Sorry to hear this Malcolm, enjoy the time you have left with him and all the best.

 

Sorry to hear about your dog. Our nasty little Chihuahua has lupus, and she is on life long medication (Prednisone). Give your dog a joint, it will stimulate his appitite, and make him feel alot better

 

Malcolm-

Difficult to add anything beyond what the good people have said already. It's a tough situation having to deal with a sick buddy.
We lost our mini dacshund to a coyote, in the dark, while my wife was outside. All she heard was the strike and the cries of our dog as it got carried off into the woods.
In reading your story, I don't know which one is worse.

 

First off, is this leukemia or lymphoma?
Have you considered visiting a canine oncologist? Supposedly chemo can do a lot to extend a dog's life.

http://www.caninecancerawareness.org...rLymphoma.html

I'm not sure what the cost is for chemo for a dog, but it might be worth checking out.

 

I think everyone's already said it, but just spend time w him.

I remember loosing my German Shorthair. I had her from a young kid till after I graduated from college and got my first job. Lots of great memories that we still talk about as a family. She got very bad arthritis, stopped eating then stopped drinking and we finally knew it was time to put her down.

Sometimes we hang on too long and because it's more that we don't want to be without them.
You'll know when it's time. Talk to him, get your feelings out, he knows you love him.

I still miss Heidi, but we still have pics, memories, and stories that we still talk about and I still tell my kids about. Remember him when he was healthy!!

 

I'm with ya.. is there a cell type that is over-proliferating? White cell (what kind), red cell? platelet?

KNowing what kind of cancer can narrow treatment options...

Curt
----------
79 928 5sp silver/blk
02 boxster 5sp blk/blk/blk

 

Take lots of pictures. Our vet also made a imprint of his paw for our dog. I think hobby stores have kits for baby's that will works. It looks like playdoh then you flattten it out and press his paw into it throw it in the oven and it will last forever. We really enjoy having it with some of his other items in a shadow box my wife made up. Good luck with everything they hold a special place in your heart that will never go away.

 

Malcolm
I'm sorry to hear about your pup.

10 years ago we rescued a Husky- X puppy through the Animal Rescue Foundation. He was a great dog. He developed epilepsy at about 3 years old and through self education and veterinary help we were able to spend another 2.5 years with him. We were regulars at the Calgary Vet hospital and for us at the time the costs were significant but we were determined to spend as much time with Shilo as possible. The day came when there was nothing more we could do for him so I know what you are going through.


You have probably checked these out but Calgary and Saskatoon have some very good animal care facility associated with the universities; for dogs with cancer. I would certainly look up advice from those institutions.
http://www.usask.ca/communications/o...b-08/index.php
http://www.westernvet.ca/specialty_care.asp#oncology
If you are in Calgary and need a "pet friendly" place to overnight or more, our porch light is always on and you and your family (furry or not) are welcome any time.
Take care

 

Really sorry to hear that Malcolm

 

I think in almost all cases, it's some form of white cell. IANAD, but the vast majority of the blood stream is composed of red cells. Both Leukemia and Lymphoma are blood cancers. Leukemia originates in the marrow(I think) and lymphoma in the lymph nodes.

Again, I'm not a vet, but I think the reason the dog is losing appetite is because the spleen is horrifically enlarged, and impinging on the stomach. That is what happens when humans get leukemia--the first symptom is the spleen getting larger and stomach capacity gets reduced in the process. Chemo will kill off a large number of white cells, which gives the spleen a chance to return to its normal size, and appetite should come back.

Malcolm, you should try and find a vet who does canine oncology. Lymphoma/Leukemia is treatable, and you might be able to buy some more time with your pup. I have no idea as to the cost(and that's not a minor thing), but I've done volunteer work at local shelters, and I know of an Pit Bull Terrier that had lymphoma and had a pretty good quality of life.

 

Thx again everyone...............Rich, thank you for the offer to stay near the 'big city'.

He didn't eat last night....not even the bacon and liver....nothing. I tried all sorts today but still he refuses.

I'm waiting for my wife to come home to fianlise the decision and I believe we'll agree on tomorrow.

Thx again for all my 928/dog loving friends............it was great to share.

I'll close this thread now.