Cancer treatments

[mylunalove]

I was wondering if any one here has dealt with cancer in dogs?
My 10 year old baby just had a tumor removed from his small intestines, and sadly it was a cancerous growth. We could but him through chemo, but is not something we feel is fair to subject him too. So I was hoping the kind and knowledgeable folks here might have some alternative medicine suggestions on how to fight cancer.

[ChrisAK]

I've had to deal with it once. Are you willing to deal with the costs? It is fairly expensive.

Our last GS was the same age when he came down with Lympho Sarcoma. The vet gave us the options and one of them was a Chemo treatment that was aggressive and fairly new in the application. He was giving us a fair assessment stating this was not a given cure at his age, but if he showed promise within 24 hours, we would continue. He did good for 48, then his body and age caught up. We had to euthanize for his welfare.

I would see what your vet has to say. Especially at his age. If he feels he is strong emotionally and physically, and he has a good shot, go for it. You will know within a few days based on his reaction.

If the vet feels the cancer is too far gone, then make his last days the best he's ever had. After all your pet has done that everyday of his life with you.

My sympothies and thoughts. This is not an easy decision.

[jackiesdaisy1935]

I don't have any advice, have never been through that, but I would just like to tell you how sorry I am that you have to make this decision and we wish you the best in whatever you decide.
We will pray and think positive thoughts for your pup in the meantime.
Jackie, Miss Daisy and Perry

[Sudilar]

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. My prayers are with you.

[Albea]

So sorry to hear that your furbaby has cancer. My first Golden, Natasha, also develped breast cancer at the age of 9 1/2. She had surgery and the tumor was back six weeks later. After that she had several chemo treatments but they didn't help. Finally, when the vet told me that it could spread to the lungs and that there wasn't anything else he could do, I had to come to the very difficult decision of letting her go to the other side of Rainbow Bridge.
This was in 1986, veterinary medicine has advanced a lot since then. Perhaps you could check some Web sites to find out what's new. Here are some addresses:
www.vetinfo.com/
www.petvets.com/
www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index
I hope you find a way to help your pup. Best wishes to find a cure, my prayers are with you.

[lovemymaltese]

I dealt with the cancer scare in June. Tango (8 years old) had a mast cell tumor on his side. It was a grade 2 out of 4 grades. Luckily, the surgery was successful and he is now in remission. If he had needed chemotherapy, I would have set down with the vet and made a pros and cons list of chemotherapy. Is it worth it? Will he be in pain? What is the cure rate? etc. I wish you the best of luck, I'm hear if you need to talk.

[tatsxxx11]

I'm so sorry to hear your baby is sick. Deciding what course of treatment to pursue when faced with a diagnosis of cancer, is a very personal one (as with humans) and is something you should decide after searching your heart and speaking at length with your vet. Is your doggie in good general health? Some cancers are more aggressive than others and some respond much better to radiation and chemotherapy, just as with humans. Great strides have been made recently in the treatment of cancer in dogs. Of course, chemo is never pleasant. But, the side effects can actually be quite minimal, e.g., nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, etc. But, I have known several dogs, many of them seniors, many with other health issues in addition to their cancers, who have responded amazingly well to treatment. My dear friend Zeke, a black Labrador who at 10 was already diabetic, on insulin, and blind, was diagnosed with lymphoma. We was treated at Tuft's U. with chemotherapy. He lived for another 3 1/2 happy, healthy, "quality" years and has his photo on the Tuft's Wall of Fame as their longest living cancer survivor. Sadly, he went to the RB last Thanksgiving. However, it was not from his cancer that he passed, but rather from degenerative disc disease. Yes, any treatment for a serious illness, in humans or animals, is never pleasant for family or patient. But, I would encourage you to discuss it with your vet and at least explore the option. Your mind and your heart will guide you. Please give my love and a big hug to your baby. I wish all the best and will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. We're hoping for a miracle!

[mylunalove]

Thanks to everyone! Sparky (my baby) could feel the healing thoughts and prayers! Since having the tumor removed he has improved greatly! Hard telling how long before another tumor grows, if it spreads, or if we get that miracle and it never returns. We go back to the vet for stitch removal and to go over the options for our little lad. I read some info about diet, and herbal remedies? Might give it a try! Can't hurt, and who knows? Thanks again to everyone !

peace and harmony
Dawn and Sparky the wonder dog

[lovemymaltese]

Prayers are still going strong for the little one, bless his heart.

[sammi]

Prayers are going out to you and your pup. Our yellow lab was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes at age 3yrs. but it was to far advanced to put her through any treatment. its hard to deal with. I wish you the very best in good health for your Sparky.

[anna_66]

Glad to hear of Sparky's improvement since the surgery. Hope he keeps getting better and stays that way!

[KYS]

My sister's Shitzu (sp) has cancer.
In her case the vet said it was to far along
an they opted not to give her treatment.
So far she has been doing very well and is
showing no ill effects.


I am not shure what I would do in your shoes.
I just wanted to say I hope/pray that
Sparky will be just fine, now that he has
had his surgery.

Karen

[tatsxxx11]

I'm so happy to hear that Sparky is doing so well And I love his name!! Hugs to the brave little boy from all of us here. Love, Sandra, Star and Cody