Doggie decisions

[stgulik]

Well, my poor dog Daisy has been diagnosed with cancer. She is 13. Sonograms and x-rays revealed a tumor in (near?) the bladder, as well as nodules in the chest.

I couldn't bring myself to ask how much time they think she has left, not with her sitting right there. :-)

The vet prescribed an anti-inflammatory to help her pee more easily. I'm glad to say it appears to be working. I'm not glad to say, it's generally working up and down my hall carpet.

She doesn't seem to be in pain yet, weirdly, but we are all keeping a close eye on her (still lively and trouble-making) behavior while we go through the steps to decide whether to permit chemo or let her illness run its inevitable course.

Chemo and surgery seem so extreme for someone who would not understand why she was being made to suffer through them. And they will really only buy her some time. I don't know. If you have any thoughts, I welcome them.

Comments

[akatnamedeaster.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry you're going through this and now have this decision in front of you. Your girl is beautiful and she's been with you a long time. There is nothing like a dog's love and companionship.

If I were in your position, I would ask the vet for pain relieving/symptom relieving medications for her and then just keep her with me until the time came when she was obviously no longer comfortable or getting any enjoyment out of life.

At her age, treatment will be a short term fix more likely than not along with being uncomfortable for Daisy. Like you said, she will have no idea why these things are happening to her, just that they're painful and/or making her feel badly.

There's also cost considerations but I realize that's not always an issue for people even if it's one for me.

You're in an unenviable position and I'm so sorry that you are. These choices are difficult and everyone's answer will be slightly different depending on their view of life extending measures. For me though, with such an elderly lady who doesn't seem to outwardly be in pain (aside from the urinary issues which are being addressed) I would do what I could to keep her comfortable and happy for as long as possible but not choose to go the route of surgery/chemo given her age and the probable prognosis because of it.

Of course, I would want to ask the vet what the prognosis with treatment is just to be sure.

*hugs* Take care. I hope you can come to a decision that you feel at peace with.

Re:

[stgulik.livejournal.com]

Thanks for weighing in. You captured the situation really well. Believe me, the cost of chemo is an issue for us as well, but if it would improve her overall situation, we'd probably figure out a way.