So sorry about your dog. We are going through the same with ours. We got her in a similar manner as you got yours, she was dumped in our neighborhood as a pup in 2005. Now she has cancer of the blood vessels, with bleeding tumors popping up every where. The vet said the same your vet told you, but he added that chemo would be very hard on her. He felt at her age, it wouldn’t be worth the cost or her suffering, and recommended we keep her until she’s no longer happy. She’s still happy but lost a lot of her pep, and the tumors have multiple over the past few months. I’m not sure she’ll make it through the end of the year. When she starts suffering it will be time. By the way, she has lived going on three years since diagnosis. I wish you the best with yours, whatever you decide.
Oh, I forgot to mention. The vet ordered her to have a fish oil capsule every day with her food, that it would slow down the spread. That seemed to have worked as she’s going on three years after diagnosis when he thought she wouldn’t last another year.
Grieve. Let go.
I am so sorry for you and your furbaby. I have no advice because I have no idea what I would do. I will keep you both in my prayers.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
I will also add that after a cancer surgery (at univ vet teaching hospital) the docs said they couldn’t get it all as it was next to her esophagus. (This was when chemo was suggested) ...well..A couple years later she had another growing lump needing removal...same hosp...they decided to check the previous surgery site as they were scanning the new one...amazingly they told us there was NOTHING there!
Good luck with your search for her health...lots of great suggestions here...you might look into Glycine too...we give our Abby about a Tbsp a day with food/liquid.
Sam I am so very sorry to hear this, I can’t tell you what to do in this situation, however our beloved pets CAN’T tell us what they are experiencing with these treatments we don’t know if they are suffering!! I had an 18 year old cat that had lymphoma, I decided against the treatment route for this reason and put him to sleep, hardest thing I EVER had to do in my life but I just could not be sure if the extension on his life was just better for ME or him!!! I am so sorry Sam our furry family members are just like children VERY hard to go through this God Bless Sam!!!!