We can all agree that senior pups deserve immense love. Despite their age and reduced energy, they continue to fill our lives with joy. Thus, we must strive to ensure they enjoy the best life possible, though many senior dogs unfortunately lack this luxury. Many are left to spend their final days in shelters. Serenity, a 12-year-old Pitbull mix, was one such dog, residing in a shelter in Arizona, facing the possibility of being placed on the euthanasia list after being diagnosed with a mammary mass.
It’s Never Too Late
When a rescue organization, Love Them All Sanctuary + Rescue, learned of her situation, they quickly came to her aid, providing the necessary medical treatments and a safe, loving home. Serenity underwent surgery to remove the mammary mass, which turned out to be a bleeding melanoma tumor. Thanks to generous donations from compassionate individuals, the rescue covered all her medical expenses.
Following her surgery, Serenity was placed in a loving foster home where she could heal and feel secure.
One Day At A Time
After a week in her foster home, Serenity faced challenging news during a doctor’s appointment: her tumor had returned and was malignant. The veterinary team is still determining the next steps in her journey, but everyone surrounding her is committed to making each day filled with joyful moments, delicious meals, and cozy naps.
During this time, I’d like to emphasize some crucial information about mammary tumors. This condition is quite common in dogs, particularly unspayed females, being a prevalent form of neoplasia. It’s vital to understand that only 50% of these tumors are cancerous; the other half are benign. Thus, not all lumps indicate cancer; only malignant tumors are associated with mammary cancer. The recommended treatment is surgery, although in some cases, like Serenity’s, tumors may recur post-surgery. Fortunately, additional surgeries can often restore your pup’s health and happiness. If you notice any abnormalities, please stay calm and consult your veterinarian!
