My Dog Tug's Battle with Melanoma

by Shelley
(New Mexico)

My dog Tug (a laborador mix) had a tumor from the top of his paw removed. After a biopsy he was diagnosed with an aggressive melanoma.

The tumor came up over night and within one day it was the size of a grape. We continued to watch him for other tumors and have his lungs x-rayed on a regular schedule.

At this point, he was also suffering from severe arthritis. I was actually worried more about the arthritis. He was having more difficulty getting up and down and was taking pain pills several times a day.

About two months ago two more tumors showed up on his leg about 4 inches from the original tumor. It showed up quickly and by the time I noticed them they were about the size of a plum and large marble. Because of his severe arthritis and age (12, almost 13), we made a decision to keep him as comfortable as possible until we felt it necessary to euthanize him.

As the weeks passed we noticed a decrease in energy, activity, appetite. It became harder and harder for him to get up and get down. The tumor got larger and about a month ago began ulcerating. Tug became obsessed with licking it so I know it must have been bothering him.

I began to struggle with the decision to have him put down. Wondering when the time was right. My grown children and husband kept saying it was time, I just couldn't call it.

Last week I suddenly realized it was time. I called the vet last Tuesday and we took him in on Wednesday morning. I still think he could have lived a few more weeks, but I also know his pain and suffering would have got worse. I stayed with him during the euthanasia which was painful because it took a while to get him relaxed (he was always terrified of being in the vet's office and became very agitated and hyper).

However, I am glad I stayed with him although the image of his last moments are haunting me. I think I am progressing through the usual steps of grief - dealing with guilt now and wondering about my decision. I know I did the right thing intelligence-wise but my heart is so broken.

Tug is the fourth pet I have had with cancer. It is a heart breaking disease and I am not sure I can ever deal with it again.