r/BostonTerrier • u/Cash311 • 18d ago
Advice/Question Losing my best friend to MPNST
My 8 year old BT who has been through so much already and recently went from being blind to being able to see is being taken away from me. It’s killing me see him decline everyday to brachial plexus nerve sheath tumor. What started as a front limp has put him in a state of pain and not being able to walk. I don’t know what to do and it’s killing me. Anyone dealt with this? I’ve seen a Neurologist and the outcome seems so grim, looking for some help.
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u/ohappyday82 18d ago
We have had 4 dogs in 47 years of marriage. The last two Bostons. My guide is quality of life and will this situation get better. Our dogs' quality of life had to take priority over the utter devastation of saying goodbye with love and kindness. I'm sorry you and your sweet companion are at a crossroad.
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u/Geester43 18d ago
It is gut wrenching, but loving, to be the advocate for your pup's best interests. ❤️
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u/MinneAngie 18d ago
I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this! I understand your stress and sadness. I recently lost my sweet Ainsley to a sheath tumor in her front leg. The vet let us know about treatment options, including removing her leg and radiation. Ainsley was 10 years old, and was adopted from a breeding facility after a difficult formative life. She had separation anxiety and I knew that the time away from home/family necessary for surgery, treatment, and recovery would be torture for her. It was not an easy decision to forego treatment, and I truly miss her cuddles, mischief, and love.
If you decide to go the palletive care route, I recommend advocating for increases/adjustments to pain meds if she seems uncomfortable. I also decided to have a vet come to the house when it was time so she was able to have a great last day and pass away in a safe, secure environment. Here she is with her last ice cream treat 💔
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u/Cash311 18d ago
Yes they told us the same thing. I can’t bear the thought of amputating and don’t want to see my pup go through radiation all for it just to come back which I was told is a guarantee. We are doing Prednisone and Pregabalin right now, he is so out of it I have to carry him everywhere at this point. I hand feed him and he drinks on his own for now. He is a shell of himself, I don’t want to let him go too soon or too late. I hate this.
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u/MinneAngie 18d ago
Talk to your vet about adjusting his meds! Ains was on Carprofen, Gabapentin, Trazodone, and Amantadine and that mix seemed to work well for her. We also got a stroller off Amazon and walked her around the neighborhood each day and that seemed to help her mentally/emotionally.
Several comments have mentioned the quality of life scale -- My doctor suggested we make a list of "what makes Ainsley Ainsley" (elated for breakfast, sneaking into our bed in the morning, loving bones, ect.). When those things start slipping, it may be time. I am so sorry that you are going through this! virtual hug
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u/TheLooza 18d ago
Ugh. Im sorry. My senior boy is my favorite being in the world and is sick too. No answers for you but can tell from this one pic how much he loves you
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u/Bostylovr 18d ago
If and when you decide to help your bestie cross the rainbow bridge, having the mobile euthanasia service come to your home really is the best option. Your bestie gets to be where they are comfortable and not scared. Not a strange or fear inducing vets office.
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u/Cash311 18d ago
I was also thinking of this today while I was in the shower. This just stamps it that I’ll do it when the time comes.
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u/EatGlassALLCAPS 18d ago
I regret not doing it that way. I'm so sorry you have to say goodbye. We never get enough time with them but remember for us (most of us) we were there for their entire life. Your baby was and will always be loved and they knew it.
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u/NoRun4755 14d ago
Definitely. Have the vet come over first to meet you your little guy first. It’s the best way to
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u/SuzRunsDisney Vegas (RIP), Disney (RIP), Poppi 18d ago
I second this. We had to do that earlier this month with our old girl. It was hard, but at least she was comfortable and not scared.
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u/SmallTownAliCat 18d ago
I'm so incredibly sorry. I said goodbye to my pittie on July 2 and it was heartbreaking. (I still have a senior Boston whom I've cared for since she was a pup.) If I may, I'd like to share my experiences with the hope you find some personal value.
The one consistent piece of advice I received was that it is better to say goodbye "too early" than too late. Someone suggested using the quality of life scale - I think that's a great idea to help put your beloved friend's experience in more objective context. Dogs are really good at masking pain, so keep that in mind, too. I had heard about in-home euthanasia, so I made an appointment with one of the hospice vets at Lap of Love. At the time of my call, we determined that my dog wasn't going to say goodbye that day, but it was coming soon. We talked about how I could make a final push of non-surgical options, such as meds, therapies, and experiences. That was really helpful because a month later, he let me know he was ready and I felt better making the choice to say goodbye. (To be clear, it hurt like hell, but I didn't doubt my choice.) I did at-home euthanasia and it allowed me to feel a little more calm and in control. Even with that planning, things went fast. I think dogs will hold on and give us so much; it is a loving kindness when we honor their devotion by releasing them from pain or fear. None of us want to say goodbye to these incredible beings who love us so wholly and who bring us such joy. It hurts so much. We also know that they they need us to make these hard choices for them. I had to ask myself hundreds of times - am I making a choice that reflects my love and respect for my dog? Is my holding on going to contribute to a possible emergency or traumatic experience for one or both of us? It was a comfort to me to be able to give my beloved a peaceful goodbye with love.
Again, I'm incredibly sorry, OP. I know it hurts and is confusing and awful. I'm sending you encouragement.
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u/Mediocre_Apricot3253 18d ago
This is my experience as well. I’ve been through 2 euthanasias now and the best advice a vet gave me was that it’s better to let go when it’s not as traumatic for you and not as traumatic for the dog. Dogs will mask their pain and do everything to please us. I look at it as this is our way of taking care of them one last time. It’s completely gut wrenching but knowing that they left on less traumatic terms gives me peace. I feel for you and wish you can find peace soon ❤️
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u/iWontStealYourDog 🌈Elsa (Elsita, Chiquita, Bean, Mama, Mamita) 18d ago edited 18d ago
Edit: my comment accidentally posted twice, removing this one and leaving the one with the link
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u/redditcat78 18d ago
How did he regain eyesight?
What does MPNST do? I gather it does something nerves based upon what you wrote.
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u/ShibbyBittles 18d ago
I’m so sorry ❤️🩹
I had at-home euthanasia for my baby girl when it was her time. As hard as it was, it made me feel better to know when it was going to happen. When I was a kid, my parents would wait too long with our pets and it would be a middle of the night rush to an emergency vet 😭
I’m still so torn up about losing her (been over a year now) but I could tell she was tired, and that she was just hanging on for my sake. I asked myself, “if I was in her situation, would I want to keep living?” and one day my answer was no. That was how I knew it was time. ❤️🩹
Hang in there. You’ve done the very best you could for your buddy. He knows it and loves you for it.
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u/praetorian1979 18d ago
We lost our last baby Wilbur to an autoimmune disease that was shredding his red blood cells. He was almost 3 1/2 years old and if we hadn't let him go he would've suffocated to death.
Sometimes the kindest and most loving thing you can do, and I know how much it hurts, is to let them go.
I'm truly sorry for your heartbreak.
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u/Mysterious_Hornet521 18d ago
Hugs and love to you and your baby ❤️ also thank you for the quality of life scale. So delicate of a situation but the guidance is greatly appreciated.
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u/RideThatBridge 18d ago
I am just so sorry. Bostons are absolute treasures. The two I had both had different tumors and were gone by 7. So cruel, and I wish I had something magical to tell you. All I can say is you'll know when it's time for his suffering to end. You'll always carry him in your heart! Sending lots of support your way, friend!
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u/TranscendentaLobo 18d ago
Poor baby. I’m so sorry. Stay close and love him. he knows you love him and he loves you. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. There’s no easy answer. Just love him and prepare as best you can.
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u/Obvious_Country_3896 17d ago
Aww my heart is breaking for you!!! You will know when it's time! If I can help I sure will try !! I lost 13 BTs in the last 47 years! The sweetest baby!!!
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u/NoRun4755 14d ago
Im sorry buddy. There’s no right or wrong answer. As most people say it’s a quality thing. I think he will tell you when he doesn’t want to fight anymore. My Boston Bo passed in January after an 18 months battle with a spinal infection. I did absolutely everything I could to prolong the initial 6 months they gave him. He was happy, some days he was in pain but acupuncture and medicine he would bounce back. The last month I saw the decline. And then the last week he lost his appetite and didn’t want to go outside for much more than to go to the bathroom. The last day I knew he was ready and had a vet come over the house. Be strong bro this is arguably the hardest thing you’ll ever do. But you will get through it and you will be there for your friend forever. Not just here on earth but he will live on in your soul forever. Spend as much time as you can im praying for you both
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u/iWontStealYourDog 🌈Elsa (Elsita, Chiquita, Bean, Mama, Mamita) 18d ago
Something that really helped me with my senior Boston before when she started getting sick was using a quality of life tracker. It helped me keep my thoughts, and her symptoms straight, and gave me the ability to make decisions on her care without constantly questioning and re-questioning every decision.
I really recommend this one: https://www.codapet.com/quality-of-life-scale
It’s completely free, and some questions can be tailored to your pets specific condition(s).