So sorry Helena I know just how you are feeling I had to take Max but I had to have Gorden with me I couldn't do it alone,he also wanted to be with him anyway because he had seen us through some tuff times.
I understand your'e needing to do it on your own though,we are all different but don't give up hope just yet see what the other specialist has to say Friday,then go from there.
I can only say sorry you know you can pm me if you want too and sending (((Hugs))).xxx

Thanks Marie. I see what you're saying, but there is no infection there, I asked himthat last Friday but he said no because she had no temperature rise and her bloods are completely normal. The test result wshich is inconclusive states there is inflammation there, so yes, there might be a slim chance it can be sorted, and obviously I would go down that road if, and only IF, this other bod tells me it's worth the risk. I've been here before with a 13 yr. old bitch who one vet wanted to put to sleep there and then, but I wouldn't let him, I went for a 2nd opinion, who said they couldn't put a beautiful dog like her to sleep without giving her a chance, and she lived a further 3 years with a good quality of life. It's the quality of life thing that is most important to me and her. I had the same thing with the horse, the quality of life thing, and it's very, very important not to let your animal suffer or be unhappy or in pain. Dave will comme with me I'm sure, so he can listen whilst I sob my heart out in front of the vet. I do listen though, I don't let emotions get on top of me, just happens that I'm in floods of tears about the fear of losing my best friend. I only want to do the best for her in the end, and if she has to go, then I want to be with her, not just leave her to go off with a stranger and never see her again, is that being selfish then?? Perhaps so, but I love her dearly and want to be near her when she goes.

Oh Helena I don't know what to say, I'm so sorry, this is such a terrible time for you, poor Cassie, I'm absolutly positive you will do what's best for her, big ((((HUGS)))) for both of you.
Christine

I know what you mean, tobys started as a swelling and was tiny.
He had no temperature and to start with thought it was a reaction to an injection.
They said imflammation and he was on metacam but until they did the biopsy it didn't show up as infection.
His was too big to remove it as there wasn't enough skin to close the wound, hence trying to get the swelling down 1st to a size it could be taken away.
The vet has told me it could be autoimmune problem and will look in to if it happens again, could cassie have an autoimmune problem and not know about it.
When they did the needle biopsy they told me the pathologist said it had markers which could indicate cancerous cells but it turned out not to be.
Tob was un reponsive untill he started feeling generally better, how long has she had it h?
His was tiny and grew full hand palm size in about 1 week, it then progress to under his skin like a collar because the stuff he was on wasn't getting rid of it.

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I think you know in your own mind what the picture is. It is like a sixth sense isn't it. I went through the same in february and I knew what was to come even though the vet said he may live a little longer on meds. But I realized my boy had had enough and I would only be keeping him going for myself, his quality of life was so poor. It is so hard but I am sure you will know what is right for Cassie.

SEnding you hugs and thoughts. I know you will make the right decision for Cassie. If you read these threads you will see how much support you have here and how much faith people have in you.It must be the worst decision to have to make, sending you strength for Friday.......

Sorry you've been through this too Heather, I hope you're over the worst now, it's so hard to let them go isn't it. Thanks for your kind thoughts for us.

Sounds very similar doesn't it Marie? Yes, Cassie has an ai disease coz she's had EPI since she was 5 and that stems from an AI disease. This man will know on Friday what's best for her. This lump is sooooo huuge though and they've probably got the same problem as you did with Tobe's not enough skin left to stitch it back up. It's an old wound/injury which originally blew up like a football 6 years ago and the vet drained it then. That's the problem according to the vet, the fact that it's an old injury, and he says it will just come back even if they do remove it and because of her age etc. etc. Do I really want to put her through this? I will definitely stay quiet on Friday, sit and listen to his every word and make my mind up then I think. They obviously will want to do the best for her won't they, and if it's the best for her to let her go, then that's what I'll have to do.

I just bathed it again, it's very hot and angry. I'm wondering why she hasn't been given any AB's to help out, but then again, she was on them for a week last week and they didn't help. Luckily she's on Metacam for her hind legs, which are now very, very stiff, again very abnormal for her to be this bad on them. She's not looking good at all, poor little lambikins, I've hugged her to death and bathed her eyes which are also clagging up now. She's just terrorised a neighbour at the gate though, so she's still on form!

Thanks to all of you for your comforting words of support, I know you all know how I'm feeling, most of you, sadly, have all been here before just like me and somehow we get through it don't we.

I am sure you will make the right decision Helen, but dont be rushed into doing anything on Friday, take a couple of days or a week, but not too long if you think she has no quality of life. It is for ourselves that we hang on to our beloved pets. I know it is heartbreaking, but you have to do what is best for Cassie. Cassie doesn`t know what is going to happen, it is just another trip to the vets for her. We suffer more anguish as owners. I really do feel for you, having gone through this myself.

Big hugs Helena, I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner but I'm still feeling very raw after losing both Flex and Mishka so I'm sure you'll understand that I'm finding it a little difficult. But, we are all here for you honey and you know you'll do what you have to do for her when the time comes..because that's what we do, we care for our dogs so much and we do whatever is the best for them, no matter how painful it may be for us. You'll find the strenght you need to...if you need to. Hopefully it may be something that they can sort. Keeping everything crossed for Friday.

Take care Hun XX

Oh Aitch, I'm so sorry to hear the news. I had high hopes when she seemed to be improving. My heart goes out to you, it really does. Will be thinking of you on Friday and know you will do what's best for Cassie. Good luck and you know where we are if you need us. Please give her a hug from me. xx