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Dog with CHF now has mouth tumor...when to say goodbye.

My 12 year old cavalier was diagnosed many years ago with a heart murmur. 45 days ago he entered full CHF. He is on the typical meds.  I thought he was doing well.  Coughing all but stopped.  But, he was peeing  as he walked around the house.  He doesn't seem to notice.  Today's appointment showed the meds were apparently working and managing the CHF, but wait hold on, what's that....he has developed a tumor in his mouth about the size of the top section of my pinky.  It wasn't there at his last appointment.  My vet always checks his mouth and ears etc at each follow up.  They have taken a biopsy, but expects it will be a  Melonoma.  My vet said surgery and chemo would normally be next, if it is cancer, but at this stage it would be too much for my little cavalier.  The vet said to let them know whenever I am ready to let go.  Of course, waiting on the biopsy, but between the CHF and a growing tumor, how long do I wait?   He sleeps allot and pees all over, lol.  But he is so happy to see us and be with us.  I can't leave the room without my shadow,  He doesn't play nor does he cry.  He stumbles allot when trying to walk too fast, and falls over when he poops as his hind legs have been weak and shaky for a long time, so he loses his balance.  He has been deaf for a while and doesn't have very good depth perception.  We are all used to it now.  The doctor asks how is his quality of life...idk, he sleeps allot, and interacts with us and does not seem to be in pain.  I have arthritis and am uncomfortable most of the day, but how do I correlate uncomfortable for a dog?   Could use some thoughts...
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974371 tn?1424653129
I think, in you heart, you will know.  None of us want them to suffer.  Hugs
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Avatar universal
"When the day came that he did not want to go for his walk and was laying in his bed just looking at me, I knew it was time to let him go.   ". That really helped me
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974371 tn?1424653129
Ah, I am so sorry.  Seems like a long time tto have to wait for a biopsy. I know these can be benign or malignant and is one of the most common cancers in dogs.  Actually, I thunk I read some time ago, they have a vaccine for Melanomas but a Canine Oncologist would have to administer it, I am sure.  With your dog's other health issues and age, not sure if that would be feasible.  
I can understand your tears.  If you need to cry then do that.  I had a 12 1/2 year old Greyhound diagnosed with Lymphoma.  That is a fast moving Cancer and life expectancy can be only a few weeks.  I did catch it early and he had no other health issues.  I decided not to do any treatments, spall of which carry side effects, and opted for palliative care.  He was in no pain and was still able to enjoy his daily walks, etsc.  I changed his diet and added supplements and he survived another 6 months.  The lymph glands in his neck got huge and I am sure it went to his lungs.  When the day came that he did not want to go for his walk and was laying in his bed just looking at me, I knew it was time to let him go.  
Hard decisions.  I hope that you take the time to find some enjoyment and happiness in your day.  Hugs.
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Avatar universal
Thank you. Cried all night last night. 2 weeks to wait on biopsy
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974371 tn?1424653129
Ah, so sorry to read this.  Very hard to watch our beloved pets get old.  He sure has a lot going on.  I have had to make these difficult decisions in the past and it never gets any easier.  Agree with your Vet.  For me, it does come down to a quality of life issue.  Unfortunately, digs can't tell us how they are feeling but you know they have to, often times, be miserable.  This growth in the mouth sounds like it will just add more discomfort and may affect his ability to eat comfortably?  Unless he has some major issue that presents itself, only you can make that decision as you know your dog best.  I will say it again, it is often the last act of kindness we can do for them in giving them a peaceful passing.  Hugs.  
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