Molly

[Joy]

I think it's likely Molly is coming towards the end of her life. She has very many lumps including a new one which has grown alarmingly during the last week. She has very little energy but is still eating as eagerly as ever. I'm seeing the vet this afternoon to talk through options. I'm definitely bringing her home again today as I don't believe she's actively in pain, just tired. I'm not sure if the vet will suggest operating or if I can put her through this. I'll be able to think it through once I've had some advice. My instinct is that while a dog who has always enjoyed their food is still looking for it they have some quality of life.
Just feeling very sad.

 

[Jacqui-S]

So sorry to be reading this
all round.
Sad times.
xxxx

 

[Anne123]

I'm so sorry to read this!! Our forum dogs are really getting old!
A lot of hugs for you and strength the coming time. Thinking of you!

 

[Emily]

I'm so sorry, thinking of you

 

[Selina27]

My instinct is that while a dog who has always enjoyed their food is still looking for it they have some quality of life.

I agree - quality of life is everything.



How does it happen so quickly?

 

[HAH]

I’m sorry Joy, it’s so tough. I agree with your instincts, that if Molly’s appetite is still there and she seems comfortable, then there’s still a good quality of life. You know her best. I also really admire your sensible approach in talking to the vet and keeping an open mind. I’m sorry it’s so sad.

 

[Atemas]

I am so very sorry to read this Joy about dear Molly. I know you will choose the best way forward for her and I send many ‘s

 

[M.F.]

We are all in the same boat. Our darling dogs are getting old.

We’ve agreed with our vet that no more investigations or invasive treatment for Snowie. Just treating to keep him comfortable and happy, which now means chronic pain meds.

When I worry that Snowie can’t do what he used to do or has all kinds of skin lesions and lumps and bumps, I remind myself that we’d never expect an elderly human to look and act like a teenager. It helps me accept Snowie for who he is at this stage of his life and just let him be. It used to break my heart when people would say “he’s an oldie”.

Regarding the lump, Snowie had similar. @Stacia mentioned Rourke had similar and then it disappeared. No sooner had she said that, and Snowie’s disappeared, too! Our vet said lipomas can move around.

Thinking of you and Molly. xxxx

 

[Natalie]

Thinking of you Joy, hope you can give her all her favorite treats x

 

[Stacia]

Having recently (well a year) gone through the same, I would say while Molly is eating and the lump is manageable, let Molly make the decision when she has had too much, they do tell you. It is one of the saddest part of our lives to lose a beloved dog.

 

[Karen]

So sorry xx.

 

[Candy]

So sorry to hear this about your lovely Molly, Joy.
I have fond memories of you visiting us with her a few years ago. Thinking of you and sending

 

[edzbird]

Sorry to hear this @Joy. I wish you quality time with our gorgeous Molly.

 

[Cath]

Thinking of you @Joy We are going through it with Fred too x

 

[Joy]

Well the vet advised against operating to remove the lump. He said he thought it was unlikely she would survive an operation and that it would be stressful for her. Also that she has so many other lumps that it wouldn't do anything to extend her life. He examined her thoroughly and said while she doesn't have a temperature he does think there is localised infection in this particular lump. So she's on a course on antibiotics plus more antiinflammatories (Onsior) and he also told me to give her 2 paracetamol every 8 hours (which surprised me as it sounds like a high dose).

Very sadly the vet was of the opinion that Molly should be put to sleep - he says he doesn't know if she is in pain but that she is at least uncomfortable. My husabnd (who adores Molly) had already told me that he thought we'd reached the end. However the vet also commented on how mentally alert she still is and I'm finding it hard to believe we've quite reached that point. I mentioned that she still wags when we come near or stroke her and actively looks for food, to which the vet said that he thinks Molly would still want food if her leg was hanging off!!

We've got a week's worth of tablets so I'm not making a decision in a hurry.

Thank you for all the kind thoughts.

 

[Atemas]

We are going through it with Fred too

My husabnd (who adores Molly) had already told me that he thought we'd reached the end.

I so remember this with Sky. F kept telling me to prepare myself and also that we would know when the time was right - you will know that

 

[kateincornwall]

I am very sorry Joy , to read of Mollys demise My heart breaks for you , I am so glad to have met your darling girl , big hugs xxxx

 

[Lab_adore]

I am so sorry Joy

 

[Granca]

I’m so sorry, Joy. I hope the tablets work well for Molly and you have more time together.

 

[Jacqui-S]

I very much feel for you Joy, this really resonates.
The "you know when it's time" thing i don't think is always clear when your dog is in a slow decline like this.
Lilly was gobbling sprats at her final vet visit.
Things aren't going to get better for poor Molly, if its like with Lilly, its just picking a time you are all ready.
Massive hugs for you all