Monty with Aggressive Tumor on Anal Gland

by Joel Laight
(UK)

Hi

I could really use a virtual shoulder to cry on and maybe get some advice.

I have been told this weekend that my 8 year old dog Monty has a tumor on his anal gland. It is early days and the blood sample has gone off to determine whether it is safe to operate on him to remove it. This decision will be based on how his calcium levels are. If not, it is about looking after him the best I can.

The only problem is the fact that his bottom is really suffering because of it. His anus has shifted to the left and he is bleeding every time he passes, and blood is occasionally leaking out now. He went to out of hours vets today who gave him antibiotics and a pain killer saying that the lump is rubbing his anal wall while he passes. Not too much to worry about, surgery could still go ahead a week on Tuesday.

Monty seems to be ok in himself, still running around on walks, eating his food greedily etc, he doesn't seem to be in much pain at all, he just naturally licks his bum a lot.

I am a 37 year old man, who lives alone, have some mental health problems (I am very depressed) and Monty is my best friend. I haven't stopped crying for him in 4 days now and I am so scared of losing him. I have had him since a puppy and cannot bear the thought of him being ill. I am so scared, upset, angry, the lot. I do not have any family or friends to talk to or help me out in any way. I have to go to work next week but hate to leave him. We have another dog also who would be lost without him.

Once more, I hate the thought of him having surgery to remove the lump but knowing it might never be the end of it, my dog doesn't deserve this and I am completely and utterly heartbroken.

Submitted on Sunday, February 28, 2016