Help need a second opinion on dogs health

[Anastasiasmithdh]

My dog Ragga is 14 years old he is a Staffordshire bull terrier cross an English bull terrier over the last few weeks he has been losing weight, so I took him to the vets. One of his scrotum is enlarged but apparently this is not a problem, the vet did some blood tests and all came back normal, he hasn't got kidney or liver failure, diabetes or any type of liver or kidney disease. After doing x-rays and a ultrasound scan the vet said he had a swelling in the abdominal area but she couldn't tell what it was from the scans, it could be his spleen or his liver; however she said there were abnormal spots on his liver that she could see from the scans she told us she could do a biopsy to find out what it was but as the dog is so old it may be pointless, because if it's his liver there would be nothing she could do, if it was his spleen she could remove it, he was being sick before we took him to the vets for about 2 weeks when he ate his dry food however again he has bad teeth as he is old so when I tried feeding him soft things like scrambled egg and chicken he was fine as long as we didn't give him large amounts, since we took him to the bets she has told us to take him home and feed him whatever he wants and just keep him comfortable and keep an eye on wether he is in pain or not. I still have a lot of unanswered questions because I don't feel as if we've really been told anything as like I said she doesn't know if it's his spleen or a tumour in the liver, after he's just been laid with me I felt a swelling on the right side of his body just below his ribs, also he has a tendancy for eating foil thats been put in the bin could this cause a swelling somewhere? The veg said it could also be the intestines what could this be? I suppose my question is is is there anything we can do? Should I take him to another vet or just wait until he's suffering and put him down? Obviously the I don't want to do that but I don't want him to suffer, has anyone any idea what this swelling could be? Is the spleen or the liver on the right side? Thanks for any replies I get it is greatly appreciated.

[chrissa1]

I'm afraid it sounds like he is coming to the end of his life. 14 years old is a good age. Just look after him. You will know when the time is right, just like I did with my old Lab Charlie.

[Anastasiasmithdh]

Thanks crissa1 x

[wolf63]

Even if the spleen could be removed it is a big operation for an older dog.

Let the vet guide you - they don't want their patient to suffer. If there is no hope then you have to decide when his quality of life is not so good - this is never easy to do and will cause emotional pain to you. But as chrissa says 14 is a good age for a dog.

[paddywak]

I'm sorry anastasia but I have to agree with chrissa. Max my GSD who was just turned 10 was diagnosed with spleenic tumour.He was operated on and was making a good recovery then he lost the use of his back legs and we had to let him go. Please do the best you can for him but when the time comes please don't hesitate, just let him go with peacefully with dignity.

[2ndhandrose]

I really feel sad for you, when anyone's beloved dog gets old it is the hardest thing in the world to decide what to do for the best. I believe you are doing all you can & that you must be guided by your vet. 14 is a very good age for any dog to reach so he is an old man now and as long as he is still showing an interest in eating and drinking is probably not suffering too much (surgery is probably not an option). You will know when he has decided to give up the struggle, then will be the time for you to decide to help him move on from this realm into the next. It is a horrendous decision, but as it is clear your love for him is great
you will know your'e saying goodbye for the right reasons. Be brave when the time comes.

[woofgang]

I think the vet has told you not in so many words. 14 is old age for a dog, treatment for whatever he has is likely to be too much for him to stand physically and also very stressful. Love him, spoil him and then let him go x

[Brinjal]

I am sorry for you and your poor doggy. As the the others have said all you can do is continue to care for him and love him and when it comes time be brave and send him on his way.

[lankeela]

Please don't wait till he is suffering! Remember - better a day too soon than a moment too late. He has given you fourteen wonderful years, you owe it to him to do the right thing. An operation at his age is not a viable option and he will just go more downhill. Look in his eyes and see if he is telling you it is time to let him go with dignity.

[CatGirl4]

I agree with lankeela.That's a great age,equal to 98 in human terms.