my dog has cancer...

[Rare Feathers Farm]

Shark cartilage. Get him on it now. A co-worker of mine had a dog diagnosed with cancer of the LIVER and was told the dog had 2 weeks to one month to live. The vet suggested shark cartilage. She put her dog on it & it's been three years now. The tumor actually shrunk a little bit and stopped spreading.

I would opt for amputation if it would get rid of/stop the spread of the cancer. Dogs adapt surprisingly well to be three-legged.

 

[momofdrew]

Our Samson was 10 when he suddenly got sick a week later he was gone from cancer...That was 10 years ago and we still miss him... I like the idea that he will be waiting with his tennis ball at the gate to continue the game of fetch that he so loved to do...

Only you can decide what is best for your bestfriend...I am sorry

 

[Henrietta23]

We had an older mixed breed who had a tumor in one of his front wrist joints. We did not opt for surgery because of his age and size. I'm so sorry to hear your Rusty has a tumor.

 

[Cheryl]

Of course I am sitting here in front of my computer balling my eyes out!!! This dog is such a sweetheart, so happy and loving. I guess this is the worst cancer a dog can have, it is very aggressive. Amputating the leg will give him maybe a year, could be a little more or a little less...it is considered a done deal that the cancer will go to his chest even though the x-rays are clear right now. Rusty is going on 10 and has been a part of our family for about 5 years...he is good with my chickens and my cat! Yes, we would keep him for selfish reasons. Maggiebeth, I think I like the thought of letting him tell us when he is ready to go. Rusty's life expectancy without having surgery and chemo is 1 to 3 months, but as I understand it, this will become very painful for him. Thank you for your kinds words, sharing your memories and wisdom...
Rusty will be put to sleep tomorrow, we got news from our vet that the blood test results show internal bleeding. This morning Rusty barely moved, totally blew off his usual morning routine, he was better this afternoon, but still not right. My youngest son who will celebrate his 12th birthday tomorrow is just a wreck and I feel so bad for him.

 

[Cheryl]

Rusty is gone, my husband is a wreck and I can only second guess my decision. I know deep inside my heart it was the choice, but I too wanted him to live for me, and that is selfish.

 

[CityClucks]

Cheryl. I am so very sorry for your family's loss.

Don't second guess yourself...you did the unselfish thing - what was best for Rusty...no one can ever do better than that.

Hugs to you all.

 

[futurefarmer08]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss! That is a really hard decision and I am sure you feel like the bad guy!

Do something special with the family to help you through this sad time. Maybe you can put some pictures together of him for the kids...if it is not too sad.

 

[halo]

Oh Cheryl I am so very very sorry. Please don't second guess yourself, you did the kindest thing you can do. Our critters depend on us for everything, and that includes insuring they have a high quality of life, which you did. It is cruel to keep an animal in pain for our own emotions; it is much more difficult to do the right thing for your friend. If he was able, he would thank you.

You are very very brave....and have a huge heart and love for your little guy. I hope I will be as brave as you if I have to make the same decision.

 

[Redfeathers]

I believe you did the right thing. I'm so sorry about your loss, I'm sure the decision was agonizing and you played every scenerio over and over in your head. Time will pass and the pain of this will fade, you will be left with only good and happy memories of your friend.

 

[Beekissed]

True love has nothing to do with selfish....what you did displayed courage and a love for your dog. You did the right thing.