My dog has lymphoma. Is it time?

[Pea-n-Me]

Thanks guys. I am so sad. She is such a good sweet dog. It stinks!!

I hate to say it, but it doesn't sound like waiting two or three weeks will even be feasible, things being as you describe them. Spoil her rotten today, tomorrow and in any remaining days you have left. Prepare yourself for what your vet is likely to say. If you want more time, take it. There is no one size fits all here, just what you feel is right in your heart. I do think, though, that with the bleeding mass and the not eating and panting, etc., that she is likely fairly uncomfortable, so that might help guide your decision. It is never easy. My German Shepherd died two weeks ago and I still get teary sometimes thinking about her.

 

[jasta]

My 12 year old Maltese was diagnosed in April with cutaneous lymphoma, which is lymphoma of the skin. Very rare cancer. We did chemo (pill form) 1 time and it did not work, she is too far along, so she is on prednisone until the end. She still eats like a champ and is happy, but looks wise is bad. She has scratched off most of her hair and has scaly patches all over her. Like everyone else has said, once she stops acting normal we know it will be time.

Looking back we now know she started to show signs April 2013. She developed anal gland issues that never went away, and this cancer does reflect in that area. So she went a whole year before being diagnosed. But she is still happy and hungry! Dr said she has about 6 months, And that was in April.

 

[rszdtrvl]

We put our beautiful Beagle, Miss Daisy, down on October 10, 2013 due to Lymphoma.

She had been acting odd since January of that year, and we really noticed the trouble breathing thing in July.

We ended up putting her down the day her results came back as positive. We could tell that she was suffering, and since we had a definite answer, we knew it was time. In our hearts, we knew that Chemo would not help her - she was too far gone.

She was distancing herself from us and went from a 24/7 lap dog to huddled alone on the side of the couch. And was struggling with every breath.

Not an easy decision to make, but we made the right one.

Hugs to you and your dog - and future hugs to anyone else who has the same issue on this post. It is never easy to make the last decision for your pet.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. Our baby was almost 14. 2 years prior she blew out her knee and had problems with that (too old for surgery per vet), but even with the limp she was able to play and get around ok, but she was definitely aging fast. One day she was just staring into space - kind of like a statue and then proceeded to p00p in the living room...she did hadn't done that since she was a pup so I knew something was off.. I took her for a check up that next day - Friday, and after an extensive exam - except for her knee, she was in good health for almost 14. Well, on Monday (4 days later) my husband came home and found her lying in her own waste and whining. We rushed her to the vet who concluded she had severe neurological damage brought on most likely by a mini-stroke, but even worse, the vet now felt a mass that filled up her belly (that was not there on Friday) He asked if we wanted to put her down and of course we did not want to but it was the only humane thing to do and did it immediately. It was the most heartbreaking thing for us, but the most unselfish thing we could do for our baby that gave us so much joy for all those years - even the vet was crying , as he had been her Dr. for 13 years and knew her well. After she was gone I broke down and questioned the vet that maybe we jumped the gun, but he said the mass had gone from barely nothing to full blown in 4 days - that she would be in severe distress and pain within 24-36 hours. The mini-stroke she had was actually a blessing in disguise. It was hard and we still think of her everyday. Sending you <3 to help you through this tough time.

 

[lovin'fl]

Went to regular vet's office yesterday and saw a doc that we have never seen before (except briefly on Monday). They almost didn't seem to want us there. I explained what was going on and they also knew from report the ER sent them. I said that we didn't want to do chemo as it is expensive and we have an 8 year old cairn terrier with a torn ACL that we were waiting for the spring to repair (when we have the money). We spent $1400 just to get her diagnosed with lymphoma...which I still don't understand why so much and I have a feeling that this ER place likes to suck as much $$ out of you as possible. Here is how it went down:

Monday- saw bloody mass coming from her bottom as she was dragging it all over...raced her to regular vet who took one look and sent us out the door to this ER place (which also has vet eye docs, surgery, internal med/oncology, cardiology, dentistry...huge building with lots going on). Got there and they whisked my dog away and I sat for over 2 hours not knowing a thing. The lobby was packed and I talked to other folks while waiting...some folks (actually all the folks I spoke to) were regulars there and mentioned how much they've spent...$10K for one and $25K for another. I was immediately worried. Eventually a doc took me outside (as they didn't have any rooms available to see us in) and told me it was a tumor and she'd need surgery to remove it...then they could test the tumor and tell us if it was malignant. He said they did not want to just biopsy it as it might bleed and the tumor needed to be removed for quality of life anyway. I said 'of course' and he then gives me costs. They needed to do pre-surgical bloodwork and a chest Xray...all that plus ER fees would be $523. And then the surgery, which might or might not be able to be done the next day, would be $2-3K.

We went ahead and I waited more in the lobby. They brought her out to me and told me to take her home and bring her back in the morning to meet with the surgeon who would not be able to do the surgery then but would go over everything with me and then schedule the surgery. No mention that that would be more costs.

Tue- I take her in to see the surgeon...place is packed again (they must make good money...should tell my 3 teens to go into vet medicine). Surgeon goes over everything and suggests we do an abdominal US to see if anymore tumors in belly (if so, maybe not do surgery)...they could also aspirate a tumor or lymph node and send to lab to see what exactly was going on. He even mentioned getting aspiration of rectal tumor (guy the day before said they couldn't do....hmmmm). I agree to this and they give me cost estimate of $500-900...then surgery the next day (if we go that route) would be $2-3K. They did do aspiration and lab so that day cost $873. Came back as lymphoma and the surgeon said no surgery that chemo would shrink the tumors and she'd need chemo.

I knew a little about lymphoma and treatment options since in 2011 she had the enlarged lymph node in her neck and the vet went over everything with me then. I said then that we would not do chemo as it was too expensive.

Wed- I take her back to regular vet (but new doc..same one who was there when I rushed her in on Monday). She seems cold and doesn't know what I am there for. I tell her I don't want to go chemo route and she goes into speech about my dog being young (she's 9...not old but I wouldn't call her young) and chemo could give her 3 more years and lymphoma is pretty curable (surgeon told me cancer in dogs is not curable????)...etc. I say that we have the cairn who needs ACL surgery and we just spent $1400 just to get diagnosis and we just can't spend this kind of money. I ask about prednisone. She softens and goes over that with me and explains that if we do that we cannot then change our mind and try chemo. She says no treatment would give my dog 1-2 months and prednisone would give like 4-5 months or something like that. I asked her to teach me how to push tumor back into the rectum (ER place told me I could just pop it back in) and she said she'd show me...she left to get assistant. She came back and mentioned that she just saw report that ER place sent and that she didn't realize it was more than 1 tumor which changes things a little. That she is probably advanced stage and that would lessen that 3 years she previously mentioned (with chemo) but she is not sure how much (that the oncologist would have accurate numbers). ER place, surgeon, did not mention that it was more than 1 tumor...just said they aspirated large lymph node in mesen-something.

So, I tell her I needed to talk to DH (this dog is his baby)...he is away. She says she will call over to ER/oncologist place to get us an appointment sooner than 2-3 weeks (she is friends with them and can get us in) if we wanted to go that route. I would have gone ahead with the prednisone right then. But I talked to DH and he wants to hear what oncologist has to say. I asked vet to call and get us in...we have appt for Tuesday (with internal medicine instead of oncologist...they also work closely with oncologist and can give us all the info and options and even do the chemo if we decide to do that). It's $200 just to be seen and I worry they will push the chemo and be more positive about the results than is realistic.

Meanwhile my sweet girl is just laying on the sofa. She is eating but throws up every day (though not yet today so far). She sometimes jumps up to greet us, but not all the time. She is calm and not panting lately but is on codeine for discomfort. She just seems really old and slowed down. Vet also told me to get toddler boy underpants and put on her with tail through fly...I did and she immediately pulled them off (twice).

We go on vacation in 2.5 weeks. I had her set to go to kennel. Not sure what to do now. Vet mentioned finding another vet's office that boards and we have one nearby. I wish I could get family to watch her but not sure if that's fair on the family...might be too much to ask.

Thanks for all the .

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Oh, wow. My brain hurts reading that, and I can feel your anguish. It is sort of hard to offer advice without being right there to see the dog, but I have been in a similar predicament before. Twice, actually.

I'm not sure why your vet is acting like that, but whatever the reason, she doesn't sound like she's being very comforting to you right now. My gut sense would be to go to a different vet - one from a small practice who still gives individualized care. (I'm shocked that she sent you away that first day, and wouldn't be too happy about it! What an awful experience! Perhaps she is rethinking what happened in 2011.)

Anyway, I think you need a fresh set of eyes to help you. I would ask friends today for a referral if they have a great hometown-type vet. I have had pretty good luck getting appointments talking on the phone to people and being succinct about what the problem is. Don't talk much about what happened in 2011 - you can figure it out later - as people might be afraid to take on your case if they feel that you are angry and accusatory. (Not saying you are; just saying avoid that discussion right now other than in a factual way, kwim? Sorry to be so direct.)

I remember the time I took this approach and the new vet took one look at my dog and said, "He's suffering". (We were prepared to put him to sleep but our vet wouldn't let us stay for the procedure and so we had to find a new vet at the last moment. To complicate matters, we were also going away on a long planned vacation.) I said to the vet that I didn't want to put him to sleep just because we were going away, and he replied that that wasn't the case, we were putting him to sleep "because he needed us to to do that for him". That helped me keep it in perspective.

Now I am all for giving our pets as much time as they need if it works out for both the pet and the humans. But you are in a precarious situation here with whatever is going on with the rectal thing (is it a prolapse?) as it can't be comfortable and could subject the pet to bleeding, strangulation, infection or injury if it comes out in the middle of the night, say, etc. And then you have the issue of the vomiting, and I hate to say it, but the breathing heaviness usually means a pathologic process in the lungs. So you are most likely dealing with a metastatic, late case of advanced disease, and no, there is no cure for that, as much as we want to think there is for both people and pets. The most we can hope for is alleviation of symptoms.

I could probably write more, but I have to go now. The route I would take would be to find someone who can help you with hospice care, I'm pretty sure (not seeing the dog, but just going by my own experiences in medicine and what you've written here). Do find someone who's not going to rush you and your pet out the door in your time of need.

 

[Ponygirl]

I'm sorry to hear about your doggy and the vet troubles. Our vet would never tell us when it was time to let a pet go. They would offer drugs to comfort or ease the pain. The closest I ever got to an answer was when I asked...if this was your dog, what would you do?

Based on the description of the advanced stage of illness, and the declining quality of life, I would choose to let my dog go. It doesn't sound like the situation will improve and it isn't fair to hold on to them if there isn't hope for improvement. My husband and I go round and round on this issue. He can't handle the decision making and it is left to me to make the call. It is a tough call to make and when you are in the midst of the situation, emotions can cloud judgment.

My heart goes out to you.

 

[maxiesmom]

First off, . I lost my Emma to lymphoma just a few months ago, so I know what you are going through. It is beyond hard.

Second, I think you need to listen to your heart. I can tell you that I did opt to do chemo, it was very expensive, and then it didn't work. So don't let your vet try and guilt you into doing chemo if it doesn't feel right.

I know you don't want to let your doggie suffer. But I wouldn't have boarded my dog when she was in her advanced stages, her last time on earth needed to be at home, surrounded by those who loved her. I also wouldn't have forgiven myself if she died while I was gone. I'm not trying to make you feel guilty for going on vacation, but you sound as if you care very much and may beat yourself up if something happens while you are gone.

I'm so sorry you are having to go through this.

 

[BMTBS's Maxi]

We are currently going through this with my favorite child....Maxi. When she was 4 our Vet removed a cancerous spot on her hind leg and told me to keep an eye on it if it grew back. When she was 10 and in July 2017 the spot reappeared and grew fast but our vet suffered a stroke so we went to a cancer specialist where we spent $3,600 to have it removed and lab test ect... They said they got it all and she's good. In the middle of Oct she went to get up off the coach made a cring sound and wouldn't move. It was 11:00 at night and I took her to the emergency room. Where the vet said her lympnoids are very large and she is pretty sure she has lymphoma and we did x-rays but didn't spend the $700 on blood work to test. I know in my heart she has this dreaded disease. She loves to eat and her treats, plays with the neighbors doggies during the day when we're at work and is always meeting us at the door as each of us come home. She has thrown up a few times the past 2 weeks and 2 times the past week has been panting heavily. I really would love for her to make it through the holiday season for the boys but I don't want to be selfish. I love her and I don't want her to be in pain. She sits next to me paws me and lifts up her head I pet her and can feel the huge lympnoids. She so energetic...Do you think she is trying to tell me it's time?

 

[Cogswel_Cogs]

We went thhrough it with our first dog. We had a great vet wo helped us, everytime we'd bring him in we'd talk if it was time? He had said chemo was an option but did not think it would really add much to her life. It vreally helped having himwith us through it and when we all agreed about when it was time.

 

[ols386]

Aww I so sorry, tribblesmom. I don’t have advice, but wanted to say how sorry I am.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

For what it's worth, this thread was started over 4 years ago. With the most recent post over 3 years ago. The question has probably been resolved by now.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

For what it's worth, this thread was started over 4 years ago. With the most recent post over 3 years ago. The question has probably been resolved by now.

The most recent posts started this morning.
To BMTBS - I think it's about quality of life. I couldn't stand to see ours suffer. This isn't the first time I had been through this. I had horses for many years had had to see 3 put down and then out GSD that I posted about in this thread originally. I think if the animal is uncomfortable and the quality of life isn't there it's time.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

he most recent posts started this morning.

I was referring to the most recent posts on the original thread. Yes, this morning someone resurrected it with a different situation, and others have responded. But, ols386 was responding the original poster on the thread (who hasn't been seen here since Aug 2013).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

To the newest poster - I would just play it by ear and see what happens, work with your vet, see how she does, etc.

 

[LSUmiss]

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 completely agree with this. I have had to put down a few pets over the years & when it was time I absolutely knew & there was relief in making the decision. It’s doubtful she is in pain if she’s eating. That could just be the steroids. The last dog I had to put to sleep was my 6 yr old beagle. He finally stopped eating & was lethargic. I knew it was time. I was sad, but I know I made the right decision.

 

[Margot Sears]

Hello,

I am new here, and I just felt like typing my experience.

I had my beloved Holly (sheltie) put to sleep on Christmas Day 12/25/17. She had Lymphoma. The night before Holly let me know that she wanted to go outside and then she vomited. She NEVER once made a mess in the house, she was so aware of wanting to keep it clean. No accidents either. Most of the vomit was yellow. She had become constipated, so I continued to feed her by spoon pumpkin. About two hours later she was able to relieve herself outside. I syringed chicken bone broth in her mouth, as she really liked it. She walked to drink water. Previously, she had wagged her tail and was eating a little here and there. She lost her appetite for the Merrick dog food, so I braised organic chicken and cooked some veggies. She ate a little of that, but it was the unsweetened pumpkin that she wanted the most, along with the bone broth. She continued to have dry heaves for a couple of hours Christmas Eve.. I got up from bed and gave her CBD oil, which put her to sleep. At 7:30 AM on Christmas her breathing was labored. I got dressed and let the ER Animal Hospital know I was coming. I was there at 9 AM. She was calm, but seemed like she didn't want to leave us. I could tell by the looks she gave me and it tore me up inside. I didn't want to let her go, but I had to.

The ER Vet. came in and gave her a thorough exam. He said her lungs were filling up with fluid and if I had not brought her in, she would have drowned in her own lung fluid. He asked me a lot of questions as to how I was caring for her and I let him know. She was only diagnosed 2 weeks before and she went downhill really fast. He said they could keep her comfortable for several days by draining her lungs, and I asked, but the prognosis is still the same, right, she's going to die? He said yes. So, I had her put to sleep at 9:45 AM.

I could not believe how strong she was, how much she was taking everything in stride. She was so beautiful in her actions with us, wanting to be as close by as much as possible. The last few nights of her life I put her up on the couch with me so I could massage her & pet her. She knew she was going, but wanted to spend as much time as possible with us.

I took her to my regular Vet. last April 2017 and told the Vet. there is a foul smell on her breath. The Vet didn't notice it. She had a regular blood test and it was perfect at that time. She had her teeth cleaned and came out of it just fine. I am beating myself up because I didn't take her to another Vet. for a 2nd. opinion. My gut told me there was something wrong and I didn't follow through. I was having a distraction with another outside issue. I can't go back and I can't change any of it. She always had a lot of fatty tumors, even though I used high quality expensive food. She always had the best supplements for her diet. The last year of her life she really slowed down on walks.

I have a dog cancer book, a current one. It states 1 in 3 dogs and cats will get cancer. That statistic is huge. They also indicate that they feel these animals are inheriting from the parents because of bad breeding and food. A genetic mutation they carry. I miss her so much it hurts horribly. I know one day I will heal.

Thanks for reading!!!

(PS: My heart goes out to all of you that have lost your pets to this dreaded cancer disease.)​

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Unfortunately, none of us make it out of this life alive. We all have to go from something.

But I don't disagree with you about some of the things that have been happening with pets, because it's changing. Lots of cancers and other immune-related diseases now.

Anyway, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog and the love you shared together. I can imagine how hard that must've been on Christmas Day. I'm very sorry for your loss.

 

[Margot Sears]

Thank you!

 

[mom2rtk]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Thank you for being there for Holly when she needed you most.