usvi-on-line
Our dog Duffy has Lymphoma - need advice
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Boston Mike
- Posts: 974
- Joined: Sat Dec 27, 2008 5:41 am
- Location: Boston, MA.
Gromit,
My heart goes out to Duffy and yourself. Me and my wife are huge dog lovers also. My Beagle Maggie is 10 and the Black Lab Riley is 4.
We have been through a similar situation and know how you feel. Maggie the beagle had a huge tumor removed from her back end at the age of 8. It was devastating knowing that she was going through something like this and at the time we weren't sure of what to do. We decided to move forward with the surgery because we felt she still had a few good years left to live and we wanted to give that to her. So we did. We also knew after talking with the doc that at her age she was not a candidate to go through another surgery like that. She is now 10 and running around like there is no tomorrow. She is a cutie and I am so glad we made the decision to go with the surgery.
Whatever decision you make and help you seek, I am sure you will make the right one. I hope you Duffy pull through this okay.
They are not just dogs or pets. They are family, they are children to some.
Good luck Gromit.
My heart goes out to Duffy and yourself. Me and my wife are huge dog lovers also. My Beagle Maggie is 10 and the Black Lab Riley is 4.
We have been through a similar situation and know how you feel. Maggie the beagle had a huge tumor removed from her back end at the age of 8. It was devastating knowing that she was going through something like this and at the time we weren't sure of what to do. We decided to move forward with the surgery because we felt she still had a few good years left to live and we wanted to give that to her. So we did. We also knew after talking with the doc that at her age she was not a candidate to go through another surgery like that. She is now 10 and running around like there is no tomorrow. She is a cutie and I am so glad we made the decision to go with the surgery.
Whatever decision you make and help you seek, I am sure you will make the right one. I hope you Duffy pull through this okay.
They are not just dogs or pets. They are family, they are children to some.
Good luck Gromit.
Life begins where the land ends!
Gromit,
My heart goes out to you, your family and Duffy. My Bailey is going to be 14 and is really beginning to show his age. When we have pets in our family we tend to get faced with these horrible decisions. I am a believer in quality of life, fix him his favorite steak and let him enjoy. Surround him with love and I believe your heart will tell you what is right for him. My thoughts are with you all.
My heart goes out to you, your family and Duffy. My Bailey is going to be 14 and is really beginning to show his age. When we have pets in our family we tend to get faced with these horrible decisions. I am a believer in quality of life, fix him his favorite steak and let him enjoy. Surround him with love and I believe your heart will tell you what is right for him. My thoughts are with you all.
Gromit, as a huge dog lover, I feel your pain. The tears are streaming down my face as I read your story. Although I've never had to experience anything like your situation with my dog, I have always believed that given the decision I would always chose to not let my little guy suffer. Unlike us they just live for the day and I truly believe that they wouldn't want to be here if they can't "do their thing."
Maybe the pred, or some of the other suggestions here will help your little sweetie feel better for a while. For now, just love the heck out of him. I think you'll know when it's time.
With much sympathy and prayers, Meg.
Maybe the pred, or some of the other suggestions here will help your little sweetie feel better for a while. For now, just love the heck out of him. I think you'll know when it's time.
With much sympathy and prayers, Meg.
MCDomzal
wow Gromit, so sorry to hear about your dog. I only know of you via the forum, but the loss of anything is something we can all relate to.
And the stories shared by others are heartbreaking as well.
Having no children and 2 furry 12 year old kitties, I try to love them every moment I can as we know they will not always be with us. The hubby can barely even talk about it!!
If humor is your thing, as Carlin said getting a pet is like purchasing a little tragedy! I totally agree, but it is soo worth it.
Best wishes in whatever you decide, I'm sure it won't be easy! Sorry, I have no advice only support. There has been a lot of sound advice here that one day I will probably come back to look at.
And the stories shared by others are heartbreaking as well.
Having no children and 2 furry 12 year old kitties, I try to love them every moment I can as we know they will not always be with us. The hubby can barely even talk about it!!
If humor is your thing, as Carlin said getting a pet is like purchasing a little tragedy! I totally agree, but it is soo worth it.
Best wishes in whatever you decide, I'm sure it won't be easy! Sorry, I have no advice only support. There has been a lot of sound advice here that one day I will probably come back to look at.
I am so very sorry, sweet girl. You've had lots of good advice here and all I can add is that it's a hard decision to make. Sometimes we want to do what gives us comfort, but often what is best for our pet is something different.
You have a wonderful heart and you will know what to do. You also have lots of people surrounding you that will help you bear it, whatever it is.
Lots of love from me to you.
You have a wonderful heart and you will know what to do. You also have lots of people surrounding you that will help you bear it, whatever it is.
Lots of love from me to you.
We have been through the same anguish and pain you are going through- it's so very, very hard. Our K9 kids are our children and bless our lives with their life. I can tell you're great parents and you will do the right thing. The best decision is often the hardest to make.
Wishing you comfort during this difficult time.
Wishing you comfort during this difficult time.
Man is this a tough thread to read. We have 2 dogs and they are our kids. The older one tore a muscle in her knee and we got the best advice from our vet. Let nature take its course and treat the symptoms you can. The disease she has will most likely affect both legs so we are sort of doing what we can to prevent that and treating her with supplements and tylenol. I dread the day something happens to the other knee. Not sure if we could put her in a cart type deal. Shes fairly big, mid 70lbs. I know all this does not even compare to cancer, but I think the theme is the same. Do what you can to make him feel as good as possible and enjoy whatever amount of time you have.
Oh, I'm so sorry you all are having to go through this. I love my dogs very much and completely dread the day I am faced with what you're going through. In agreement with so many others, your heart will tell you what to do when the time is right - just don't be afraid to listen to it.
Here's a story I've always found very comforting, with the hope it brings you some small comfort as well.
---------------------------------------
Why dogs don't live as long as people
by Robin Downing, DVM
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year- old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Here's a story I've always found very comforting, with the hope it brings you some small comfort as well.
---------------------------------------
Why dogs don't live as long as people
by Robin Downing, DVM
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year- old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
Jennifer
Thanks so much to all of you for your kind words, PM's and advice.
We got home last night at a lot of the swelling seemed to have gone down in his face which was relief but we know it's just a small reprieve.
We went ahead and started him on the prednisone and we've been spending every minute we can hugging and petting on him. But we're also trying to give him his space.
I am terrible about taking photos but last night I whipped out the iPhone and took a bunch of pictures of him.
For right now he seems eager to eat and I guess the worst part at this point is not knowing how long this will last. I just don't want to push it too far but I don't want to cut short any good times we have left.
I went ahead and called all of his human buddies and told them the news. I wanted to give them the chance to see him this week-end. I wanted to give them the option of either seeing him while he's still OK or remembering him however they would like.
One friend is bringing over some Frosty Paws this week-end and wants to spend some quality time with him.
We've basically cancelled any plans we had this week-end and beyond so that we can spend every moment we can with him.
We're also expecting a bit of snow this week-end and Duffy loves the snow so I'm hoping it will be enough so he can get out and romp around while he still feels like it.
I was so frightened about what we would find when we got home last night but he seemed OK. He's really sluggish and just seems to want to sleep a lot but he's still pretty engaged and wants to be with us.
I can't tell you how thankful I am to know that there are so many people out there who are willing to offer the kind of comfort that you have. It means the world to me.
You all have such big hearts and at times like this we can feel so very alone and lost. Hearing your stories and reassurances about what to do somehow makes this a bit easier to take although I will admit that I am dying a little inside each day waiting for the awful day to come.
I'm just trying to pace myself and enjoy every minute that I can with him.
Thank you to everyone for your advice and words of comfort.
Hugs,
Gromit
We got home last night at a lot of the swelling seemed to have gone down in his face which was relief but we know it's just a small reprieve.
We went ahead and started him on the prednisone and we've been spending every minute we can hugging and petting on him. But we're also trying to give him his space.
I am terrible about taking photos but last night I whipped out the iPhone and took a bunch of pictures of him.
For right now he seems eager to eat and I guess the worst part at this point is not knowing how long this will last. I just don't want to push it too far but I don't want to cut short any good times we have left.
I went ahead and called all of his human buddies and told them the news. I wanted to give them the chance to see him this week-end. I wanted to give them the option of either seeing him while he's still OK or remembering him however they would like.
One friend is bringing over some Frosty Paws this week-end and wants to spend some quality time with him.
We've basically cancelled any plans we had this week-end and beyond so that we can spend every moment we can with him.
We're also expecting a bit of snow this week-end and Duffy loves the snow so I'm hoping it will be enough so he can get out and romp around while he still feels like it.
I was so frightened about what we would find when we got home last night but he seemed OK. He's really sluggish and just seems to want to sleep a lot but he's still pretty engaged and wants to be with us.
I can't tell you how thankful I am to know that there are so many people out there who are willing to offer the kind of comfort that you have. It means the world to me.
You all have such big hearts and at times like this we can feel so very alone and lost. Hearing your stories and reassurances about what to do somehow makes this a bit easier to take although I will admit that I am dying a little inside each day waiting for the awful day to come.
I'm just trying to pace myself and enjoy every minute that I can with him.
Thank you to everyone for your advice and words of comfort.
Hugs,
Gromit
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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NoWorriesMom
- Posts: 150
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:45 pm
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
Sorry to hear about your pooch! We have a relative who just stopped intense chemo because it wasn't working and almost killed him. Right now he is a new man. Perked up, happy, eating again, able to visit with family and friends, and to say his goodbyes. That cancer AND chemo is nasty stuff! If I were you I would meet with the vet again and get a better idea of the odds that chemo could work. If they are slim your instinct not to put the pup through it could be spot on. Best of luck to you given the bad circumstances.
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donkey-boy
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:50 pm
- Location: Fish Bay
Gromit –
I am so sorry for you and your family. We had a similar situation a couple of years ago when Wee Be Jammin’, one of our little Maltese, who had lived well with Cushings disease was then diagnosed with adrenal cancer. We opted for no chemo as he was so small and they could not give us much hope for a long remission after all of the pain and discomfort of chemo for him (if there was any remission at all). We opted only for drugs that would make life easier for him – like the pred. The vet told us he was not in any pain and that we would know by his body weight and refusal to eat and interact with us when it was time to say goodbye. We let him call the course and after several months we had to let him go to the Bridge. I think I cried more than I did when my mom died and my husband was just inconsolable.
I believe that when you have a very sick pet there comes a time when you have to ask yourself this hard question about pursuing treatment – “Am I doing this for me or to improve the quality of my pet’s life”. Sounds like you have reached your answer - I know it is a very, very hard thing to do.
My thoughts are with you.
- Margy
I am so sorry for you and your family. We had a similar situation a couple of years ago when Wee Be Jammin’, one of our little Maltese, who had lived well with Cushings disease was then diagnosed with adrenal cancer. We opted for no chemo as he was so small and they could not give us much hope for a long remission after all of the pain and discomfort of chemo for him (if there was any remission at all). We opted only for drugs that would make life easier for him – like the pred. The vet told us he was not in any pain and that we would know by his body weight and refusal to eat and interact with us when it was time to say goodbye. We let him call the course and after several months we had to let him go to the Bridge. I think I cried more than I did when my mom died and my husband was just inconsolable.
I believe that when you have a very sick pet there comes a time when you have to ask yourself this hard question about pursuing treatment – “Am I doing this for me or to improve the quality of my pet’s life”. Sounds like you have reached your answer - I know it is a very, very hard thing to do.
My thoughts are with you.
- Margy
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
Oh Gromit,
I had to step away from this thread before posting. I was a blubbering mess after I read your initial post and all of the responses. Five months ago, this would not have affected me but now that we have our puppy, Butkus, I cannot imagine our home without him. What you are going through is horrible.
The believe the sweetest thing you can do for your pup is give him a few days of serious love while he's still feeling well. Feed him those generally off limits treats, take him on his favorite walks (let's hope for snow for you guys since he loves it!), allow him to snuggle with you and feel all of your love.
When the time does come, to make that difficult decision, I really like the idea of having someone come in and allow him to go in peace, in your home with you there.
I am so sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted...
Hugs to Duffy from us and Butkus.
I had to step away from this thread before posting. I was a blubbering mess after I read your initial post and all of the responses. Five months ago, this would not have affected me but now that we have our puppy, Butkus, I cannot imagine our home without him. What you are going through is horrible.
The believe the sweetest thing you can do for your pup is give him a few days of serious love while he's still feeling well. Feed him those generally off limits treats, take him on his favorite walks (let's hope for snow for you guys since he loves it!), allow him to snuggle with you and feel all of your love.
When the time does come, to make that difficult decision, I really like the idea of having someone come in and allow him to go in peace, in your home with you there.
I am so sorry you are going through this. Please keep us posted...
Hugs to Duffy from us and Butkus.
Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
Missing St. John. As always.
Missing St. John. As always.