We have a dog with this form of cancer. Unfortunately it is on the leg and the size of it is greater than a simple removal past the outer edges will allow. Does anyone have any experience with the problems the radiation treatments can cause for the dog? How about survival rate?
Awww! :grouphug: I don't know about that type. Shelby had cancer and lived another 4 years. I put her on Essiac (e-tea) soon after I found out. It's a vitamin.
There is a good oncologist at the VSH in Cary, Dr Ruslander. We took our Westie there last year when she had cancer. We tried chemo (Palladia), but it did not help her. :-( But her cancer was very aggressive and was already in the lymph nodes when we found & removed the small pea sized lump. I would ask my vet for a referral to see Dr Ruslander. Although he could not help us, he is a very good dr. We also started her on Turmeric, which is an herbal supplement supposed to build the immune system and help fight off cancer development.
Ends up this is going to cost in excess of $12k; if the cancer has not spread. Other option is amputation. Would you amputate the leg of a 10 year old dog? More direct, would you adopt a 10 year dog with an amputated leg?
If amputation is going to cure the problem, and there can be good quality of life, I would take that route. Rocky can probably attest to the fact that 3 legs can work together just fine; they learn how to adapt.
Agreed. If it hasn't spread beyond the leg, I would go with that option. Dogs adapt well to three legs. I've seen videos of dogs with only 2 that manage to get around quite decently. There are plenty of people that wouldn't mind a 3 legged dog to adopt, the fact that it's already 10 years old would be more of an issue for some.
I do not have personal experience with this, but from what I have seen, it shouldn't take too long once they heal, a matter of weeks. Your vet can probably tell you more. Rocky might have more insight as well. I'm sorry your pup is going through this.
He's actually a rescue group dog, but he thanks you for your thoughts. He's one of those dogs that just can't seem to catch a break.
Well it sounds like the "break" he's catching is having someone like you to care for him, and the chance to survive the cancer. Another plus is knowing that whoever does choose to adopt him will have their hearts in the right place in taking on this special fur baby.
go for amputation. my cat was 9 when he had his done and he was fine. he died an old man of 15 but from heart disease not cancer coming back. being a tripod would not stop me from adopting a cat or dog but then i have a soft spot for tripods
Excellent point! Someone who would adopt him would not do it casually, and would be more likely to guarentee care for his needs.
I've seen a dog literally adapt a day after surgery. She had huge masses on the leg and was apparently very happy to get it off. It really depends on the individual of course. Hope the pup will be alright!
We had a cat and at 14 he had a back leg amputated due to cancer. Aside from that he had always been a very healthy cat. When they performed the amputation, they left a small flap of fur that they folded over the amputated area and stitched it. It was very clean and quick to heal. The doctor said that it wouldn't take him long to adapt, and he would learn to use his tail to aid with balance. He got home that night and he was hopping up on his favorite chair and going up and down the stairs. He adapted quite well and lived to be about 20.
Well the sad news is that this is a very agressive type of cancer. In the past 3 weeks the cancer ate a hole in his leg nearly to the bone. There is not a great deal of information about the success of treating this type of cancer. After a long consult with the vet. the decision was made that it would be better to end the suffering rather than prolong it any further. RIP Casey.......................:cry:
