Am I doing the right thing?

[ArlieCobb]

Hello,
We recently found a tumor on our elderly Husky / Retriever mix, Charlie.  It is on his tummy and about the size of a duck egg.  I immediatly took him to the vet and they comfirmed.  Of course they were ready for me to spend $$$$ for the removal with no promises of full recovery.
I did alot of research and discovered that even if we have the tumor removed, his life expentancy post surgery is about 6 months.  He is currently eating & drinking normally.  It hasn't slowed down his activity.  (he hasn't been told he is an older dog yet, he still trys to behave a though he were a puppy)  He doesn't seem to be in pain, since he lets me clip and clean the area.  He is still alert, happy and Loving.  He doesn't have arthritis, heart worms or any other elderly canine problems.  
I have decided not to put him through having the tumor removed.  I don't want the last of his memories being that of discomfort.  His tumor has an open, bleeding wound.  At first I thought it was caused by Charlie licking at it because it itched.  I thought if I could get the wound on the tumor to heal, I could let him live out the rest of his life normally.  Preferrably more than 6 months.  He will let me know when it's time for the next step.  I have kept it clean and put antibiotics on it, but I can't seem to get a scab to stay.  I have an E-collar for when I am not home to keep him busy.  I have T-shirts on him while he is in the house to keep it clean and keep him from making it any worse while I am home.
My question is, will this wound heal?  Or am I just making things worse?  I am in denial?  Does anyone have any
suggestions?  

Thanks for you thoughts and support.

Sue & Charlie

[ArlieCobb]

Thank you for your thoughts.  
I have called and spoken with a couple of Vets out of town.  I discussed all of the information the Vets here in town gave me and asked the same questions.  For the most part, I got pretty much the same answers.  However these Vets were kind enough to give me the post surgery information due to his age and maybe another option.
I have an appointment with one this weekend, he will examine him and see if there is a way we can do this under local anastetic.  It's a lot easier on Charlies body & health, no overnight stay and about $800.00 cheaper.  
If the Vet is unable to go with the simpler option, I will bring him home and keep him close until his eyes tell me its time for the final journey.
But as of today, he hasn't changed.  He still wants to run and play, his appetite is normal and he puts up with having to wear t-shirts rather than the E-collar while I am away.  His only change has been in the amount of Water he drinks.  His water consumption has tripled.  None of the Vets seemed to think that was an issue.
Again, Thank you for Sharing, I will keep you posted.

Sue & Charlie

[smiley733]

I think you may need to travel a little farther than around town as it appears the vets in your area do not have the best interests in your hound that you do.  I agree that if the opening will stay open then maybe like the others surgery will either help them or take them to the Rainbow bridge.  I know the pain you are facing as we had to make a decision about our 12 year old Greyhound and the final was to let her go.  I think we as people try to keep our pets alive at all costs but remember they can't talk so sometimes when they are pain they will still play and appear in good health.  I am not trying to be negative but the truth is keeping our pets longer does not explain to the dogs why they are so sick after surgery and the Kemo is not fun either.  I hope you all the best and for your hound as well.  I know that the decision you make will be will be for your pet and not for you.

[ArlieCobb]

I have spoken to the local vets in regards to alternatives and price.  We are in a small town so there are only 3 available.  It's upsetting to me that none of them ever mentioned the wound would never heal.  They didn't both to mention the part about post surgery life expectancy of 6 months either.  It's good to know there's the possiblity of more.  
He will be 13 this year.
Thank you for your support and suggestions and Thank you for Sharing.  

[scotty2]

I had a similar event with my Scotty.  She developed a large tumor on her face which continued to bleed no matter what I or the vet did.  She had to wear an elizabethan collar so she wouldn't scratch at it.  But because she had such short legs the collar got in the way of her eating and going up and down stairs.  After about 4 months I finally decided to let her have surgery to remove the tumor.  I have to tell you, this dog was 12 years old and also had bladder cancer, but I decided on the surgery because I wanted her to enjoy her last months of life.  If she passed during the surgery I would accept that because I was doing for her what I thought best.  Anyway - she had the surgery, came thru with flying colors and lived another 18 months able to eat and go up and down the stairs without that collar and also feeling better simply because the tumor was not there anymore.  She just passed (with my help) this past January due to the bladder cancer.  I can't tell you what to do as it is ultimately your decision.  I just wanted to share.  Good Luck and give your boy a big pat on the head for me.

[Jaybay]

No, the wound will not heal.  As the tumor grows ever larger, it just keeps rupturing through the skin.  Why not make some calls to other vet clinics to find a better price on the surgery?  If your objective is to keep him comfortable, I think he'd be a lot more comfy without that tumor constantly leaking, and having to wear t-shirts and e-collars.