Signs of issues with trachea...?

[GordonBrunoPugMom]

I am so sorry not the news you wanted to hear. Yes I would also consult with the regular vet you trust. Get all information you can and then make a decision. You must be so overwhelmed right now. PV is here to support you!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Wonka & Nilla]

Oh gosh, two unexpected masses. I'm so sorry... this isn't the news anyone wanted for Meatball. I agree about getting another opinion from your regular vet and I hope you can get Meatball in to see her soon-ish. She knows Meatball much better than the specialist and would be able to get you advice based on the rest of his medical history.
I know that if it were my pug, my first reaction would be 'if it might be cancer, I want it removed' - but there are some cases where it would be potentially more risky or dangerous to remove the mass vs. leaving it. At 12 years old, Meatball is certainly a senior... and with the narrowing trachea that potentially could complicate surgery. But if his heart is good and his breathing is good then it seems like he should be okay to undergo surgery. The bigger question is should it be removed or just observed for a while? If funds permit, you could get another x-ray and/or ultrasound in a month and see if there is any change. And then maybe again in 3 months, 6 months, etc.
I hope your regular vet can give you some advice and help you make the best decision. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes for Meatball.

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

I'm so sorry - this is definitely not the news we wanted. I agree with the above advice of seeing your Vet and getting her advice. I wouldn't rush into any decision but take time and get all the information you can. Pug hugs to you and Meatball. We are all here for you.

[MBM09]

Thank you SO much for your replies and input. You are all wonderful and so supportive; it’s appreciated beyond words!

I know I will hear from the vet hospital today when they call to check on Meatball, and I’ll follow up again about speaking to his original vet. More than likely, I will go by what she feels is best for him.

I do always have to put myself in check and remember: he IS older now and he IS a senior. It makes me sad to sometimes remember thay and to see the changes in him. It also makes situations like this harder because I wonder if those changes are due to his age (i.e. he’s become VERY whiny and restless, and his sleeping patterns have changed) or are they due to a health issue. Then of course, there’s his anxiety too which has always made things so tough for my boy.

One of you suggested waiting a few months and then doing another ultrasound to see if any changes occurred. Perhaps that might be the best thing to do right now. That is one of the things the vet that did the ultrasound recommended because of the variety of factors and “unknowns”.

I certainly DON’T want to rush him into surgery. The amount of stress he’d endure from it frightens me. To any dog, it’s scary and stressful. To Meatball- it’s 100% more because of his anxiety.

When he woke up this morning he was perkier, but still not 100%. They had to sedate him for the ultrasound yesterday, so it altered his whole mood when I brought him home. He’s not walking right, which is concerning to me. The lower half of his back is a bit hunched over and his tail is down. It reminds me of when he injured his back about 6 years ago. I’m going to ask if I can give him a pain med when they call today, in case he is feeling discomfort in some way.

I will certainly keep everyone updated. I thank you again for the advice and support. This message board truly is the best ❤️

[CSollers]

Minni was starting to have issues with a collapsing trachea last year. She was prescribed prednisone. Prednisone is a wonder drug but can be very rough on the organs. I believe that it’s long term use was a principal contributor to her pancreatitis attacks this past spring.
Anyway, she lost a bunch of weight from her illness but the coughing and breathing difficulties have pretty much subsided.
As hard as it can be to maintain their weight, skinny pugs do much better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MBM09]

I’m thinking now- why didn’t the vet suggest blood work?! That would have been an obvious thing to do to see what’s going on internally after finding what they did. I thought to suggest it myself but let it go. I’m kicking myself now for not following through with my feeling 😡

To get Meatball back in the car to go there is such a stress on him. I try to avoid it. Anyway, I’ll see what they say about it.

[GordonBrunoPugMom]

Ask you vet about something for meatball for his anxiety. I heard people use CBD oil . Your vet will make a suggestion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[MBM09]

I spoke to MB’s primary vet today. She gave me all of the information and explained everything to me: the possibilities, the consequence, risks, etc. She feels that if I’m going to go ahead with the surgery, it should be done much sooner than later…like next week if I wanted.

Bottom line is there are huge risks either way. As scary as it is to have the surgery done, I truly don’t feel the right thing to do is sit back and let this mass “be�, especially with a chance of it bursting one day. That is a horrific and scary thought too! She said Meatball is a vibrant 12 year old so she doesn’t think his she should stop me. I don’t think I can just NOT do anything and try not to help him.

I can’t believe that I’m faced with this decision, as it’s such a difficult one! Of course the expenses don’t help either- but I’m not even thinking much about that part. I just want to do what’s best for HIM. There are so many what if’s and my BIGGEST fear when it comes to him is being left with any regrets. I could never forgive myself if something happened that I didn’t try to help or prevent.

[shaynapug]

There is no right or wrong answer.....Whatever you do is the right answer for you and your baby and the decision is made out of love!

[Wonka & Nilla]

There is no right or wrong answer.....Whatever you do is the right answer for you and your baby and the decision is made out of love!

Only you can really make that choice, but I will tell you that we had MCT's removed from Miss Nilla when she was something like 14 or 15 years old and I still feel like it was the best choice at the time. She did fine with the actual surgery and I feel like it prolonged her quality of life vs. just letting the cancer grow and possibly spread. The cancer did come back a year later in a spot that we felt could no be operated on, but by that time she had other health issues as well that made surgery a no-go.
It's always scary to have surgery done on our beloved fur-babies, but if there is a chance of it bursting some day and causing much more serious issues? A tough choice! But a "vibrant 12 year old," as you described Meatball, should be ok to have surgery safely. Especially with a knowledgeable vet who understands the Brachy breed and Meatball's health history.
Sending you huge hugs and hoping you can make a decision that you feel comfortable with.