MissChris
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Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Oct 22, 2015 3:20:56 GMT
I just found out that my dog (the beauty in my avatar) has cancer. It's a stage 2 (I think that's what the vet said) soft tissue sarcoma. He removed the tumor and now it's just a matter of deciding if we want to proceed with a consult with an oncologist to see if radiation and/or chemo is an option. I just found out, so need to schedule a consult with the oncologist.
I really don't want this to turn into a "I can't imagine ever spending that much money on my pet" kind of thread, but I'm just curious of anyone has been there done that with their pet(s). Pros, cons, expense, side effects, etc. Are there any specific questions I should ask the oncologist or things I should expect? Thanks in advance!
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Post by alexa11 on Oct 22, 2015 3:29:16 GMT
I don't have any experience, but I just wanted to send good vibes to you and your doggie. By the way, I would spend any amount to save my Louis!
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Deleted
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Jun 17, 2024 6:53:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2015 3:46:50 GMT
I know people who spent $14,000 on chemo for their dog. The dog lived 8 months after that. They had to pay for each treatment at the time it was given.
They have not financially recovered from that.
Honestly, your dog can not tell you he is pain, that alone is enough for me not to do chemo.
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Post by elaine on Oct 22, 2015 3:59:11 GMT
Chemo and radiation is hard and painful enough in humans who understand why it is being done, that some choose to forgo it. I don't think I would put a dog, that I loved and who wouldn't understand, through all of that unless the treatment would be very short and the chances of years added very high.
i am so sorry for you and your pup.
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MissChris
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Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Oct 22, 2015 4:01:14 GMT
I know people who spent $14,000 on chemo for their dog. The dog lived 8 months after that. They had to pay for each treatment at the time it was given. They have not financially recovered from that. Honestly, your dog can not tell you he is pain, that alone is enough for me not to do chemo. Wow!! As hard as it is, I know my decision has to be what's best for HER, not for me! |
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Post by chaosisapony on Oct 22, 2015 4:05:15 GMT
I have heard that the chemo they give to animals does not make them sick like it does with humans. However, I would make sure you have a long chat with the doctor to find out exactly what to expect from the treatments before you start with them. Will you be looking at curing the cancer or simply extending your dog's life? Also, is your dog young enough and healthy enough to withstand the stress and rigors of chemo and/or radiation?
I've had some bad experiences with treating senior animals over the years. As sad as it is, it's really changed my perspective on what illnesses and problems I will treat as many times they have never recovered and I wind up much poorer and with no pet a lot sooner than I would have had I not chosen to treat.
Good luck, I'm sorry you and your poor pup are going through this.
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MissChris
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Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Oct 22, 2015 4:06:30 GMT
Chemo and radiation is hard and painful enough in humans who understand why it is being done, that some choose to forgo it. I don't think I would put a dog, that I loved and who wouldn't understand, through all of that unless the treatment would be very short and the chances of years added very high. i am so sorry for you and your pup. That's my fear, too! I know it's not worth it to her if she ends up having such bad side effects. |
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Post by elaine on Oct 22, 2015 4:13:01 GMT
I have heard that the chemo they give to animals does not make them sick like it does with humans. However, I would make sure you have a long chat with the doctor to find out exactly what to expect from the treatments before you start with them. Will you be looking at curing the cancer or simply extending your dog's life? Also, is your dog young enough and healthy enough to withstand the stress and rigors of chemo and/or radiation? I've had some bad experiences with treating senior animals over the years. As sad as it is, it's really changed my perspective on what illnesses and problems I will treat as many times they have never recovered and I wind up much poorer and with no pet a lot sooner than I would have had I not chosen to treat. Good luck, I'm sorry you and your poor pup are going through this. That's interesting to hear. Chemotherapy, for cancer, is poison. It kills cells. Mostly the bad ones, but it takes some good ones too, and is just plain toxic. I don't know how it wouldn't make them sick, or if we just think it doesn't because they can't tell us. But, I'm not a vet, so I don't really know. My neighbor, who is also a good friend, and with whom I have walked dogs with for 2 miles every weekday morning for 6 years just lost her beagle to cancer a month ago. They decided not to go the chemo route because she was already so miserable and losing weight. |
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MissChris
Full Member
Posts: 370
Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Oct 22, 2015 4:13:36 GMT
I have heard that the chemo they give to animals does not make them sick like it does with humans. However, I would make sure you have a long chat with the doctor to find out exactly what to expect from the treatments before you start with them. Will you be looking at curing the cancer or simply extending your dog's life? Also, is your dog young enough and healthy enough to withstand the stress and rigors of chemo and/or radiation? I've had some bad experiences with treating senior animals over the years. As sad as it is, it's really changed my perspective on what illnesses and problems I will treat as many times they have never recovered and I wind up much poorer and with no pet a lot sooner than I would have had I not chosen to treat. Good luck, I'm sorry you and your poor pup are going through this. Thanks! Unfortunately, my dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog, is 10 years old, and their live expectancy is 8, so she's already lived 2 years beyond the average. I'd love to have the cancer cured, but I don't know if that's a realistic hope or not. The more I look into things, the more I'm thinking it's not going to be a good option. |
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Deleted
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Jun 17, 2024 6:53:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2015 4:15:23 GMT
The drug that the vet used was the same as for people. She had to go to the hospital pharmacy to pick it up.
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Post by janniepea on Oct 22, 2015 4:16:30 GMT
Our dog had chemo when he had cancer and had no side effects. We were very grateful he received great care from the University of California at Davis vet clinic, one of the best in the country. They gave us some generous discounts too. Unfortunately it didn't work with the rare aggressive cancer that he had and we lost him. But I'm glad we tried.
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Post by chaosisapony on Oct 22, 2015 4:16:41 GMT
I have heard that the chemo they give to animals does not make them sick like it does with humans. However, I would make sure you have a long chat with the doctor to find out exactly what to expect from the treatments before you start with them. Will you be looking at curing the cancer or simply extending your dog's life? Also, is your dog young enough and healthy enough to withstand the stress and rigors of chemo and/or radiation? I've had some bad experiences with treating senior animals over the years. As sad as it is, it's really changed my perspective on what illnesses and problems I will treat as many times they have never recovered and I wind up much poorer and with no pet a lot sooner than I would have had I not chosen to treat. Good luck, I'm sorry you and your poor pup are going through this. That's interesting to hear. Chemotherapy, for cancer, is poison. It kills cells. Mostly the bad ones, but it takes some good ones too, and is just plain toxic. I don't know how it wouldn't make them sick, or if we just think it doesn't because they can't tell us. But, I'm not a vet, so I don't really know. I'm not a vet and I don't know either, it's just something I've heard. Their bodies supposedly tolerate it better than ours. I wonder the same as you do, are the animals in pain and we just don't know it because they can't tell us or is there a legitimate difference? |
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Deleted
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Jun 17, 2024 6:53:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2015 4:58:59 GMT
If you decide on treatment, get it all in writing and get the final cost in writing.
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Post by lumo on Oct 22, 2015 5:12:54 GMT
My sweet Cosmo-dog was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was almost 14, and I opted for no treatment, but just pain meds to keep him comfortable as long as we could. I just felt that, given his age, putting him through any kind of treatment regimen would have been worse for him than letting him live out his last weeks with calm and love and lots of treats.
Good luck with whatever you decide. It's never easy.
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Post by pjaye on Oct 22, 2015 8:21:32 GMT
I've had two cats with cancer and opted for chemo with one and no treatment with the other. However neither had sarcoma, so I don't have any specific experience with that. I'd recommend at least seeing the oncologist and find out what they think, what the recommended chemo would be, how often, side effects, cost etc...and then at least you know exactly what you are saying yes or no to. Just like a lot of medical topics here people who have no experience are commenting and giving you false information based on hearsay.
No can say "chemo does or doesn't affect animals the same as people" that's just nonsense, people are all individual, some will have almost no reaction and some are really sick and have a number of side effects, it's the same for animals and will depend on the individual animal, the type of cancer they have and the type of chemotherapy agents that are used. My first cat had a mammary tumour and the chemo regime was one IV infusion once every 3 weeks then a tablet at home 3x that week...and that cycle repeated x4. Therefore one vet visit every 3 weeks x 4 to me seemed reasonable and do-able. The cost depends on the drugs, neither of these drugs was very expensive, under $60 for each cycle (plus the vet visit costs of course). The costs do start to add up from the vet visits and blood tests and when x-rays, ultrasounds etc are done to check if it is working or not and/or if there are side effects that need to be treated. This cat was also a very placid animal and it was easy to administer the chemo, she never once needed to be sedated, even when she had x-rays. She went into remission for 18 months and she lived for another 3 years after diagnosis and was 16yo when she died.
The second cat had nasal lymphoma and the chemo for lymphoma is totally different, they use 4-5 different drugs and there is a different combination administered every week, and the length of the chemo would have been 6-9 months. So at the vet at least weekly for over 6 months. Millie was the cat I got at age 3 and she hadn't been handled very much and she would have needed sedation for each chemo session (when she had her CT the vet had 3 goes to get an IV in because she fought so much and then ended up with a massive bruise) The average survival rate for that sort of cancer with chemo was 9 months. For her, based on her personality the length and type of chemo and the overall survival rate, I decided that I wouldn't pursue treatment for her, and we used palliative care only and pampered her and she passed away 3 months later.
I don't think there is any such thing as a blanket approach, you need to know all of the information and then make an informed decision based on all of the factors. In some situations I would pursue active treatment again, in others I wouldn't. It also isn't necessarily ridiculously expensive, some of the drugs are quite cheap, but again, it depends on how everything goes and the costs can up from all the 'extra' stuff that isn't the actual chemotherapy.
Good luck to you and your dog and I hope you can get all of the information you need to help you make the best decision for you and your dog that you are at peace with. |
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hannahruth
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,629 
Location: Adelaide, Australia
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Post by hannahruth on Oct 22, 2015 10:47:23 GMT
We had a boxer that had cancer and we tried treatment with chemo which kept things in check while he was taking it but as soon as the drugs stopped symptoms re-appeared. It was decided that it could not be a long term treatment as it was not going to cure him.
What really helped us decide was that the instructions given to us while handling the drugs was that we were to use gloves and a mask so that we did not inhale the dust. Our thoughts were if we had to be so protected when handling this medication then what were putting down the dogs throat.
This treatment went on for a couple of months, cost a couple thousand dollars but to us it was worth it and we did try to help him. In the end the state of the dog was the deciding factor, he had stopped eating and was very lethargic and with no positive outcome in sight. It was not the easiest decision we have ever made but in the end it was the right one.
Sorry you you have to go through this - our animals are part of the family so the loss is hard. Hugs to you at this difficult time.
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Oct 22, 2015 15:03:07 GMT
Sarcomas are tough to treat. A soft tissue sarcoma can be cured by wide excision at times. It is no different whether it is a person or an animal. Personally, I would definitely consider a consult but I do not think I would put my pet through chemo or radiation for a soft tissue sarcoma, especially if the pathology report showed a nice wide margin.
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raindancer
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Post by raindancer on Oct 22, 2015 15:08:13 GMT
I don't know what you should do, but I'm sorry. I lost my beloved cat to cancer but due to his age and the type the vet said at best it would give him six months longer but his quality of life would suffer we chose not to treat.
It's so hard to make these choices.
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Post by compwalla on Oct 22, 2015 15:57:52 GMT
I just found out that my dog (the beauty in my avatar) has cancer. It's a stage 2 (I think that's what the vet said) soft tissue sarcoma. He removed the tumor and now it's just a matter of deciding if we want to proceed with a consult with an oncologist to see if radiation and/or chemo is an option. I just found out, so need to schedule a consult with the oncologist. I really don't want this to turn into a "I can't imagine ever spending that much money on my pet" kind of thread, but I'm just curious of anyone has been there done that with their pet(s). Pros, cons, expense, side effects, etc. Are there any specific questions I should ask the oncologist or things I should expect? Thanks in advance! I would not and it's not because of cost. A person can understand that the treatment they are getting is supposed to make them better and their misery is temporary. A dog cannot understand this at all and only knows he feels like shit. I love my critters very much and I want them with us as long as we can have them but I will not put them through any kind of treatment like that unless we know for sure it will be beneficial. My cat has kidney disease and we've put her on renal diet and given her fluids once but when it gets bad (and we know it will) I am not carting my cat back and forth to the vet for treatments that won't make her well but will only prolong her misery. Especially because she is terrified of the car and the vet and the whole deal traveling back and forth. Nope. |
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Post by blarneygirl on Oct 22, 2015 17:50:51 GMT
I don't have any personal experience with this, so I can't answer, but sending you my best wishes. Our pets grab such a strong hold of our hearts.
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Post by Yubon Peatlejuice on Oct 22, 2015 18:13:18 GMT
I have heard that the chemo they give to animals does not make them sick like it does with humans. However, I would make sure you have a long chat with the doctor to find out exactly what to expect from the treatments before you start with them. Will you be looking at curing the cancer or simply extending your dog's life? Also, is your dog young enough and healthy enough to withstand the stress and rigors of chemo and/or radiation? I've had some bad experiences with treating senior animals over the years. As sad as it is, it's really changed my perspective on what illnesses and problems I will treat as many times they have never recovered and I wind up much poorer and with no pet a lot sooner than I would have had I not chosen to treat. Good luck, I'm sorry you and your poor pup are going through this. Thanks! Unfortunately, my dog, a Bernese Mountain Dog, is 10 years old, and their live expectancy is 8, so she's already lived 2 years beyond the average. I'd love to have the cancer cured, but I don't know if that's a realistic hope or not. The more I look into things, the more I'm thinking it's not going to be a good option. let her go |
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Post by lancermom on Oct 22, 2015 18:25:09 GMT
I personally would not. I love my dog and can not imagine life without him. I would help him pass before he was in a great deal of pain. With our lab, I was so glad that we were able to help her cross the bridge. Heart wrenching, but so much better.
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MissChris
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Jul 14, 2014 0:46:04 GMT
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Post by MissChris on Oct 22, 2015 19:22:02 GMT
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and insight. I'm definitely going to have a consult with the oncologist just to see her thoughts on the situation. Who knows, maybe there are other options out there that don't involve chemo or radiation, but can give her a good quality of life until it's time to say goodbye.
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MizIndependent
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Quit your bullpoop.
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Jun 25, 2014 19:43:16 GMT
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Post by MizIndependent on Oct 22, 2015 20:07:50 GMT
Having known people that went through chemo, no. I would not put my Lucy through that.  |
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Post by peasapie on Oct 22, 2015 20:14:49 GMT
I did face this with my dog, about five years ago. I'm not sure if things have changed since then, but at that time chemo wasn't effective with dogs as it is with humans. It would have prolonged her life, but it would not have given her back her original expected length of life. And it would have made what was left of her life a time when she was both sick from the treatments and afraid from doctor visits. I opted to give her six good months, which she had. And when she felt more bad then good, I let her go.
I hope some day someone will do the same thing for me.
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freebird
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'cause I'm free as a bird now
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Post by freebird on Oct 22, 2015 20:26:00 GMT
My dog as he is right now, and I can afford it? Most likely yes. My dog when he's elderly and suffering, or I can't afford it? Most likely not. (sometimes it does come down to money).
We love this dog as like we gave birth to him ourselves but there's a point where I wouldn't accept treatment for myself, so I probably wouldn't do it for the dog either.
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~Susan~
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You need to check your boobs, mine tried to kill me!!!
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Jul 6, 2014 17:25:32 GMT
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Post by ~Susan~ on Oct 22, 2015 20:31:36 GMT
I have no experience with this, but I wanted to wish you and your dog all the best.
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Post by shamrock on Oct 22, 2015 21:06:20 GMT
I'm sorry for you & your dog.
I've had 3 family dogs get ill, 2 that I was old enough to be a part of the decision making process. My dog now is 15- old for a Westie. Our decisions for their care depended a lot on their age. After 10 years for the family dogs we started focusing on comfort care. That's the point we are at with our Westie now too. We nursed the 3 family dogs along for 6 months to 2 years after they started having problems. One had cancer, one we didn't do the tests to confirm but it was suspected and the 3rd had been poisoned by a boarding facility. All 3 were spoiled rotten once we knew the way things were going. It sucks & I would love to do, what to me is extraordinary measures to help prolong things, but I can't tell the dog what's going on and it just seems too much to me. Now things might look different if it was a young dog and a prognosis of many years. Or if I had unlimited funds. It can be hard to make a decision with your head (what's the ultimate best for the animal, least suffering, $$) when your heart wants something else (the animal to always be around).
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Post by snappinsami on Oct 22, 2015 21:54:58 GMT
I did face this with my dog, about five years ago. I'm not sure if things have changed since then, but at that time chemo wasn't effective with dogs as it is with humans. It would have prolonged her life, but it would not have given her back her original expected length of life. And it would have made what was left of her life a time when she was both sick from the treatments and afraid from doctor visits. I opted to give her six good months, which she had. And when she felt more bad then good, I let her go. I hope some day someone will do the same thing for me. First, your furbaby is beautiful, and I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this. I agree with what Peasapie said. Our 8 year old Lab, Molly, was diagnosed with anal sac cancer in May of 2014. DH and I spoke to our vets (we moved over that summer and had to find a new one) and they outlined the possible treatments that we could consider. After doing some research, and reading that chemo isn't as effective in dogs as with humans, we decided to forego the treatment altogether, including surgery. We didn't want to put her through that knowing that in the end, it wouldn't extend her life by that long, and we wanted the time she had left to be of the best quality possible for her. With her being so young, it was a very difficult decision to make. It wasn't about not being willing to spend the money on a pet - when she was 4 we spent $5,000 on TPLO surgery for her. But the outlook wasn't good, and the treatment wouldn't have made a big difference in her lifespan - and negatively affected her quality of life. That made the decision a bit easier for us. |
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Post by smokeynspike on Oct 23, 2015 3:52:12 GMT
I had two Siamese cats from the same litter and they both came down with cancer. One had a lump on his front arm, which we removed, and he lived a couple of more years after that with only one other lump. His brother only had the one cancerous lump, but it came on his jaw right by his mouth and his vet said it would be horribly disfiguring to remove and treat, so we chose to let him go as it was making it difficult and painful for him to eat. They lived to be 13 and 14. We opted to not treat with chemo or radiation for either situation. I think that treating cancer in our pets is very different from treating cancer in humans. They can't tell you they are in pain or what they really need, and every vet I've ever talked to (at least about cats) says that they are very, very good at hiding that they are in pain. I didn't want to prolong their pain just to extend their time with us, as difficult as it was to let them go.
And it wasn't about the money either for our family. We spent $1800 on eye surgery on the one guy after he got an infection in his eye. The more cost effective option was to just have his eye removed, but it was treatable and his specialist said he would respond just fine to the treatment so we went with that option.
Melissa
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