Dog chemo

[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.

[Doug]

I hesitated to post this today but figured since I started it, may as well finish it. We had to put her to sleep today. Cant remember when I last bawled this much. How do we become so attached. Guess its their unconditional love and caring.

You would not believe how she went downhill in a week. Never seen anything like it. had to be more advanced than we figured. Even increasing her prednisone did not alleviate the symptoms anymore. I wont go into all her syptoms but they were getting bad and getting worse everyday. This morning was her worse, so we went for a check-up.

My wife, myself & our daughter, {her first owner}, were all with her when she passed. Had her head on my lap. Anyways, we have great memories and she was a good companion and friend. Thanks again for all the advice.

[dsaundry]

My deepest sympathies. I know how upset you are. I dread the day when I have to part with my dogs. There is a bond between most owners and dogs that is on a different level than with most other pets. No replies from cat people please...A dog is a member of the family that gives its love unconditionally to you. I do believe you made the correct if not the most difficult decision of what was in the best interest of the dog. No animal should suffer. Cherish the great memories of your companion and she will always be in your heart...

[langdon reefer]

IM sorry to hear if you need to talk or need to get anything else off your chest im here for you its never an easy choice but somtimes a nessary one please let me know if you need anything

[Delphinus]

Very sorry to hear that Doug. It's always hard, only people who truly love their pets can really understand. At least she had a good life with your family and she is no longer suffering.

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