We can all probably agree that older dogs deserve all the affection in the world.
Even though they might not be as spry as they once were, they still strive to fill our lives with joy and love.
This is why we should go out of our way to ensure they have the most wonderful life possible. Sadly, many senior dogs don’t often get to experience this.
Since not many folks are keen on taking in older dogs, countless senior pups end up living their twilight years in shelters. Serenity, a Pitbull mix residing in an Arizona shelter, was one such dog.
Never Too Late to Make a Difference
At the age of 12, Serenity was diagnosed with a mammary mass. Coupled with her being overlooked for adoption, this diagnosis led the Arizona shelter to schedule her for euthanasia.
But as soon as Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue, a Scottsdale-based rescue, learned about her situation, they immediately stepped up to give her a safe haven.
The rescue was fully committed to providing her with necessary medical care along with a happy and nurturing environment.
The medical team at the Scottsdale rescue didn’t hesitate to get her into surgery for the removal of the mass. This mass turned out to be a bleeding melanoma tumor she had been carrying around.
Thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, the costs of Serenity’s treatment were covered through donations.
Understanding her need for a loving environment, the rescue ensured she was placed in a warm foster home to aid in her recovery.
Enjoying Every Moment
Serenity has been in her foster home for a week now, and despite her happiness, her latest vet visit came with difficult news.
The tumor had returned, and this time, it was malignant.
Serenity’s future remains uncertain, but everyone around her is pouring their hearts into making each day packed with joy, delicious meals, and cuddly times.
This presents a good chance to share some insights about mammary tumors in dogs.
It’s crucial to recognize that these tumors are quite prevalent among dogs, especially those unspayed females, and are a common type of neoplasia.
If you discover a mammary tumor in your dog, remember that only half of these lumps turn out to be cancerous. The remaining 50% are benign.
Not all growths are cancerous; only the malignant ones are associated with mammary cancer.
Surgery is the preferred treatment method and is typically effective. However, like in Serenity’s case, there are situations where tumors may resurface following surgery. Fortunately, additional surgeries can often restore a dog’s health and joy.
So, if you notice something off, take a deep breath and schedule a visit with your veterinarian!
