RE: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona

I used Orajel when I cut into the tumor last week. I donât know if it helped or not. Arizona is such an awesome dog. She has a high tolerance for pain. As I said before, she is a rescue that someone just threw out on the street when they decided that a tiny little dog was better for them. During her time with them, she was shot in the eye with a paintball gun, with the ball lodged in the lower eyelid. She received no medical attention. She loves me and would never consider growling when Iâm providing care to her. Although, there is no doubt she would lay down her life for me. We used her as a lifestock guardian when we lived on the farm. She almost killed another one of our dogs when she saw him heading toward the doggie door at our house. It was very early (just about dawn) in the morning. We had shaved down Ralphie the night before (heâs a mixed Irish Wolfhound-English Sheepdog). She was outside and didnât know he was shaved. All she saw was a threat to her family. Blew flew. I screamed. But Ralphie survived, and we all learned a lesson on that one.

I think Arizona would really miss her tail. Iâve heard having a dogâs tail amputated can be difficult for them. I donât know. All I know is that this tumor is right at the base of the tail. Perhaps I should ask the vet â if it were his dog, what would he do?

From: owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org [mailto:owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org] On Behalf Of Amy Bailey
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 11:43 AM
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Subject: RE: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona

My dogs are very vain about their tails, Charlie went into hiding when I cut too much fur off to get rid of burrs. He would suffer a great deal if he lost his tail. How does Arizona react about hers?

Is she in pain now? She will be if the surgery takes place even if the physical pain is only for a few days, although it can certainly be treated with medication while she heals. You mentioned that she let you use a scalpel to drain the lump, I assume you did not numb it first, so she is either very stoic or already bothered a great deal by this lump. Is this the only tumor? My Sofee, a blond lab mix, did not show any signs of illness until she developed a cough, but had extensive lung cancer which had spread to her liver and spine. Sometimes there is no clue of a problem until almost the end.

I wish you could ask Arizona and have her tell you what she understands and wants â that is the toughest part of the decision â you can only look at the brown eyes and guess what she is trying to tell you. Donât rush and the right decision for both of you will come. See if Arizona can tell you what to do. And give her her favorite treats while you decide!

From: owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org [mailto:owner-pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org] On Behalf Of Bea Stephens
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 10:29 AM
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Subject: [pyrnet] Update on Arizona

I took Arizona back to the vet on Friday. It looks like she has a cancerous tumor â right at the base of her tail. It doesnât look good. The vet says that he can try to remove it, but she will lose her tail. Has anyone dealt with something like this before? Sure could use some input from my pyr friends on this one.

Arizona is 8 years old, and is a rescue that someone just threw away. She has severe allergies and a possible immune system problem. Weâve struggled with multiple ear infections, skin infections, etc. Right now, sheâs beautiful â no skin problems and her ears are clear. All except this growth on her tail. I donât want her to suffer. The vet says even if he removes the tumor and her tail, there is no guarantee that it wonât grow back. I think he feels my pain. He didnât charge me for Fridayâs visit.