My dog has lymphoma. Is it time?

[luvgoing2disney]

OP I am so sorry that you and your family are facing this very difficult decision. We had a similar situation in April when my Shih Tzu was diagnosed with renal failure and cancer. The vet said he could last 2 days or 2 weeks and I knew I would not let him suffer. I asked the vet when would I know it was time and he said "You will just know" and he was exactly right. One night ( and I know this seems crazy) I could almost hear Rocky say "Daddy, it's time". The next day he stopped eating and two days later we went to the vet for one of the hardest days ever. But yo love your pet so you will know when it is time for him to cross Rainbow Bridge.

Many hugs are sent to you, your family and to your precious Tribble

 

[jennyjinx3]

Oh I am in tears, so sorry OP for what you are going through. I too suffer from the guilt of letting one of our cats suffer too long. I waited and waited to see if he would bounce back, and then when I took him to the vet finally, he passed as the doctor was starting to examine him. I felt like a still feel like a horrible pet owner, but I didn't want to believe it was truly time.

 

[tribblesmom]

Wow these stories are heartbreaking!!!

Tribble is doing really good since decreasing her pain med. breathing much better. I trust the vet but very glad I did my own research.

Just wanted to thank everyone again.

 

[okeydokey]

We lost our Pointer to lymphoma a few years ago. He, too, was on prednisone and it really made a difference. He lost a lot of weight but was still somewhat active and eating. He did not appear uncomfortable and he had six pretty good months.

One day, he just stopped eating. It was a Monday. I think he knew it was time. By Wednesday he couldn't stand by himself and on Thursday we took him in to end it. The end happened very quickly, but we are thankful for the last six good months we had.

I am so sorry you are going through this. I know it is hard.

 

[tribblesmom]

I just wanted to thank everyone again for all your replies. We had to put Tribble down last Tuesday. The day we decided we were questioning it but the very next day it was so obvious we were making the right decision. I just knew. I wouldn't have waited another day.

We took her on a nice car ride- she put her head out the window and enjoyed the sun and wind in her face. It was a beautiful day.

I was in the room when they put her down and held her as she took her last breath. It was heartbreaking!!!! I'm still upset and I feel like I've lost a friend.

We caught her lymphoma pretty early. She lived 2 pretty good months on prednisone and tramadol after diagnosis. Honestly longer than I expected. We put her down as soon as the bad outweighed the good.

I still have 2 dogs and one of them is 6. I don't know how I'll deal with this pain again. I know I shouldn't think of this now. I know people that can't have dogs because losing them is too painful.

Thx again all. I'm gonna go cry myself to sleep!!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm so sorry.

You were both fortunate to have eachother, as painful as it feels right now.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

First of all . I know how hard this is for you. Our german shepherd mix had lymphoma, and it was rough. She also started panting for no reason too. That's actually what made me take her in. I noticed the lump and then the panting, and it was literally within a week. Lymphoma moves quickly in dogs. The vet told me that she had a few weeks left so we took her home, put her on prednisone and cried.

All I can say is some advice I was given by my uncle, who has raised many dogs. When it's time, you'll know. You won't second guess yourself because in your heart you just know it's time. Until that point, which may only be a week or so, (my dog deteriorated rapidly ) enjoy the time you have with her. She will let you know when she's had enough. I will never forget the way that my Ashley looked up at me as if to say "I'm ready to move on". (It's been 8 years, and here I am blubbering like an idiot at the keyboard). We took her to the vet that afternoon, and she passed before the doctor even gave her the second shot. My prayers are with you and your family.

I totally agree!
First, let me say I too know how hard this is having gone through it twice (once is too much for anyone in my opinion). The vet told me that dogs also know when it is time. One of the signs is they stop eating. This was true of my first dog but my second dog was a little different. He tried to eat (his favorite thing to do) but he kept vomiting it back up. He did however try and seperate himself from us. I wish I could give better advice other than, when it's time you'll know. This is a difficult time and if you dog is still getting joy out of life then let him determine when he is ready. You are in my prayers.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Tribblesmom, if you want, you can edit the title to say Update in post #25.

How are you doing today? What did you do with Tribble's body?

 

[rcullen]

We just found out that our 9 year old boxer/pitt mix has lymphoma. I noticed that she was not herself but she was still eating like normal. She use to snore like a freight train then suddenly 2 weeks ago she stopped and started breathing a little heavier. I told my husband that I was concerned but she was still very active and didn't seem too much out of sorts. She suddenly stopped eating over the weekend. NOT like her at all, she loves her food. I took her to the vet on Monday and that is when I noticed the big lumps in her neck. The vet came in took one look at her and said, "she has lymphoma" He showed me all the other nodes in her body that were swollen. They are so big that they are pushing on her air way making it harder to breathe and eat. We started her on prednisone that day and it is now Wednesday (day 3) she at a little Monday night and ate yesterday and suddenly is not eating again today. She lays around on the tile floor all day long and is just listless. She's drinking a ton (was before the prednisone too) and I'm just not sure it's going to help her. I'm willing to give the medicine a full week to see if it reduces the size of her nodes. If they haven't gone down any by next week I think we might have to go ahead and put her down. I don't want her to suffer. She has been with my husband since she was 6 weeks old. She was a pound puppy, born in the pound but has been with him ever since. (minus 4 years we were overseas and couldn't take her, but she was with family still) It's heartbreaking to see her in this state. I'm hoping I will be able to tell when she is done so we can let her go without suffering.

 

[SharonZ]

So sorry to hear about Tribble. We lost my himalayan, Beau in October to cancer. My vet gave me some good advice, when you find yourself hoping that your pet passes in its sleep, then it's time . . .

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I am so sorry for your loss but I am glad you knew in your heart it was the right decision. My aunt has a farm and has had many pets over the years which she loved and loss. She once wrote a letter to a friend when they lost a pet and the words are really quite perfect so I thought I would share.

“From time to time, God in His wisdom, sends us helpmates to assist us in our journey through this life. They come in many shapes and forms and at times are unexpected and untimely. I have learned from experience that we should not reject these “gifts” from God, but accept them without question. The animals that have passed through my life are far too many to count or explain.
They show up at my doorstep, have jumped into my car, into my lap, followed me home and inserted themselves into my life and that of my family. These “doctors”, “psychiatrists”, “nurturers”, “comedians”, and “companions”, comfort us and teach us so much about so many things. Their love is unconditional and infinite, yet they require so little in return. The hard part is that their time with us is so vey short in comparison to our own life span. I like
to believe that this also was a “Divine design”. In sharing our lives, these animals help to prepare us for the greater losses that we all must endure when we lose family members. It helps us to understand the cycles of life and death. My children could not have had any greater teachers than the animals that we have had on our farm. They held chicken eggs as they hatched in their hands. They witnessed the natural conception and birth of many new lives. They watched and learned about a mother’s love for their offspring and how these animals raised their young and taught them many lessons. They also felt the pain of loss when many passed on, yet they were more understanding because of the life cycle that they had been a part of.
I know that there are no words of comfort that I can share to ease the pain of loss that you are feeling. I have felt it many times before myself. The comfort that I take in each passing, is that I was blessed by God to have had these little miracles in my life, for however short a time. I also believe that God has a
special place in his heart for all His creatures and their spirits go on as do our own. I know there will never be another individual animal just like the one I have lost, but I look forward to theirs that I know will be just as unique, with their own special gift to share with me.”

 

[Pooh93]

I am so sorry for your furbaby and you. We went through this last summer with our 6 year old golden.

You did the right thing.

And yes, I came here and posted about my beloved Carmel from the time she was diagnosed to the time she went to Rainbow Bridge and the outpouring of support I received touched me so much.

Take care.

 

[Andtototoo]

You all have done the right thing by your pets when you help ease their way.

I will never forget the suffering our family dog went through because one of my parents couldn't bear to make the decision. The other parent finally couldn't take watching the poor thing any more and took the dog into the vet when the hold out was at work one day. It was absolutely the right decision, but the hold out never forgave and never admitted that the dog had suffered and was going to continue to suffer. I always vowed at that time, that when I was an adult and a pet owner, that I'd never let my beloved animal suffer that way to ease my own burden of decision-making.

So I am truly grateful to all of you have do have the fortitude to do what is right.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

We just found out that our 9 year old boxer/pitt mix has lymphoma. I noticed that she was not herself but she was still eating like normal. She use to snore like a freight train then suddenly 2 weeks ago she stopped and started breathing a little heavier. I told my husband that I was concerned but she was still very active and didn't seem too much out of sorts. She suddenly stopped eating over the weekend. NOT like her at all, she loves her food. I took her to the vet on Monday and that is when I noticed the big lumps in her neck. The vet came in took one look at her and said, "she has lymphoma" He showed me all the other nodes in her body that were swollen. They are so big that they are pushing on her air way making it harder to breathe and eat. We started her on prednisone that day and it is now Wednesday (day 3) she at a little Monday night and ate yesterday and suddenly is not eating again today. She lays around on the tile floor all day long and is just listless. She's drinking a ton (was before the prednisone too) and I'm just not sure it's going to help her. I'm willing to give the medicine a full week to see if it reduces the size of her nodes. If they haven't gone down any by next week I think we might have to go ahead and put her down. I don't want her to suffer. She has been with my husband since she was 6 weeks old. She was a pound puppy, born in the pound but has been with him ever since. (minus 4 years we were overseas and couldn't take her, but she was with family still) It's heartbreaking to see her in this state. I'm hoping I will be able to tell when she is done so we can let her go without suffering.

I went through this too , last year with our GSD Zelda. It was sudden and she also was struggling to breathe. We chose to put her down within a few days of her diagnoses. Hindsight, we figured that she had been "off" for at least 6 months. Not really sick but gradually acting differently than she had before. It was a really hard decision but she was suffering and medication didn't seem to be helping much. {{{hugs}}} I know how difficult this is.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I am so sorry for your loss but I am glad you knew in your heart it was the right decision. My aunt has a farm and has had many pets over the years which she loved and loss. She once wrote a letter to a friend when they lost a pet and the words are really quite perfect so I thought I would share.

“From time to time, God in His wisdom, sends us helpmates to assist us in our journey through this life. They come in many shapes and forms and at times are unexpected and untimely. I have learned from experience that we should not reject these “gifts” from God, but accept them without question. The animals that have passed through my life are far too many to count or explain.
They show up at my doorstep, have jumped into my car, into my lap, followed me home and inserted themselves into my life and that of my family. These “doctors”, “psychiatrists”, “nurturers”, “comedians”, and “companions”, comfort us and teach us so much about so many things. Their love is unconditional and infinite, yet they require so little in return. The hard part is that their time with us is so vey short in comparison to our own life span. I like
to believe that this also was a “Divine design”. In sharing our lives, these animals help to prepare us for the greater losses that we all must endure when we lose family members. It helps us to understand the cycles of life and death. My children could not have had any greater teachers than the animals that we have had on our farm. They held chicken eggs as they hatched in their hands. They witnessed the natural conception and birth of many new lives. They watched and learned about a mother’s love for their offspring and how these animals raised their young and taught them many lessons. They also felt the pain of loss when many passed on, yet they were more understanding because of the life cycle that they had been a part of.
I know that there are no words of comfort that I can share to ease the pain of loss that you are feeling. I have felt it many times before myself. The comfort that I take in each passing, is that I was blessed by God to have had these little miracles in my life, for however short a time. I also believe that God has a special place in his heart for all His creatures and their spirits go on as do our own. I know there will never be another individual animal just like the one I have lost, but I look forward to theirs that I know will be just as unique, with their own special gift to share with me.”

This is absolutely beautiful Thank you The hardest decision in life is to give our dear four legged family members the ultimate gift, even though it rips a piece of our heart out I have been there a few times myself I wish you all peace






( always remembering them )

 

[lovin'fl]

My dog was diagnosed with lymphoma yesterday. She is a 9 year old mix (either basset, beagle, corgi or some of all). She has been off for a several months...not wanting to go outside, laying around and throwing up...and at times not wanting to eat. Then, this Monday i noticed a bloody mass coming from her bottom and we were sent off to our vet ER. After 2 days there, many tests and $1400 spent they tell me she has lymphoma. They had planned to remove the rectal mass but when they discovered the lymphoma (by doing abdominal US and taking aspiration of large lymph node) they told me they won't remove the mass. They told me to call their vet oncologist and make an appointment to go over treatment options (such as chemo) and that it would be about 2-3 weeks before we can get in as she is on vacation and appointments are usually 2 weeks backed up. I made an appointment with my regular vet for today and will ask for just comfort care as we won't do the chemo route. Will the regular vet be able to help or will they just tell me to take her to the oncologist?

What is odd is about 2 years ago she had egg sized swollen lymph nodes in her neck and it was suspected to be lymphoma then but the aspiration thing showed as negative...they put her on an antibiotic and the lymph nodes went down (so the vet thought she had some sort of trauma like mouth injury or something that inflamed the lymph nodes). But maybe she's had this lymphoma for a while. As other folks mention, she is happy to see us when we come in, wags tail, runs outside to chase the squirrels...just seemed really old lately. She eats, most of the time, and hasn't gotten too skinny. But she does stay in her crate a lot...and did refuse a cheeseburger from the drive-thru on Monday (very odd for her). And the throwing up all the time. I noticed the panting a lot too. Are we bad for not getting an appointment with the oncologist?

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Are we bad for not getting an appointment with the oncologist?

I don't think so. When we made the decision to put our Zelda down, one thing I kept thinking about was that I could choose to put her through chemo and all the side effects that can make her life miserable, but she won't understand what is going on. I chose quality of life versus quantity.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Lovin fl, so sorry to hear this. No, you are not bad for not getting an oncology appointment. It sounds like an advanced case of illness, so you should spend the time you have left with your dog doing things that you both love to do together as much as possible.

 

[skylizard]

Are we bad for not getting an appointment with the oncologist?

You are not bad for not taking your dog to the oncologist. Like others have said, it's quality of life over quantity.
We had to say good bye to our dog just this past Friday. He had been diagnosed with liver cancer late last year, and was put on tramadol and prednisone. He was an older dog, 14 years, and putting him through chemo would've been horrible for him and barely prolong his life any. So we took care of him the best we could until we knew it was time. And like others have said, you will know when it's time.

 

[lovin'fl]

Thanks guys. I am so sad. She is such a good sweet dog. It stinks!! Sorry, Skylizard, for your recent loss .