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Has your Dog lived longer then the life expectancy after the diagnosis of Lymphoma cancer?
My dog unfortunatly has Lymphoma cancer, she was diagnosed 3 weeks ago, she is only a 4 year old Cocker-Spaniel, still a puppy through my eyes, the Oncologist/ Specialist clarified that if she continues untreated she will live up to 2 months with out Chemo. Has anyone had a dog that went with out chemo and lived longer or past the two months??? Help please!
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#2 written by Kendra 2 years ago
The treatment for lymphoma in the dog consists of chemotherapy. Lymphoma is considered a systemic disease, which makes surgery and radiation impractical and ineffective. There is a wide variety of chemotherapy protocols and drugs that are currently being used to treat lymphoma. The treatment usually consists of a combination of oral and injectable drugs given on a weekly basis. Some commonly used drugs include cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone. The exact treatment protocol will vary depending on the practitioner. The University of Wisconsin protocol is one of the more popular ones used by veterinary oncologists. While most veterinarians can administer the treatment protocols, I always recommend that the owners of a dog with lymphoma initially seek out a consultation with a veterinary oncologist to inform themselves of any new treatment recommendations.
Some owners choose not to treat dogs that develop lymphoma. The life expectancy of these untreated dogs averages 4 to 6 weeks. Oral prednisone therapy may reduce the swellings and discomfort, but probably will not appreciably extend their life span. It must also be noted that oral prednisone treatment prior to chemotherapy is not recommended and may actually reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.
In dogs that do undergo one of the recommended chemotherapy protocols, life expectancy can extend out to a year and occasionally longer. However, even dogs that receive appropriate chemotherapy usually do not live longer than a year. If a dog tolerates chemotherapy (most dogs do) their quality of life can be quite good during the treatment period. Treatment for lymphoma in the dog is considered one of the more successful cancer treatments and can often be performed by a local veterinarian without the need to travel long distances to veterinary schools or specialty clinics. I often remind clients that one year can be almost 10% of a dog’s expected life span, so the remission rate and increased life expectancy with lymphoma treatment is often well worth it.
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#3 written by Screwed the Pooch 2 years ago
I spotted your other question asking for a poem about putting to sleep your dog, but it was deleted so I’m giving them to you here. They are both from the dogs point of view.
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this–the last battle–can’t be won.You will be sad I understand,
Don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
You’d not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close–we two–these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.________________________________
You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.But really, love is knowing,
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic,
That will once more make me whole.The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.That strength is why I’ve cared for you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years …
My partner till the end.Please, understand just what this gift
You’re giving means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run.
Once more strong and steady now,
My pain and struggle done.And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll play,
… free and happy once again. -
#4 written by searching 2 years ago
I had a pet with the same issue. Do NOT put them through Chemo.
With Chemo they will suffer gravely for the rest of their dying days. However, if you just do your best to make your pet comfy and treat him/her well with healthy foods, it may live a bit longer than expected and it wont suffer nearly as much.
We kept our pet until we saw it really suffering and were forced to put him down so that he wouldn’t be in pain. But he had several months of normal happy living and we got to say our goodbyes and have good happy memories of him.
I would suggest the same. Definitely do not put your pet through radiation.
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i cant recall what form of cancer it was (to young then)but our family rott lived almost a year longer than expected
we put him through chemo..i dont remember if it helped or not i was 7 i think at the time.
i will star for you and i wish you luck and hope your pup gets better soon
R.I.P Bogie