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.
My condolences & prayers. I trust that you will make the right decision for your fur baby.
Having a pet put to sleep is absolutely horrible but sometimes necessary. Praying it doesn’t come to that.
Very sorry.
Suppose they have ruled out Lyme Disease?
Please tell me you have adopted another dog!
That is a beautiful, sad, poignant video.
She’s beautiful. I’m so sorry that she’s ill.
Our lovely girl finally lost her battle with brain cancer a week ago. I know how hard it is.
Take care.
So sorry! I just had this thought that all of our free republic dogs and cats that have passed are connected by a thread in heaven that is connected to us on this thread sending us all their love. Or something like that!
My dog had lymphoma, and I read a lot about it and saw Golden Retrievers have a high instance of it. It’s a shame because they are great dogs.
That’s true about the chemo. They don’t get the full dose they give people that would cure the cancer. They give just enough to send it into remission, but it doesn’t usually kill all the cancer cells. That’s why it comes back.
We adopted another dog 6 months later, but she turned on our male Jack Russell and tried to kill him a few times. We had to rehome her, with the help of our Vet, and she is a huge blessing to a little girl that was abandoned by her parents and is being raised by her grandmother. (she’s not an aggressive dog, she adorable and loveable, just needs to be the ONLY dog).
So, now we have our 14 year old Jack Russell, who is obsessed with my husband. We can’t put him through another dog right now. He’s a great dog, but not as lovey as my little greyhound.
Thank you, Boardwalk.
I hear you. It’s true!
Although you have been issued some timelines for extending your beautiful doggie’s life, my best advice to you is to put them last in your thoughts. Watch your dog’s quality of life every day and do not try to hang on too long. If she is ready (usually will indicate it by going off food), let her go and be blessed.
If you opt for medical interventions instead of euthanasia, you will have a period of time while she is declining during which you won’t be comfortable (or responsible) leaving home or leaving her alone for any length of time. It’s like having Nana on the rented hospital bed in the dining room. You must be able to meet escalating needs in order to keep her going beyond her natural span.
I clung to one of my kitties too long with painful interventions, and came to regret it terribly when she eventually had a terrible breakdown and pain on the last day, at which time I finally recognized she needed to go home. But then the vet rushed in like an episode of ER and poked and prodded her, and that was even worse before he would agree she needed to be released. I had a lot of guilt for hurting her so that I could cling on. My sweet girl.
Raw food diet is the way to go. Raw chicken especially good, bones and all. The marrow in the bones is very healthy. Get beef marrow bones, raw, from grocery store, soak them in a plastic bag in warm water. Your pup will love licking out the marrow. Also, sardines are great and as much broccoli and blue berries as possible (try mixing both in raw hamburger or raw ground turkey. Stay away fom kibble and dry food. ... your dog will be happier and have an insatiable appetite.
Oh yeah, and a raw egg every morning...
hey Sam I read an article from a reputable website that massive doses of Vitamin C given intravenously have done some damage against cancer. Sometimes some very good results. I will pray for you little buddy
Aalso, many holistic vets out there, many combine methods of treatment. You should look one up... always get a second or third opinion, more options. Your bud would do the same for you.
I know I’m late to the party, but if money is no object then pay for it if it will save his life. If not then please dont let yoyr baby suffer and make the hard decision.
I feed Darwin’s too, and can’t say enough about the quality of the food, which comes frozen. They ship to me every 8 weeks, and for my li’l dog, it all fits on the top shelf of my freezer. All I do is thaw an 8 ounce package every other day and out it in the dish. No grains, no carbs, just good meat and a few veggies.
Here is the website
I suggest you go to Facebook and you will find groups for dog raw food diet. You will find many, probably some in your area. You can have questions answered and will no doubt find others who have gone through your situation.
My Golden Retriever developed bone cancer. Had his leg amputated, but I refused to allow chemo. Went wholistic. Made own food out of organic ground turkey, broccoli and carrots. Saw a naturopathic vet - gave me diet. He lived longer than expected and we had quality time together. He let us know when he needed to go and we had vet come to our home. He was with us at home when he was put to sleep.
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