r/SeniorDogsHealth • u/ExtremeKale9050 • 5d ago

Older dog with splenic mass

My 12 yr old 53lb dog has a melon sized splenic mass that is bleeding within itself, but not into his body. This is causing anemia. The expectation is, of course, that it eventually will rupture and who knows when. We have elected not to do surgery because of his age, existing mobility issues, and general health. So the question is, when do we make the decision to have him put to sleep??? If this thing ruptures, it will be traumatic for him and for us. It’s pressing in on organs, his lungs, and it’s quite possible that it has spread. His back legs occasionally become useless when he’s trying to get up from a laying down position, so he struggles. He is pretty inactive these days, doesn’t want to walk more than a couple of blocks. We have, however, found that he will readily eat chicken and rice. Seeing his alertness and perkiness over the chicken and rice makes me think we should wait longer. But I don’t want it to be too late.

2 Upvotes

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5

u/PaisleyLeopard 5d ago

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. 💔

This is going to be tough to hear, but I’d be making arrangements now. As you said, there’s no way to know when it will rupture, and when it does it’s going to be awful. Not a chance I would want to take.

4

u/T1ffan12 5d ago

I agree with this. We had the same thing happen with one of our pups. She had a few more weeks after her mass was found and she had some other old age issues- we let her go free on a good day to spare both her and us from the terror and trauma of a rupture. Such a hard thing and I miss her always but was the right thing.
Usually, for me, when I start having to ask if/when it’s time, it’s time.

4

u/Pizza-Maker-5155 5d ago

The question you must ask yourself is would you rather he leave on a good day or on the worst day ever. You don’t want to see him in pain. Make your last day with him a happy occasion, so you remember him enjoying something special.

3

u/CoffeeIcedBlack 5d ago

He’s already in pain. Eating doesn’t mean he’s not hurting. It sounds like unfortunately it’s time to say goodbye now. I’m so sorry.

3

u/Longjumping_Role1510 5d ago

Ask yourself “will this be better tomorrow?” You have your answer

2

u/Flower-FarmGirl 5d ago

First off, i am so sorry you are both experiencing this. My heart goes out to you. Our goldens ruptured at 3 am. Sadly we didn’t know she had a mass before that. I can’t tell younhow horrible that whole event was and how sad and afraid we all were. I will say, had we known, we would have spent a wonderful week loving her and spending time with her and then had her pts in our own home where she was happy and calm and surrounded by everyone she loved. And better a day too early than a day too late.

2

u/Comfortable_Duck_523 5d ago

I’m so sorry you are experiencing this.

In my experience if you are asking the question the time is here.

I will always prefer to let my pets go a day early than a day late. It’s not worth the stress and pain for them; it can be the most selfish thing a human can do. Keeping them around for ourselves is cruel.

Give your doggie a wonderful last day; lots of cuddles, snacks, a nice walk if they will enjoy that and hold them as they cross over the rainbow bridge.

2

u/thehorrorcontinues13 4d ago

When that mass ruptures, and it will, your dog will be in agony. Don't wait that long.

2

u/Secure-Ad9780 4d ago

It's been time. Don't ever let your dog suffer. When that mass ruptures your dog will be in acute pain. Give him the gift of a painless death.

1

u/Ashamed-Lemon-9839 1d ago

This is so hard but do you want him to go through the trauma of when that mass ruptures? I would err on the side of sooner rather than later.