My dog has a tumor.

I'll definitely look into those as options. Sounds like they'd do more for him than any surgery would at this point.

Oh im so sorry to hear this

I stopped owning animals as pets back in 1989. I understand and know of the benefits a pet can bring as a faithful companion thru a period of life. That said, there are several ways a pet can go. Natural causes, disease like cancer and then there's the hit in traffic as the most predominant reasons.

Living in FL, bugs are a dogs worst natural enemy. So what to do there, let the animal naturally be attacked and do little about fleas, or give the animal some medication or dip them for fleas periodically. I believe the latter treatments are what winds up giving these animals the cancer ultimately. You basically are poisoning the animal to get rid of the fleas with pesticides. So will/does the animal live longer or healthier free of the pesticides ?

I've had a couple of dogs (outdoor pets) hit by cars, that sucks too. But the dogs (all indoor pets) my mom has had lived longer, but cancer has gotten each one of her pets, every time.

The other knock I have on the pet is the vet bills, and they can be just as bad for a sick animal as a human being. I guess I'd try the suggestions, but if things get beyond worse, take the dog to be put down before you wind up with a dog in hospice.

I'm sorry to hear that. We put my first dog down when he got bone cancer AGAIN (we had his leg amputated to try and save him, and it seemed to have worked at first, but it came back). I don't get why where the tumor is located is an issue.. I mean even if the chance of it working is like 1%, that is still higher than not doing it. :\ I understand if you don't want to though, it is tough to have to deal with all that.

Anyway, best of luck to you.

I really hate to hear that!! :(

You poor thing SS.
But what has to be put first in these situations is the dogs welfare rather than our emotions and our desires.
I may come across as callous and cold but I have seen too many people keep dying, suffering animals alive out of their selfish inability to let them go.
I hope you do the right thing by your friend..he deserves it.

I think with it being so near his spine, they'd be risking permanent paralysis. Better to let him live two months on his feet than two years in traction.

Do him, you and us a favour.

Have him put down and send him to the heavenly field of slow rabbits.

He'd be so happy and you would be free.

Go on.....


......do it.

Hi SS,

I have been through this before. It does suck, however, my dog recovered quickly after surgery and went through chemotherapy. I was exceptionally concerned that he would suffer through all this yet he was bouncing around three days after the surgery and the chemo treatments didn't take anything out of him at all. He actually loved going to the hospital, couldn't wait to get out of the car and in the door because they were so nice to him. Despite my reservations, my dog was no different, seemed to be in no pain, and he did have an entire extra year of life full of running, playing fetch, and being himself. When he relapsed we were told we'd know when the time would come because he would be in visible pain and wouldn't eat. He managed about three months after the relapse, again, with no visible problem at all. Then, one day, he seemed a bit stiff and had no energy, the next day he stopped eating, and that's when we called the vet. In the end, every penny I spent was worth it and when I looked at him that last day, I knew, I don't know how, I just knew that it was time for him to move on. He had a good fight and he had such a great time in that extra year, that I don't regret anything.

The first thing I suggest is seeing a canine oncologist at the nearest animal medical center. A second opinion is always a good idea with such a dire diagnosis. If you get the same response, and you may well not, give the homeopathic medicines a try. It's worth the shot.

After that, follow your conscience. I suggest ignoring what everyone else says about euthanasia now, later, or never. That decision, and any opinions on it, are the province of you, your dog's vet, and the dog. Always do what you think is best so that such a major decision doesn't haunt you the rest of your life.

I now have two great dogs whom I love very much. Celebrate the quality of life you have now.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Good luck, and enjoy the last few months with your dog as much as you can. Spoil him rotten. Take extra care of yourself, too-- you're losing a family member.

I just had to put down my mom's dog a couple months ago. She had congestive heart failure, and though I wanted to keep her going for as long as possible and let her go naturally, but she was obviously suffering. Good luck, and I hope your dog goes as painlessly as possible when his time comes.

My family had a dog that was 20 years old or more. She was also a poodle. That's a remarkably long life span for a dog.

I'm sorry to hear about your sad news, Stapled. Maybe he'll last longer than the prognosis - if his quality of life allows for it.

Our "Rambo" having diabetis as well as developing both internal and external tumors was put to rest back in November. The most obvious one was on his rear knee joint and even though it didn't bother his movement, one night as he jumped out of the car, it erupted. He came on in the house with us and I noticed blood on the floor. His diabetic condition would sometime make his nose bleed and I assumed it was from that. However on closer observation, we saw the open wound on his leg and the ligaments inside. We bandaged it up and decided to call the vet the next morning - assuming he was in no pain. I went outside and there on the pavement by the car door was what looked like a chicken breast - the tumor.

(Sorry to make this so long) but the next morning I took him to the vet and they told me because of his age, going blind because of the diabetis, and several internal tumors you could feel through his skin, that it was best to put him down, which we did.

I feel your pain and want you to know that yours in probably playing with "Rambo" and "Missie" now across the Ranbow Bridge.

"Missie" was the last of the stray dogs we lovingly adopted and she was attacked last month by a pit bull and had to be put to sleep. Both were cremated and ashes/remains are now together in a little casket-like box on top of the TV. Sadly missed, but memories of all the love they gave, remain. I've decided no more pets.

It shouldn't ever get to this:

http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2005/10...am.release.jpg

I think they had to put that one down too ?

Sam World's Ugliest Dog

I'm sorry to hear that Stapled. I hope that you and your dog will have some enjoyable days.

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, perhaps a second opinion may be needed. The natural remedies also look promising. I hope the best for you and for your friend.