Posted on 08/13/2016 10:40:43 AM PDT by SamAdams76
A couple weeks ago, I noticed my dog (border collie mix) was losing her appetite and acting quite lethargic around the house. Noticed a big bulge in the neck and took her to the vet. After a blood test, was told last Saturday that she had Lymphoma, which is basically a blood cancer and was given 1-2 months to live.
She's been a good dog to me. Rescued her from a creek in Alabama on my parent's land back in the summer of 2006. Just a puppy then, covered in ticks and obviously abandoned. But I took her back to Massachusetts and turned into quite a good dog. We've taken hundreds of hikes through woods together and been a constant companion. Moved with me down to Connecticut a couple years ago and we've been exploring the woods down here.
So in terms of dog years, 10 years is a pretty good life. But I'd love to extend it a year or two if possible.
I have an appointment with an oncologist on Tuesday. I already know that the recommendation will be chemotherapy, which normally puts the dog in remission and extends life 12-18 months. Eventually the cancer will develop tolerance to the chemotherapy and will still kill my dog in the end. Will cost me around $10,000 total from what I've researched. Maybe $5,000 on the low end.
Money is not the object. Quality of life is. So I'm hoping to get some advice from other Freepers on this. Is the chemotherapy worth the extra 12-18 months of life?
A week ago, I looked into holistic therapy for this type of cancer. I've been feeding my dog semi-raw beef and raw vegetables (carrots, celery, brussels sprouts) along with some rotisserie chicken for the past six days and there is a noticeable change. I've discarded the dry dog food she's been eating for years. My dog already has more energy and had been taking longer walks. The swelling in the neck seems to have gone down. She seems happier and more lively.
I know this sounds all touch-feely and "new age" but just wondering if anybody has had experience with the holistic method for cancer treatment. I know that on Tuesday, the oncologist will recommend the chemotherapy and will pooh-pooh the holistic method.
So looking for advice on this.
If I need to put my dog down, I will. She's had a happy life and I don't want to put her through any kind of suffering just to delay the inevitable.
Woof!
No advice, just prayers.
Sam, I am so sorry. :(
My condolences.
Sorry to hear about this. Since your fur-baby cant talk, YOU are his advocate.
So sorry to hear about your predicament. You have to monitor his behavior, and determine if he is experiencing a decent quality of life.
What would he tell you to do if he could talk?
IF you have put your dog down just know it is quick and painless.
Very sad. About 10 years ago we had a Yorkie named Spike who had one health problem after another, until he was both blind and deaf and walking around in circles. We probably kept him alive too long, but he continued to eat. I never forget I was on the Rush Limbaugh show with a guest host in 2006 while my poor little dog was walking in a circle in front of me.
Our next dog, Yankee, seemed incredibly sturdy but at six he began having back problems-—a rare back cancer in his bones. This time, when it flared up again, we didn’t hesitate because we didn’t want him to go through what Spike went through.
So all I can say is, while we love our dogs, don’t let them be in pain too long.
Dude, your breaking my heart.
Best wishes for you both.
If you have to put her down, get the vet to
do it outside under the open sky.
Nothing worse than leaving with an empty collar.
I know, I’ve done it many times.
But oh, the love we’ve had and the good times and laughs.
“He guards the sleep of his pauper master as though
he were a prince...”
I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers.
I would avoid the chemo. I think it would make your buddy more miserable than the disease. Stay with the holistic cures. There is plenty of info available on the internet.
When it is time for her to go, she will let you know.
I have had to euthanize my friends in the past. I will hold their head and talk to them and stroke them. I cry like a baby (like now thinking about it). I have to remind myself to do what is best for them and not to be selfish.
Pain sucks for humans and pets.
God bless.
Great dog of a great breed.
My condolences.
What a beautiful dog. Prayers for you in your decision.
That is one beautiful, wise-eyed dog.
All I can do is offer some prayers and add that I make my cat’s food (no store bought food except for a tiny handful of dietary kibble) and it has seemed to make a difference. She could never keep anything down, even prescription diet food. She has medical problems but her numbers improved when I moved to that diet years ago.
There is a lot of “stuff” in mass-produced pet foods, and I don’t think it helps.
While I cant offer you advice on the cancer, i can tell you a lot of GSD Breeder feed a RAW diet... I cant say whether or not it helps but our dog sure has a lot of energy and a shiny coat...
We were told later that pets are usually not given the same dosage of chemo that a human might get. The symptoms such as hair loss and dealing with nausea and other side effects generally are so hard on the owners that the dosages are limited. One would expect that would reduce the changes of survival, as well. You might want to discuss this with your vet. Things might have changed since then, too.
I have a friend diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma several years ago and he is now in complete remission, so don't give up hope.
She is a beauty. Sorry to hear about her diagnosis.
A friend is having great success with a combo of holistic and traditional medical care for her dog with cancer. I say go for it. Can’t hurt, and you are clearly level-headed, prepared to let her go when the time comes.
Best wishes.
Google dog marijuana. I put my dog down a couple of months ago, and I suspect she had cancer, not walking and eating. After I put my dog down, I researched MJ for dogs on the Internet, and it appears to work on appetite and behavior. I asked my vet about this, and she said that there is not much research on it, but some of her clients have been giving their dogs marijuana with good results. They sell CBD biscuits online
A furry bundle of unconditional love.
By doing this can you make the dog happy without causing financial problems elsewhere?
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