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Jennifer

Jennifer

@Naya I’m so sorry your all in this very difficult position of trying to work out what’s best for Harley. It does sound like you have very caring, understanding vets and hopefully if they didn’t think the operation was worth doing they wouldn’t put Harley through it. Sorry if I’ve missed this earlier in the thread but have they said what the mast cells could be other than a tumour ? I can only repeat what @HAH said the important thing is what’s right for you and Harley‘s quality of life. Whatever your decision it’s the right one. :hug:
 
Joy

Joy

Location
East Sussex
This is a tough decision for you, but it seems to make sense to do both ops at once. I suppose there's no chance they could remove the tumour rather than just biopsy? I'm thinking it would be one less anaesthetic for your dear girl. (Thinking back to Molly who had needle aspiration and then lump removal with no biopsy.) xx
 
Naya

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
I’m really struggling today. I am probably overthinking things but I am questioning if we made the right decision. I’m worried about having to have her on complete rest for at least 6 weeks as she’s an active dog even with a ruptured Achilles tendon. She will have to be confined to a small space where she can’t get on furniture or beds and only out for a wee on lead. She hates crates or being blocked in. Her arthritis on her front left is quite big and she now has it in her front right elbow. Also adding in the concerns about the mast cells. I’ve broke down a few times today as am scared about making the wrong decision for her. How do I move forward.
 
edzbird

edzbird

Location
Isle of Man
I'm sorry you and Harley are going through this. Jaqui's right about mental games for Harley, they will get you both through 6 weeks rest in a flash. Is it possible to have another chat woth the Vet re the implications of the mast cells?
How is Harley otherwise? Ultimately, listen to her. She will let you know the way forward. We are very in tune with our Dogs.
 
HAH

HAH

Moderator
Location
Devon, UK
Naya said:
I’m really struggling today. I am probably overthinking things but I am questioning if we made the right decision. I’m worried about having to have her on complete rest for at least 6 weeks as she’s an active dog even with a ruptured Achilles tendon. She will have to be confined to a small space where she can’t get on furniture or beds and only out for a wee on lead. She hates crates or being blocked in. Her arthritis on her front left is quite big and she now has it in her front right elbow. Also adding in the concerns about the mast cells. I’ve broke down a few times today as am scared about making the wrong decision for her. How do I move forward.
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These are all reasonable, loving concerns and you’re overthinking because that’s a normal response to a really traumatic time. With the mast cell concerns, could you note these down to talk to your vet about early next week?
And on the restricted exercise and confined space, Harley will adjust very quickly - to begin with, she’ll likely welcome some quiet rest time to recuperate, and there are lots of activities and resources like We Need You! 101 ideas for things to do on restricted exercise. The GREAT forum Summer Challenge! that can help keep her entertained when she’s feeling stronger. You can do little things like make a sniff box for her where you fill a cardboard box from things outside, maybe from one of her regular walks - grass, stones, leaves - and she can have a sensory drink once in a while.
Can you talk to friends/family about your worries? It’s so tough when you feel it’s all on your shoulders.
 
Candy

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
Location
West Yorkshire, UK
So sorry you're going through this @Naya , it must be very difficult.
I don't know if this will be any help at all, but Solstice, our previous Lab had to have cruciate ligament surgery when she was eight and we were told six weeks of crate rest afterwards, absolutely no running or jumping, gentle on lead walks only, much the same advice as you've been given. We were dreading it. She was a very lively, full on dog, who had never been crated, nor really had any restrictions at all and we were so worried about how she (and we) would cope. Well, the answer is that she did and so did we. It wasn't exactly easy, but it also wasn't nearly as bad as we'd feared. We were very careful with her and followed the vet's instructions to the letter and eventually the six weeks had passed and we were able to gently and cautiously start returning to normal. As others have suggested here, we did play some new and gentle games with her....I seem to remember that was when we discovered Kongs, amongst other things, and somehow the time passed and we all got through it and although I really, really hope I never have to do that again, I think that if I did I would be less worried the second time. Sorry, long and rambling post that may well be of no help whatsoever, but I think what I'm trying to say is that sometimes the worry about something is worse than when it actually happens, if that makes any sense. Thinking about you. :hug:
 
Loraseal

Loraseal

Location
The Hague, The Netherlands
I am sorry you are having to go through this. The worry glasses we wear through this difficult period seem make our over thinking go to warp speed. You are bound to feel overwhelmed and we know you only want the best for Harley. Don't worry about the rest as it can be done. It's just a different thought process. Imagine a 5 month pup on 6 week rest and 3 month restricted exercise. You find alternatives and will be surprised at how easy they adapt. Be kind to yourself. Write down your concerns and then read them back to yourself after an hour. You know what is right for Harley and follow your gut feeling.
We are all here for you xx
:hug: :hug:
 
Joy

Joy

Location
East Sussex
It's a horrible position for you to be in and of course you want to make the right choice for dear Harley. I can see that your worry is that the cancer may turn out to be so advanced as to be untreatable. But it equally might be a lump that can be removed with good margins leaving Harley cancer-free. You just can't know until the biopsy but to leave the achilles tendon untreated doesn't sound feasible. As others have said you are sure to do your best to make the recovery time pass as well as it can for Harley - and time will pass. I'm so sorry you have to face this. xx
 
Granca

Granca

Don’t worry too much about the rest period as, with mind games to keep her busy when she’s not snoozing, Harley will probably adjust well. As with Candy’s Solstice, our collie-x Amber had six weeks of crate rest after her cruciate ligament op. She was still a very active dog, even though she was eleven, but she adapted well and we got through it. Do have another chat with your vet about any other concerns - there‘s so much involved in determining the best way forward.

Thinking of you. :hug:
 
M

M.F.

I’m so sorry about this worry. I’d also be beside myself. It’s easy looking on from the outside, but so difficult when it’s happening to you.

I haven’t had the identical experience to you, but there have been times when Snowie couldn’t go out for a walk (eg Covid hard lockdown when we were housebound for a few months, illegal to walk in the streets!). I find that when I’m in a state of despair, I can’t remember any fun indoor things to do. What helps is writing up a program and putting it on the fridge. Then, when I’m despairing for how to entertain Snowie, I look at the program and it tells me: 9am - Game 1 <description>. 9.05am - Game 2 <description>. 9.10am - chewy on bed.

I got this idea from the dog physio when we had to do specific exercises for his back. It was amazing how I’d forget what exercises I could do! We still have the sticky on our fridge (been years!), and every now and then I refer to it when Snowie is antsy and I need him to settle down.

Oh, and we have learned to keep a stock of treats! I keep meaning to make my own, but I’m too lazy!!
 
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