Opinion wanted on my Dog's illness

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

09/08/2006 09:13:46 AM · #1

Hi
I have female dog called Pepper. She is about 10 and half years old.She is a spitz.

This year she devloped a mammary tumor and she was opearted. She recovred fine. She again devloped a tumor and had to be operated on 29th August.

We got biopsy done of her tumor and She has malignant cancer.
She devloped slight breathing issue.

i am based in India and i know it silly ask for opinon yet i am asking

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

09/08/2006 09:24:52 AM · #2

Animals can be in extreme pain and due to their nature will do everything they can to hide their pain. This is due to the fact that in the wild, the weak and the hurt are the ones that are killed or pushed out of a pack/group.

If your pet has a malignant cancer, I believe that the very best thing for the animal's wellbeing is to put the animal to sleep. I understand that there are some very painless and soothing methods for doing so these days and during the process you can be there holding your pet and helping her be free from what could be incredible pain.

I feel for you, as this is a terrible situation that nobody should ever have forced upon them.

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

09/08/2006 09:31:54 AM · #3

I agree with Nelzie if the animal is showing any signs of suffering now it will only be a matter of time before it progresses. It is such a difficult thing to have to do but it is part of owning a pet.

Give the Dog a pat on the head for me.

09/08/2006 09:33:50 AM · #4

thanks for advice.
As of now she look bright.

Buckeye_Fan

09/08/2006 09:41:53 AM · #5

Being an owner of dogs all my life and having lost several over the years, its very difficult to watch her progress. It may get to a point where you have to make a decision to have her put to sleep but if for right now she is comfortable, enjoy the time as you have. Animals look their owners for comfort in alot of ways.

Give her a big hug for me. My heart goes out to you and her.

g

cmeier

09/08/2006 10:00:25 AM · #6

General,

Besides physical symptoms of discomfort (you mention laboured breathing), animals in pain generally undergo behavioural changes as well. Reductions in appetite or water consumption are definite indicators of pain, as is weight loss. Loss of interest in play/exercise activities and lethargy are also associated with pain.

If your dog is still eating and drinking normally and engages in play, she likely still has a high quality of life, and you might defer a decision to end it until the signs of distress are more clear.

You have my sympathies,

--Chris

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

09/08/2006 10:17:17 AM · #7

When i said she is bright i meant physically she is almost as bright she was before.

She has bot been eating much as she just had an operation and i take her daily for her dressing to be changed and some how she devloped bit infection as her cut or stich was pretty long and pus is coming out. Occasionaly we have to put her on drip.

seenosun

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

09/08/2006 06:14:27 PM · #8

My 12 year old Bassett Hound, Scarlett, was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma on Oct 31st, 2005. My wife and I were told this was a fast spreading cancer and she had 6-8 weeks left. With surgery and chemo we could expect a slightly better prognosis but the cancer is terminal and it will return. We have been blessed with 10 months and she continues to live a happy healthy life. Last week she started to develop breathing issues and we were sure that the cancer had returned. The Dr. checked her out completely, including xrays of her lungs. There was no sign that the cancer has returned. The Vet felt this current problem could be allergies due to the volume of ragweed in the air during recent weeks. He perscribed 1 benedryl every 8 hours and now Scarlett is completely back to normal. Other than a little arthritus in her hips she is happy and healthy. We are celebrating her 13th birthday on September 23rd.

If there is a cancer specialist available seek a second opinion. Dogs tolerate radiation and chemo better than humans. The only other thing I can recommend is to be grateful for each day you have with your little one, don't think too far ahead. The dog will let you know when she is ready to move on. When she does love her enough to let go.

I'm hoping you have many good days together.

Azrifel

Fujifilm X100VI

09/08/2006 06:36:25 PM · #9

We had a Bouvier called Chiva (named after her father Chivas, not the Hindu Chiva). She had breast cancer and was operated for it, with removal of the uteris etc. Unfortunately the cancer came back and we decided not to operate again (age vs impact of the operation). Despite the growing cancer she remained playful and upbeat for a long time until one day she laid her head down and indicated 'enough is enough, I need eternal rest'. Only after she gave up we decided to put an end ot it.

IMO the dog should indicate when it is time to let go. Just like humans they fight to stay with their loved ones, until it becomes to much. You'll recognize the signs.

Ristyz

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

09/08/2006 06:56:58 PM · #10

I wouldn't put her through any more surgeries 'cause you can't fix this one once it goes all over like that. Sometimes surgery on tumors can speed up thier growth. Just depends on how bad and what kind they are.

I would advise that you let her be until such time she begins to not be happy and bright. If she's on meds and such keep her on 'em as the veternarian directs. That is usually accompanied by major weight loss and serious lack of appetite. If she's 10, she's not a young one anymore and the fact that you went so far as the first surgery shows that you REALLY care so she has had a very good life for a dog. There comes a point where we can be too interfering in thier lives and in trying to make them live longer can cause them even greater suffering. Just watch and be "in tune" she will let you know when it's time for her to go, at that time, please let her go gracefully and then mourn.

Originally posted by General:

edit: horrible typos!

Message edited by author 2006-09-08 18:58:23.

kenskid

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

09/08/2006 08:34:45 PM · #11

Like my kids doctor says when we call in to explain a fever...
...he says, "how is she acting". If we say normal...playing, eating etc, he says "call me if she stops playing or stops eating"!

luv2photo

Canon EOS-40D

Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical(IF)Macro

09/08/2006 09:06:42 PM · #12

Your dogs age will best determine how to cope with the situation. I had a dog that developed mammary cancer and it quickly spread through her body--10 year old Schnauzer. We realized it was time to let her go because she was so incoherent and just didn't seem to 'belong' to the pack anymore. She shut herself out. More recently I put my 14 year old Spitz mix to sleep because she got to be the same way...not because of cancer, but we believed she had a brain tumor.

The only way you may the extent of her cancer is to see an Oncologist for Pets. Older doges do not handle treatment as well, and having personally watched people desperately attempt to hold on to that precious life, sometimes it is not the best decision. As someone else said, they are animals and they have a built in mechanism to hide when things are wrong. If she is still as cheerful as ever, greets you cheerfully, then enjoy the time you have and seek the advise of an Oncologist. Until you have the full picture, you should put your final decision on hold.

Penny Lane

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/08/2006 09:25:20 PM · #13

My Dog Taylor is 11yrs old and also has mammary lumps.Last year we had her opperated on and got a large one and a small one removed. We didn't get the lumps tested as it was pretty clear to the vet without tests that it was cancer. Not to mention the lab tests would have cost another $300. Anyway not long after that she scratched at her ear so much that the blood vesels burst and her outer ear ended up swollen with blood. Consequently she was back at the vet for another opperation. This time she took much longer to recover from the general. Only a few weeks later we had to fly back to W.A but the vet recomended not to sedate her as he didn't think she would cope real well. So now that there are more lumps appearing we have made the really difficult decision not to do any more opperations. She is happy and bouncy as ever although the last few days she seems to start choking a little while she eats. I'm putting off going to the vet because I think I know what they will say. So as long as she is happy to play and is still eating I'm just going to try and make the most of our time.
It will be particularly bad for our kids when she goes, they have never known life without her. I feel for you, they don't live long enough do they?

09/09/2006 08:47:06 AM · #14

Thanks everyone for your advice

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

09/12/2006 01:29:20 PM · #15

We did not put her to sleep.

She died peaceful death about one hour ago. I wanted to write a lot but some how feel words wont justify what I feel.

Thanks everyone

cryingdragon

Canon EOS-10D

09/12/2006 01:33:07 PM · #16

My condolences on your loss. I know it's very painful losing a cloes pet. When we had to put my dalmatian to sleep, liver failure, it was very hard. My son still doesn't let us talk about Lucky and it was over 2 years ago.

cmeier

09/12/2006 01:40:51 PM · #17

Originally posted by General:

We did not put her to sleep.

She died peaceful death about one hour ago. I wanted to write a lot but some how feel words wont justify what I feel.

Thanks everyone

General, my deepest sympathies; I had the same experience earlier this year. I'm glad you had the chance to spend time with your dog over her last few days, and that things ended peacefully.