~Anne~

A pug without a doubt, they're bombproof with children. Their reactions are very predictable normally. As someone else mentioned though, they're not really up to a lot of rough and tumble although I have certainly met a few more robust characters in the past.

Glad to see they like them!

Thanks everyone. I agree that there is no easy decision. The worst is not knowing what it is. He has another smaller lesion that hasn't changed in size in 8 weeks and another of his liver, which also hasn't changed. This latest one wasn't really expected. The initial ultrasound was done after he had several grade 1 and grade 2 MCTs develop. Most in the last 6 -7 months. The vet wanted to ensure there was no spread. The first ultrasound showed 2 small lesions which the vet said could be anything and nothing. An oncologist advised that chemo for the MCTs was not going to prevent anymore growing, and given they were mostly low grade, it wasn't necessary so we took a wait and see and re-test approach. We are now 8 weeks further on. It might be benign, it might be an MCT related growth or it might be a hemangiosarcoma. Unless we put him through invasive surgery, we won't know. Sorry, I'm really just writing it all out to get it organised in my head. Fingers crossed for the next 8 weeks.

Thanks Shcnauzer. I might pick your brains about it all a bit more after the next ultrasound which seems it ill be crunch time.

How old is Boof Anne? If he's not a young dog, think hard before subjecting him to splenectomy. if it's in his spleen, chances are its elsewhere too. He turned 10 in November. I'd love any knowledge you have on this. It is a new area to me and my research is turning up some scary stuff. At least if I understand all the different outcomes and options I can feel better about the choices I make in regards to treatment. The guy doing the ultrasound yesterday said the growth was 4cm in diameter but the vet hits morning said it was around 3.5cm . It seems if it's not removed regardless of it being benign or malignant there is a very high risk of bleed which I don't like the sound of.

Ok, I've now spoken with the Vet and I am feeling a little better. The biggest concern is a bleed from the cancer. They can't be sure it is a mast cell tumour or if it is a hemangiosarcoma. The latter carries much more risk of internal haemorrhage. The options are to remove the spleen entirely or to watch and re-test again. Obviously there is a risk with surgery and it is a big operation to remove his spleen. Pros and cons - it may be a MCT which has a longer life expectancy and less chance of a major bleed. It may be a hemangiosarcoma and grow rapidly or spread. After a lengthy and informative discussion we have decided to monitor it and do another ultra sound in 8 weeks again. If it is much larger, we will remove his spleen. If it is the same we will discuss our intervention options and watch carefully for any signs of a bleed.

I can't believe so much has happened since my last few posts. We've lost Monte, his condition was more sinister than we realised, and Boof has continued with problems. An initial ultrasound 8 weeks ago showed some lesions on his spleen. And our follow up ultrasound done today was not so good. Boof has a new and even larger lesion on his spleen. It indicates we are dealing with a spread of his cancer. It is likely we will operate to remove the lesion. I am yet to have a considered conversation with his vet but the options do not look great.

I can't believe more than 5 weeks has passed. We now have a new routine and life continues on. It's not the same though. I love watching the videos of Monte. I wish I knew how I could put them up here so others can share and see his sweetness.

I have two plastic beds I am happy to give to you if you want to try them. They're a medium size. This is a pic of the type although the sides of mine are a fraction lower. I purchased then from PetBarn and I don't use them. They have been used a couple of times. I also have foam pieces to fit in them, you just need to make covers for the foam. Message me if you're interested.

Wow, what a great idea Krislin. It looks good.

They keep them all? How many have they rescued?

Agree. Particularly the point made about the DOL bubble. The reality is that the show is a representation of public opinion. Why not take an opportunity to influence that opinion? I hope a rescue or breeder grabs the opportunity and that the producer works a way in for some subtle promotion.

Post the suggestion in the rescue threads Bovva. There maybe a rescue who has a litter of puppies and perhaps would welcome a chance at a spot of promotion?

What a strange name for a rescue.

There seems to be an impression amongst rescuers that grants will be offered for bottom line running costs. Even if you ran the best education service, targeted at the disabled, who are involved in the arts, are female, low socio economic and indigenous (a conglomeration of popular criteria for funding grants) you will rarely be successful if you apply for basic or bottom line running costs. There is a purpose for grants and a certain style required for applying although style acceptance varies amongst philanthropic orgs.

When I operated my rescue I didn't charge for surrenders and I had a flat fee for adoptions of $300.

Im happy to offer my experience and skill in writing applications for anyone wanting to go down that path. There are grants available, not a lot, but there are some that crop up.

In NSW i believe you would be applying under GIPA, not FOI. From memory, I think an application to access under GIPA is approximately $80 isn't it?

I am so sorry to read your sad news. Kobe was obviously very much loved. Rest in peace Kobe.

Great news.

Those poor little dogs. What an awful thing to happen. Thankfully the neighbour took control. It sounds like to could have been much worse otherwise. No advice on the other sorry.

My Monte had a vestibular episode in January. Although now we believe it was caused by something more serious. He acted as though he had a lot of pain around his head. The vet thought he may have have been suffering from an inflammation of the spinal chord. 24 hrs later the eye flickering started and he couldnt stand. He looked so stressed. He didn't vomit a lot, and only did regularly when he drank water. He couldn't toilet without being supported and his swallowing wasnt very good in the beginning. I walked him with a harness to help him toilet and watched him closely while he ate. He was very thirsty in the beginning. I'm not sure why. Maybe it was stress? Anyway, to cut a long story short he took more than 5 weeks before he could manage a stair or two and his head tilt never left him. Initially I had been researching and realised it was very likely for it to occur again. Monte's neuro said to leave a light on for him as his apparently helps when they are experiencing balance issues.

Actually I think that might be incorrect. The companion animals act states you have to deliver stray dogs to your local pound, have the local ranger collect or deliver the dog to the nearest vet. That would mean the vet is obligated to take it.

It depends on how long they have been in for. If not long, the wound obviously won't have healed enough and may reopen as the stitches might pull out. Many small infections will correct on their own when the stitches are removed. Still, I wouldn't feel comfortable that infection was present and I think you should take him in today.

I also came across a fussy eater in rescue but they were largely few and far between. I love that I can medicate a sick pug with ease. Many times I haven't even tried to hide a tablet and just offered it like a treat and it's been swallowed without a thought. :laugh: