Diagnosed with a probable brain tumor... now what?

Question

My beloved German Shorthaired Pointer service dog has been diagnosed with a probable brain tumor. She had a seizure the beginning of July that started when she fell off my bed. We don't know if the seizure caused her to fall off the bed, or hitting her head on a metal trunk across from the bed started it. It lasted about 5 minutes, and I rushed her straight to the emergency vet clinic where they couldn't find anything wrong.

A month later, I had her scheduled to have a rotten tooth pulled, so I went and had blood work done since she is 9 years old. The blood work came back normal, she did fine through her dental surgery, and everything seemed as though the original seizure was a one-time thing.

About a month later, I noticed her staggering down the hallway when I came out of the bathroom. Naturally this was after vet hours, and I didn't see any point in dragging her all the way back to the emergency vet to have them tell me she was "normal" again, so I got her in the first available appointment the next Monday.

When the vet went to look in her right ear, Flecks acted like it was painful. This was not normal behavior for her. When the vet looked in her right eye, she said the nerves were not reacting to the light. When I asked if she thought this meant Flecks was blind, she said no. And I can wave my hand in front of her face and she can see movement out of both eyes. Unfortunately my vet has diagnosed a probable brain tumor. Without a CAT-scan or MRI (either of which would cost more than the car I own) we wouldn't know for sure, but this is the vet's best diagnosis.

She has now had 3 seizures, all about a month apart, and none of them as bad as the original one. I have retired her from being my mobility dog, and I'm in the process of training another one. The vet put her on phenobarbital, but she turned into a zombie, and it wasn't making that much difference. I now just have valium for when she has an active seizure. The vet says I'll know "it's time" when she stops eating or her seizures get worse. For now, she seems fine, and I'm glad I was able to find a "pet friendly" apartment so I could take care of her now that she's retired.

Here's the bad part. When she's gone, I'd like to be able to have her cremated and buried with my other dogs on my cousin's farm, but living on a disability budget is going to make that a real financial strain. It was suggested that I donate her to the local veterinary teaching facility so that they could learn from her illness. I'm actually not opposed to that if it will help another dog in the future, but I can't decide what to do about having her "with my other dogs".

I guess I need suggestions on finding a way to put a "piece" of her (not literally) with the others so that they can all be together again.

Answer 1

First off, I'm so sorry about this situation. It really is sad. I'm glad you're able to have another service dog so you won't be left missing abilities, and I'm also glad you are willing to care for Flecks with her own disability. You're a very kind person.

About the burial... Perhaps you can put out an ad when the sad time comes for someone willing to dig a hole deep enough to bury the whole body, without the expensive cremation? Or, if you do decide to donate her body for research, perhaps you literally could ask for a "piece" of her, such as her tail stub or a paw which the students would most likely not need for their research (though that does sound rather morbid, it's no worse really than burning the body in my opinion... They can give it to you wrapped so you wouldn't have to see it maybe).

Best of luck to you, Flecks, and the new trainee. I hope she will still manage to have a lot of happy time with you, and you with her, and that the newbie will be able to keep offering you the aid you need.

Answer 2

I really do wish the best for you and your pet, and the time that you have left together.  

I think it would be wonderful for you to donate her remains so that they can better treat other dogs in the future.  I think that would be a very good thing to do.  

I suggest that you bury her collar and tags if you would like to put a piece of her with your other dogs.  Her collar and tags are something that were with her always, so that's a pretty important thing to a lot of people.  I agree with the other poster as well on maybe burying her favorite toy, or putting a plant in her spot.  

Whatever you decide, know that it is your decision, and whatever it ends up being, you're a good owner who cares greatly about her pets.  

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear about your dog, since I love dog, My sister had 2 one died of heart attack but the second had a stroke and she suffered for 2 days and she had to be put to sleep, she was not cremated.  My nephew burried her in the box in the back yard.  So that an idea that will safe you some money.  You have to find somebody to dig a hole.  I felt so bad because they are like part of the family.    You can also call the city.  I think that is a good idea to donate her to the local veterinary teaching facility.  You will be helping another dogs.  Just think how well you treated her and the good life she had with you. I pray to God that she doesn't suffer.  Please let us know what happened and if you feel bad you write again that's why we are here.  God bless you and her.    Ga

Answer 4

I'm sorry to hear about your dog, It's hard when one of our companions is so ill.  I would suggest that perhaps you plant a tree in her memory with your other dogs, with perhaps a small memorial plaque at the base of it?  Or you could think about burying her favorite toy at the site? Hope this helps you!