My senior dog is very sick, vet can't find cause. What to do?

Question

my 12 year old lab is in ICU tonight with high temp, rapid heart rate and mild respiritory issues... he had his thumb removed 4 months ago due to a large open red veined lump / tumour.. Bloods tests tonight all came back positive, initial untrasound couldn't find anything... but he is in serious pain around his abdomen which is tender and swollen... the vet suspects underlying secondary cancers but has been unable to find anything to confirm this - if he doesn't improve what should we do. Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 11 years and 9 months old | 66 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Oh poor Paddy! I'm sorry he's so ill! It sounds like he is definitely in the right place at the moment. It's a very hard situation you are at the moment. He is an older boy, and if he doesn't improve, you might consider having an exploratory surgery done if the vet feels it's safe to do. That might give a more definitive answer as to why he's in such abdominal pain. If the vet doesn't feel that is safe to do, unfortunately your other option may be to let him go peacefully. I'm sure it's not something you want to hear, but it may be the best option for him if Paddy isn't getting better. I certainly hope he does improve, he will be in my thoughts :-(

My senior dog is very sick, vet can't find cause. What to do?

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