Cancer treatment in dogs

[Snowysmom]

I was wondering if anyone had experience with radiation treatment for cancer for their dogs. My westie has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma in one of her vertebrae. She had surgery in which they took out alot of the tumor but could not get it all out. Today I went to the oncologist and she gave me an option of radiation treatment, Monday-Friday for 3 weeks, then chemotherapy, 3 or 4 doses. She cannot give me any stats on how long Snowy may survive with this treatment as most osteosarcoma is found in legs and usually they amputate the leg before beginning chemotherapy. So, I have to decide whether to do the treatment or just wait it out and pretty much know that 3-4 months it all she would have. The vet thinks Snowy recovered very well from the surgery and is a good candidate. She is feisty again, walking on her own, and doing her business on her own. DH and I need to discuss this but I just wanted to see if anyone had any experience. Thanks.

 

[Jackie0824]

Ok this is what I know about it. July 2004 my almost 10 yr old black lab developed cancer in the back of her mouth. We didnt know it was cancer at the time, until they did surgery and sent it away. I did alot of research online about it.All the research I found said cancer treatment (chemo or radiation)only extends their life up to a yr, and thats not even in all dogs.We opted for no cancer treatment. 6 months later the cancerous tumor grew back, we opted to remove it just for the dogs comfort, it was getting hard for her to eat with it in her mouth. I asked the vet about what I read about the statistics. She said it was correct, about how it only extends their life up to a year. April 25th, 2005 we put my beloved Chelsea to sleep. She just went down hill fast, and didnt recover from the 2nd surgery like she did from the first. Im not trying to scare you , just give you some facts. Again, Im just what I know will difer from other peoples experience.

 

[Patty3]

It took the vet about 2 months to diagnose our Golden with lukemia. I did make an appt for him to see an oncologist, but sadly he died before the appt. How old is your Westie? I would hate to see the dog in pain to only prolong his life for a short time. You love your dog very much, only you can decide in your heart what is best in your situation.

 

[Snowysmom]

My westie is only 8. She would be getting low doses of radiation that would not cause skin irritation or burning. According to the vet oncologist, it would not cause her any pain and she is a good candidate for it. I take her in to have the staples taken out on Thursday and I am going to talk with the Neurologist to see what she says. Keeping her out of pain and her quality of life high is our top priority. I am always sorry to hear of the loss of a pet and am sad that you and your pet had to go through a cancer diagnosis. It is a difficult time.

 

[rascalmom]

I don't have any personal experience, but we have a Westie too & my heart breaks for you. The only thing I have to pass along is the book Angel by My Side. It's about a companion dog ( a Golden ) who developed cancer & the treatments they were able to get for him in Colorado. You might pick up that book - it is a wonderful story for any dog lover and has some info about some veterinarian oncology & that clinic in Colorado.

Best wishes for Snowy.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

When my golden was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma in 9/04 I did so much online research, and my conclusion was that canine chemo was no guarantee of time at all--maybe a year for what he had if I had caught it early enough--and so very, very expensive as well. Unfortunately he was so advanced by the time he showed symptoms we didn't have to make that decision--only 8 days from first symptoms to when he died. There is a lot of info online about things like this.
Robin M.

 

[mousey]

Having gone through a cancer diagnosis with my cat, I know how difficult it is to decide how to treat the disease. As long as the vet thinks the chemo and radiation won't make him deathly ill, consider it. He might have a lot more life left in him than you think! We tried everything shy of chemo and radiation including 2 surgeries and 1 laser procedure and we extended his life 6 months. I don't regret it at all. He was happy, eating, playing and we were happy. The vet originally gave him 2 wks. It was a more devastating cancer, but even the vet's office couldn't believe how he fought it off. Good Luck in whatever you decide.

 

[JuneCleaver]

Check out the Cancer Center at Colorado State University Vet School. It is considered the best Cancer treatment center in the country for animals.

I heard that Lance Armstrong just had his dog there and Gene Hackman had his dog there as well.

June

 

[Patty3]

Hugs to you and Snowy, I know that this is a very difficult time for your family.