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.
yep, same here
I’m so sorry. We had to have our wonderful black Lab put to sleep in Narch, and I am still not over it. I know how you feel.
I have to jump in with advice here. It is better for the dog to end its suffering sooner rather than let it linger in pain. First, dogs are stoic. A dog will suffer great pain in silence, and chemo is miserable. People understand it is done to prolong life. A dog just knows it is being put throug a painful ordeal.
Then there is the consideration of the dog’s dignity. Yes, dogs have it, and you don’t want your dog to go through the humiliation of being too weak to move or of becoming incontinent.
Although I know it would be horrible for you, you have to think of what is best for your beloved pup. There is an excellent piece online called When to Let Your Lab go. He says sooner rather than later, and I agree.
I am saddened that people are doing hospice for pets. That is merely increasing their suffering. A pet has no affairs to get in order or spiritual concerns.
There is a greater incidence of cancer in pets, but it is because more of them are living into old age when cancer is more common, just as it is in people.
I will say a prayer for you. Losing a wonderful pet is so hard.
No, flavored yogurt is fine. It’s only a few times a week, and honey is good. Dogs benefit from a bit of sweet anyway. I’d give Zeus Chobani blueberry, raspberry or vanilla. I’d put it in a dollop on top of his food and he would carefully lick it all up before he would begin the rest of the meal.
Having worked for decades for one of Harvard's largest teaching hospitals I've seen many,many cancer patients.I've seen,close up,just how grueling chemotherapy (and radiation therapy) is.
Wouldn't a peaceful death in a vet's office be the humane choice here?
Just askin'....
What a beautiful girl. Prayers lifting for her, and for the whole family, FRiend.
May God hold you all close.
Tatt
Yes, I second the fish oil cap recommendation. It has many benefits no matter what condition a dog is in.
My Cancer Veterinary is Dr. Jaclyn Smith in Chicago:
http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/10/new-chicago-center-offers-pet-cancer/
Some lymphomas in dogs can be treated successfully and without a lot of pain. Its your call. It also depends upon the expertise of the oncologist veterinarian. Find a board certified veterinary oncologist and meet with her/him because not only is the treatment important, the veterinary oncologist needs to be a decent person that will walk you through this.
earthclinic.com
Many different “remedies” can apply to animals. You’ll be glad you checked it out. ;^)
I’ve also heard the coconut oil is great for dogs. You can google that. Mine is a little breed so I give her only half a teaspoon per day. What’s amazing is that if I miss a day or two I can see a difference in her fur.
You dog is a beauty, by the way.
I went the chemo route with my Lab back in 2007 and don’t regret it. Just be certain that you’re going to the best veterinary oncologist in your area, and also be careful that your holistic efforts don’t clash with the chemo (they can). A good holistic vet can be a great help to keep things on track, if he or she offers acupuncture that can be helpful as well. If for some reason the treatment(s) do not send the lymphoma into remission, look into palliative treatment to extend your time together. Goal would be to minimize pain and discomfort, and to enhance quality of life.
Before you make any decisions, please listen to the oncologist. After he/she has laid out what is ahead of you, ask your questions: ALL OF THEM. Do not be afraid to ask the hard questions regarding the treatment, all side effects, average life expectancy following treatment, quality of life vs quantity of life, and yes, the costs involved. After everything has been laid out, only then make your decision and know you have to live with what you decide. A good veterinary specialist will listen to what you have to say and your suggestions, so have faith. Just remember to do what is best for your canine companion. I will be praying for you both. (((BIG HUG))) You looked like you could use one.
My vet and I had a conversation on this subject within the last year or so. His thoughts were that dogs and cats are living MUCH longer than they had in the past. With that increasing longevity, comes a myriad of diseases relatively unheard of in veterinary circles until recently: cancer, high blood pressure, strokes, arthritis, kidney issues, diabetes, senility, and the list goes on.
We have taken better care of them, allowing them to live longer. With that increased life span, the diseases long thought to be the sole purview of man, rear their monstrous heads in our beloved canine and feline companions.
I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to do. Make her comfortable as long as possible and take an old shirt of yours for her to lay on when it is time for her to go.
Beautiful dog. If any of my dogs had to go through this and I had the cash to extend their life without killing the quality of it, I would certainly do it.
Sir, I feel your pain and offer condolences. To lose a loved one is never easy nor or they ever forgotten. Our baby we was found to have the same malady. We made the difficult decision to put her to sleep and there is not a day that goes by we don’t think of her, miss her, with love in our hearts. Sixteen years living with a friend, and it is constantly a challenge to fill the gaping hole that remains when that friend is no longer with us.
Prayers for your beloved friend, you and yours.
Who else could have invented such a wonderful and loving companion.
As for the famous beer quote...I have a feeling that Mr. Franklin had a great sense of humor. :)
You are right. In dogs, God gave us an amazing companion, who loves us unconditionally, who protects us, helps us find and retrieve food, helps us travel on snow, senses when we are sad or lonely, and apparently even detects illness with their amazing sense of smell. They are social beings, just as we are.
They are amazing creatures, certainly a gift from God. :)
My honest opinion is don’t put herself and you through all these treatments that may not extend life very much and will make that life difficult for her. I say this because I was in the exact situation and tried to do too much for too long instead of letting nature takes its course and letting her go with no guilt or bad memories.
You gave that sweet girl a wonderful life and she reciprocated in kind.
It took me 20 years to get a dog after my 1st guy died. Love that dog.
Man, this is painful. The only thing I’ll say is don’t keep her alive longer than necessary. Many dog lovers find it hard to let go.
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