Karma's Dad

My boxer, Karma, is a 12 1/2 year old female fawn. She's been my best friend since she was 6 weeks old. We've been blessed that her health was very good for the first 11 years. She now has boxer cardiomyopathy, diagnosed about 18 months ago. She is on sotalol and mexilitene, and has had no further seizures since going on the meds. She's also been on thyroid meds since about 6 years old, and her recent thyroid levels were good.

My sweet girl has developed a small tumor that is growing on her right eye, just behind the top eyelid. It is gray, growing on the actual eyeball, and fairly small. The eye has swollen slightly, become bloodshot around the edges, and the pupil/iris have clouded over. I can tell her vision is nearly gone in that eye. My vet cannot test the tumor, due to the risk of a needle near the eye. And with the heart problems, he's not comfortable sedating her.

My vet said that it is only a matter of time before the eye will rupture. My other option seems to be having the eye removed. But I'm pretty certain no surgeon would want to risk putting her under with her heart problems, and the expense of the surgery seems a waste due to her age. Also, I think there is a good chance the tumor is cancerous, since her body has probably 8 skin tag tumors and a couple of masses under the skin.

Thanks for reading my long message. Basically, I'm thinking about spending as much time with Karma as I can, but I know the eye rupture will eventually happen. I plan to have pain killers on hand, and to be prepared to stop the bleeding with pressure or have her euthanised if the rupture is too severe to treat without surgery.

Has anyone out there watched their doggy friend go through an eye rupture? Did it seem incredibly painful? Karma still eats fine, meets me at the door, wants to go for walks, and loves a little pizza crust But I don't want her final hours to be a traumatic experience, or even worse, happen while I'm gone at work.

Any stories of the pain or trauma involved in an eye rupture would be really appreciated. We're going in for an x-ray and eye pressure test on Saturday.

winnie

I'm so sorry your going through this. I'm sorry that I don't have any experience to help you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Molly, Mom to Winston (at the bridge 12/6/12 and deeply missed) and Porter

Gypsiemouse

It sounds like you are doing everything you can and weighing all your options.
I can't offer any advice on the eye rupturing though.
It is never easy trying to figure out when the time is right to say goodbye, but you'll know or Karma will let you know.
I'll keep you both in my prayers.

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Lynne- Owned by and Slave to Maggie and Mongo

Laneysmom

I am so sorry to hear this.... I have no experience with this either. Perhaps, you can ask your vet what will happen if it ruptures... My prayers and hugs go out to you and Karma...

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Laneys Mom,
CAROL

crazyboxerlove

My heart breaks for you that you are faced with this decision. I do not have much advice because I would not know what to do if faced with this decision. Much love to you and Karma.

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Chelley ~
Certified PetTech™ Instructor
CPR, First Aid & Care for your pets.
Mom and owned by:





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Link: Boxer Meetup Group - Los Angeles South Bay

Karma's Dad

Thank you all for the kind words and thoughts. Hopefully someone out there has experience with a rupture, but I'll post what I find out Saturday. Karma and I have been going for lots of walks and she's been getting lifted onto the bed for tons of snuggles!

2manydogs

I am so sorry that you have to make this tough decision. I would ask how painful an eye rupture would be. Hopefully you will get some answers on Sat.

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Kari ~ Keeper, servant and mommy to the following crew



**Proudly Raw fed since 2010**

winnie

I'm glad you're making the most of your time together. It's really all you can do. Karma is lucky to have you.

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Molly, Mom to Winston (at the bridge 12/6/12 and deeply missed) and Porter

Roccosmom

I have not had experience with an eye rupture in a dog. I did lose a Bengal cat to lymphoma a few years ago and part of his illness manifested as uveitis. He wound up with blood in his eye, cataracts and he went blind. I had him put down once he could not see and it was obvious he was in pain. It was hard to watch. You are doing the best you can and I think you know when it is time to let your dear Karma go. Just love her and be as prepared as you can to help her make her journey.

Gypsiemouse

How is Karma?

Still have you both in my prayers.

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Lynne- Owned by and Slave to Maggie and Mongo