Hi. I'm new to this site and this is my first post. I have a wonderful 10yr old black labrador who was diagnosed with a mass cell tumour in his front paw beneath his nail bed about twelve months ago. The vet amputated one digit but sadly it returned. Another digit was removed 6 months ago but the tumour has returned and is now an open wound, weeping, bleeding and slowly getting bigger and creeping up the side of his leg. Pickles can no longer put his leg down and sadly another tumour has now appeared on one of his back paws. Again it bleeds whenever he tries to walk and the smell is beyond words. Our vet says there is no longer anything that can be done and we are devastated at having to consider saying goodbye. I wondered whether anyone else had come across this before? Our vet said it was quite common in black Labradors? Pickles hasn't been for a walk since December but is still eating and alert. He shuffles from his bed to the settee and back again. I know we are only weeks away from the end now but would welcome any thoughts or comments from anyone who may have experienced these cruel tumours in the past.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Welcome to the forum from me Helen, Hattie 6 years and Charlie 3 years, I am just so sorry it's under such sad circumstances for you and Pickles :'( I don't have any advice as I haven't experienced these nasty turmours, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am for you and that you may have to make a heart breaking decision for your boy :'(. Someone will be along to help I am sure of that. Please take care and I will be thinking about you xx :'(
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Hello , and welcome under sad circumstances I dont know enough about the subject to be able to offer any help, but my last Labrador Tess had cancer of the liver so I do understand how hard it is when Vets can no longer offer the miracle we are hoping for . I am sorry that your dear Pickles is coming towards the end of his life , they break our hearts but try to take some comfort that his life has been a good one , so sorry
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Oh I'm so sorry this sad situation has brought you to this lovely forum....I'm also very sorry that I cant offer practical help as I have Dexter 17 months old and he is my first dog,so I've no experience of your situation.Pickles is obviously a much loved member of your family,it must be heartbreaking when this time in their lives comes.I wish you strength for the decision that you may soon face :'( and always come and talk on the Forum where people will always understand. My very best wishes Angela x
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Thanks for the kind messages. I was trying to attach an image but it is too large. I feel guilty even thinking about putting him to sleep when he is still alert and eating but his quality of life is poor now and he is really looking sad. I don't want to reach the point when the tumour in his rear paw means he cannot walk at all. We thought he would be around for many years to come
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I am so sorry to read about Pickles, it is so difficult when they are mentally alert and happy but have a life limiting condition. My vet says, 'better a day too soon than a day too late' but still absolutely heart breaking for the owner. x
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I am so so sorry to read about Pickles..must be so hard for you ...my thoughts are with you xx
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I'm sorry too to hear this about your dog, and sorry I can't really help either Sad to that things don't sound very positive. I can't imagine having to make this decision either, but know you will do your best for Pickles. Jac xx
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you the warmest wishes for the strength to cope with a difficult time.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours So sorry :'( It's so hard. But can be some comfort in doing the right thing to stop your beloved dog feeling any more pain. Thinking of you.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours So sorry to hear this. Such a hard decision, but you will do what is best for Pickles, I know. Thinking of you at this hard time.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Welcome to the forum, and I am very sorry that this is such a sad introduction. Pickles is obviously a very much-loved dog; and as such you won't be afraid to take the final important step as a responsible owner, when that time comes. Those of us who have been through it know how difficult it is, and feel for you. :'(
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Hi, so sorry to welcome you under such sad circumstances. I've no experience I'm afraid of these tumours but please know I will be thinking of you and Pickles. My heart goes out to you. Jen xx
Re: Mass Cell Tumours Thank-you again for all the kind messages - I wish I had discovered this site long ago. Seems like nobody else has ever come across these nasty nail bed tumours? We have now booked a slot at the vets - next Thursday evening. Feel sick just typing that but having just spent 5 minutes mopping up Pickles' blood on the floor after he hopped from chair to garden, I feel this is the right time for him. We will be celebrating his 10th birthday on Friday and giving him a really great day Thank-you all once again for your comments.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I wish you much happiness and love in the days with your boy that are left to you together. Sending you my best hopes that things are as good as they can be.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours So sad :'( You are doing a brave thing and are putting your boy's needs first. Take a million photos and give him a billion cuddles. Bawl your eyes out on here any time you want - we all understand.
Re: Mass Cell Tumours I'm so sorry about pickles. I know what it's like to have to make that decision but you are making the right one. Remember all the fun times you had and smile about them don't be sad. Take care Jen
Re: Mass Cell Tumours As long as you stay with him right to the end he'll be fine. He won't be afraid and he won't feel anything. I've got tears in my eyes just writing that! Enjoy your week with him and have a lovely birthday celebration.
