the insulin topic. One day I scruffed the cat's neck, put the needle through the tent of skin, and injected the insulin into my thumb!

 

[crashz]

Ha! At least the needles are pretty small!

 

[Thomas]

Strong thoughts and prayers.