Dog chemo

[Doug]

Originally Posted by toxic111

Depending on the breed it may be time to say goodbye, and put her down. I know it is a hard decision to do, but you may have to do what is best for the dog.

I think at 12 I would stay away from chemo, and go the steroid route to see how she responds, and give you both (you & the dog) some time together.

I ahve had several pets over the years, and have had to say good bye several times, and it is always difficult.

All I can really say it is your decision on what to do, and you just ahve to do what is best for yourself and the dog.

Thats our plan so far but still a few days to change our mind if going with chemo.

Thanks for all the advice everyone and the link Myka.

I trust this particular vet Parker. He has been her doc since her baby shots.

I see the results already from the steroids Keri, but only outside so far. She drinks a lot of water now and its has to go somewhere. At least she now has some energy & an appetite back.

On another note, I consider my fish pets and our budgies were pets. Kia is our companion and friend. I know we relate their feelings in human terms but other pets dont try to make you feel better when sad or not feeling good. They dont look at you with those eyes, like they actually know what your saying or willing to risk their own well being for yours.

I guess its harder when spending so much time with her as we have since retiring. Or at least it seems so, compared with the times when we were working & younger, raising a family.

Anyways, sorry for rambling, thanks for the advice.

[EmilyB]

Doug, my sincere sympathies. Remember one thing though, it won't be any easier two years from now, than it is today. I'd stick with the predisone and give the girl some quality time.

[Lance]

Doug, I know what you're going through. We had the same issues with "Ozzy" our Boxer. Not cancer, but a debilitating heart condiltion. He was only 5 years old. We spent a lot of money on vet bills as well as $400 p/month on meds. We thought we'd give him as much time as we could. He lived for 5more months before his quality of life became an issue, and we had to put him down. In those 5 months he had some bad days; but a lot more good ones and despite the money and his "accidents", those 5 months were/are very important to us. Looking back, we think we made the right decision in our circumstance. Of course, everyone's circumstances are different. Anyhow, I feel for ya.
Lance

[Doug]

Originally Posted by EmilyB

Doug, my sincere sympathies. Remember one thing though, it won't be any easier two years from now, than it is today. I'd stick with the predisone and give the girl some quality time.

Thank-you Deb. I know what your dogs mean to you. After a discussion with the vet again today, and advice from here and some pms, plus reading threads on the board from the link Myka posted, it appears we will be doing exactly that.

When she finishes her current dose of predisone, she will cut back to half of that and then perhaps half again, depending on how the lymph nodes react.

I have been reading on homeopathic therapy but seem to have found mostly only commercial ones, that are very costly.

Thanks Lance. Must have posted at the same time. I remember reading a post about your dog and several others for that matter, from members who have gone through the same.

Again, thanks to all for their advice and opinions.

[EmilyB]

One thing you might want to ask your vet about is the option to try dexamethasone vs prednisone.

EmilyB was on prednisone in her last years and it was pretty rough with the incontinence. (At this point, in case you need it, I will recommend a visit to a human health supply store to get the green rubber backed pads that can be washed (not dried in a dryer). These allowed Emily to pretty much sleep where she used to..................not going there......)

Anyway, our new dobe has airborn allergies and went through three vets and a pile of drugs before we got positive results. She's now on allergy shots but crashes occasionally and needs a steroid, we tried prednisone, but when I told the vet it was getting pretty damp around here, she switched her to dex. Amazing difference.

Don't know if that is suitable in your situation, but just a thought I had tonight.

[Doug]

Thanks Deb. I will stop by and ask him today.

[ElGuappo]

I apoligize i had no idea that you were retired. this does make it a different situation. you would spend an increased amount of time with him. as for for the looks, i agree they do know when somethings bothering you and such.

However speaking as someone who has been through chemo IMO i dont think it is always the best course. in my case yes, however seeing what people went through with other types of cancer their is NO way i would do it in their place (Seeing what they had to endure). and the time given up to treatment is usually more then what you get in return any way (serious Cases). in my opinion im not so sure it is better to live an extra 2 years in pain after a years worth of treatment, when you could have lived 1-2 years without haveng to endure the trial and tribulations of treatment, with the same or less pain. Sometimes the time you have left is the least painful. the treatment itself can be worse than the symptoms. However what one can endure for their family rather then alone is quite incredible.

IMO from seeing people having cases from skin, testicular, lung, throat, kidney, breast, colon, stomache cancers.

When you spend a week a monthe for a year in incare you see some things and meet some people.

Sorry i have much to say on the topic and i will end with this which i hope does not take over this thread but .....

I feel euthinism (mercy killing) should be legal.

[Doug]

No need for anyone to apologize for anything. I started the thread looking for opinions and all are welcome. If one of my posts came off that way, then I apologize.