I've had very sick dogs and have just let them sleep. I make the crate cozy and comfy in the main part of the house. I do everything I can to relax them, grooming with soft brushes lots of love and gentle strokes. The pain meds and general condition make them tired, age makes them tired healing makes them tired. They don't want to do much for the first few weeks as they heal so I them do as they like. Keep on top of their pain relief keep them warm well fed and still. I also sleep in the same area as the dog and watch them throughout the day. Time off work if you can get it too.
?Infection
- Thread starter Naya
- Start date
- Location
- SW London UK
I understand your emotion. I cried often when Homer was first diagnosed as it felt like it all came out of the blue for in every apparent way a healthy full of life energetic dog. knowing what to do is such a tough decision. 
I really am so sorry your going through this @Naya. Obviously the vet can’t give much advice on quality/quantity of life until after the biopsy but I would be asking from the scan/X-ray if there is any suggestion of what type of tumour it could be or how advanced it is. My friend‘s dog had bone cancer in her front leg. The vet called her while the dog was still anaesthetised for the X-ray. The vet knew from the X-ray it was bone cancer and quite advanced but wanted to do a biopsy to confirm. My friend declined the biopsy knowing with bone cancer and how bad the vet said the leg was that there was a very high chance the cancer had spread and chose to have Itsy put to sleep while she was still sedated so as to not put her through any more pain or stress. As others have said make a list of questions for your vet, even ask the same questions again and, I know it’s horrible and hard, but ask those difficult questions. If you have a good vet I’d hope you’ll get an honest answer. I always ask my vet “if it was your dog what would you do ?“
I'm really sorry Naya, this is a tough dilemma for you. We decided against a big operation for Poppy last year, but each situation is unique of course. We are all behind you with whatever you decide for dear Harley. I'm not surprised you are upset, it's horrible, but remember you are just trying to do the very best for your dear girl. That's all you can do.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
Emily_Babbelhund
Mama Red HOT Pepper
- Location
- Regensburg, Germany
Just sending lots of care and hugs to you and sweet Harley. It’s so hard to know what to do and all the emotions that go along with the many decisions you need to make for her care, but you are being her advocate and gathering all the information possible. That is priceless.
I would second what others have already said about the potential crate rest: you both can get through it. It’s no fun but I really think they understand in the end and it’s worth it if it means more pain-free time with your best girl.
I would second what others have already said about the potential crate rest: you both can get through it. It’s no fun but I really think they understand in the end and it’s worth it if it means more pain-free time with your best girl.
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
Thank you all. I’m feeling a bit better today and have written down some more questions for the vet for tomorrow and have started planning for her recovery. They did say that they will probably remove any tumours they find.
I’ve brought a large pen and some washable mats which we will set up in the living room. We are going to put the spare mattress in the living room so one of us can sleep with her every night. This room backs onto our garden which will help.
I’ve also brought a comfy collar / cone as she hates the big plastic ones.
I am going to set my computer up in the living room too as can only take a. Few days off work. Luckily I work from home and only need to be out a few days over the next 2 months and my OH will be home those days.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions and support.
I’ve brought a large pen and some washable mats which we will set up in the living room. We are going to put the spare mattress in the living room so one of us can sleep with her every night. This room backs onto our garden which will help.
I’ve also brought a comfy collar / cone as she hates the big plastic ones.
I am going to set my computer up in the living room too as can only take a. Few days off work. Luckily I work from home and only need to be out a few days over the next 2 months and my OH will be home those days.
I really appreciate all of your suggestions and support.
- Location
- SW London UK
Thinking of you.
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
Today Harley has been struggling a lot. This photo I took shows her pain through her facial expression. She is a very expressive dog (I think). Tonight I have got the new support harness out to try and help. It goes under her belly and has straps that I hold to help her not put too much weight on her back leg. She was hesitant at first to walk, but after a few steps turned towards me and gave me licks. It was so cute. We made it into the garden 
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
You can see that she is in pain by looking at her face! Do you think she benefits from this harnas?
- Location
- Malvern Worcestershire
Oh Naya I am so sorry. I am in exactly the same position with Rourke, it is so sad. Rourke's paw is twisted but far more advanced than Harley's. I do so hope that Harley's op will be very successful, sending my empathy. xx
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
Naya
Moderator
- Location
- Bristol, UK
I think she will benefit from it as will help take pressure off her back leg. The vet suggested it for after surgery, but we thought we would see if it helps her before, plus helps her get used to it.
It’s this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07MXCF3MB?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
I'm so sorry Naya, I hope the surgery really helps 
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
I am so sorry. Huge cuddles to you both. How did she handle the anaesthetic? Baby steps and everything is crossed here that her surgery helpsx
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire