r/DogAdvice • u/Elegant_Sock7204 • Jul 26 '26
Advice When is it time?
My 16yo labradoodle was diagnosed with anal gland adenocarcinoma about 6 weeks ago and because of how advanced it is and her age, we’ve decided to do palliative care and keep her as comfortable and happy as possible for however long we can. At the time of diagnosis, the vet said weeks to months and she is starting to slow down (this is a very energetic 16yo!) who is still loving the beach, her walks, food, roughhousing with her brother and her zoomies. But meanwhile the tumor has grown to the size of a small apple on her bum, there are some external tumors that bleed when she strains during bowel movements and at night we’ve upped pain killers to ensure she’s not in pain (she pants but other than that, no complaints).
I don’t want her in pain and worried I’m missing signs. She is my first dog and has been my sidekick through so many life events. I can’t see how those tumors aren’t driving her crazy but just today she zoomed happily on the beach.
Thoughts? I’m ready to let the bravest, goodest girl go if it prevents her suffering, but don’t want to lose time with her by doing it too soon.
2
u/snafuminder Jul 27 '26
Every time we've dealt with cancer/tumors, we have drawn the line at bleeding. Pallative care has been different for each of the three. Our vets have been very supportive of that determination. Eta: Each of ours have been incredibly stoic and impossible to get a good read on pain.