Prayers for my dog, he might have cancer (Vanity)

12/19/08 | Self

[scottdeus12]

Greetings FReepers; I received some shocking news yesterday, my dog has developed a tumor on his back leg, and his vet is 98% sure it's cancerous. The vet has sent out a cell sample to get some labwork done which will determine course of action. Sadly, amputation might be an option.

First, I'm hoping for prayers. Second, I'm wondering is there are any Vets out there who might have some advice to offer, or if there is anyone who has experienced similar issues with their pet.

Thank you all,

Scott

[Grunthor]

my parrents had a Boxer that was diagnosed with cancer in his leg. The vet put him on steroids and other meds and he lived to a ripe old age for a boxer.

[LongElegantLegs]

I’m so sorry to hear it.

[cripplecreek]

Mine developed a type of cancer on her hind leg a few years back. I forget the name of it but it attacks the sheath that covers nerves and blood vessels.

The vet removed it and said it’s return within a few months was pretty much guaranteed. It’s been almost 4 years now and we haven’t seen any signs of its return.

In the event of an amputation, dogs are pretty adaptable and it would likely be up and around in a few days.

[mysterio]

Prayers sent. Hope your dog gets better soon.

[nmh]

I sent you a private e-mail ... I hadn't read through your posting. I only saw CANCER on the leg. The option is worth considering.

It's a heart wrenching decision.

You have our prayers.

[scottdeus12]

“The vet removed it and said it’s return within a few months was pretty much guaranteed. It’s been almost 4 years now and we haven’t seen any signs of its return.”

I’ve heard of this happening before....I hope it’s the case with my pooch. Thanks.

[scottdeus12]

Thanks mysterio.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Been there, done that. Prayers up for you and your dog. Asking for strength for you to make the right decision for your ‘loved one.’ :)

[scottdeus12]

I just got it, sent you one back.

Thanks much.

[Varda]

I just had the same experience with my dog. The vet thought it was cancer but the biopsy came back as a benign adenoma. I pray you get the same good news.

[Jemian]

I am so sorry Scott. I will be in prayer.

[pillut48]

{{{{{{Hugs}}}} to you and your furbaby.

I have a 12 year old previously feral farm cat named Moose (after the old Cowboys football player) who developed a small tumor under his right 'arm' several years ago--it quickly grew to just larger than a golf ball, and felt like one...our vet figured it probably was cancerous, but we decided not to put him through biopsy, surgery etc. and to just hand it over to God...the tumor stopped growing, and was there for several years. I also am one who prays for my pets as well as people, and Moose's tumor was in my daily prayers for several years.

Then one morning about 18 months or so ago I woke up and he came to sit in my lap first thing as he does every morning. I picked him up to hug him (I was still half asleep) and when I reached under his 'arms' I realized something was different. The tumor was GONE. I checked under the other arm, thinking I was still groggy but there was nothing there as well!!!

Took him in to my vet, who was boggled--said he'd never seen such a large tumor just disappear on its on, that he considered it a bona-fide miracle! :*)

As do I. I thank God every day for that miracle and the two that followed it (my 6 month old twins) and their older sister who was a miracle as well. I truly believe in miracles and I will be praying for your fur friend, that God will grant him a miracle and he won't have to lose a leg, and for the Holy Spirit to give you peace of mind and strength as you deal with this. :*)

[scottdeus12]

Wow, that’s great story, thanks so much for sharing!

[GovernmentShrinker]

Prayers up. Caring for a disabled and/or terminally ill pet can be an incredibly wonderful experience.

In the concrete advice department, try to turn yourself into an expert as fast as possible. Look for Yahoo (and similar) online groups focused on cancer in dogs, Google any specific terms your vet gives you (like the type of cancer) along with 1) “dogs” and 2) “canine”. You may not be a medical/veterinary professional, but you have more time to focus on the specific problem your dog is facing than your vet does. You may be able to get ahead of your vet, and at the very least you can become well-enough informed to have full confidence that you’re making all the right decisions for your furry friend.

[Slings and Arrows]

---

[cripplecreek]

The vet did suggest some foods that studies show may reduce certain types of cancer. We started giving her a little cottage cheese and flaxseed oil with her food. I don't know if it helped but it certainly hasn't hurt.

[RegulatorCountry]

My chocolate lab had cancer in his left rear leg. I went all out to help him, and did help him. Amputation was not an option, he was 14 and the cancer was too advanced. But there are many things you can do to slow the progress of the disease. Diet is important. Get all grain out of the diet. Innova Evo, canned and dry, is a great choice, but there are several others. Radiation was extremely helpful for relieving his pain and helping with his mobility. He lived over six months longer than the most optimistic prognosis, and was as happy as a clam right up to, and on, the day he died. Cancer didn’t kill him.

Be careful with the “BARF” diet, if anyone suggests it. Bones can puncture the intestines. That happened to us, quite a scare, but he was fine, no serious damage. No more bones for him after that.

There are many supplements that are helpful, too. Omega 3 and turmeric (gel caps) were beneficial in our case, but there are many others.

FReepmail me if you want more info, websites, etcetera.

Learn to live in the now, that’s how your dog lives. Show love and affection, try not to let it get you down too badly, it’ll affect your dog too.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Prayers for your pet’s health.

[Kimmers]

Prayers for the pooch.....It is so hard when our furry friends become ill.....I would suggest finding a specialist in this kind of surgery......if you can’t find one in private practice go to a vet school....