Woof!
No advice, just prayers.
Sam, I am so sorry. :(
My condolences.
Sorry to hear about this. Since your fur-baby cant talk, YOU are his advocate.
So sorry to hear about your predicament. You have to monitor his behavior, and determine if he is experiencing a decent quality of life.
What would he tell you to do if he could talk?
IF you have put your dog down just know it is quick and painless.
Very sad. About 10 years ago we had a Yorkie named Spike who had one health problem after another, until he was both blind and deaf and walking around in circles. We probably kept him alive too long, but he continued to eat. I never forget I was on the Rush Limbaugh show with a guest host in 2006 while my poor little dog was walking in a circle in front of me.
Our next dog, Yankee, seemed incredibly sturdy but at six he began having back problems-—a rare back cancer in his bones. This time, when it flared up again, we didn’t hesitate because we didn’t want him to go through what Spike went through.
So all I can say is, while we love our dogs, don’t let them be in pain too long.
Dude, your breaking my heart.
Best wishes for you both.
If you have to put her down, get the vet to
do it outside under the open sky.
Nothing worse than leaving with an empty collar.
I know, I’ve done it many times.
But oh, the love we’ve had and the good times and laughs.
“He guards the sleep of his pauper master as though
he were a prince...”
I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers.
I would avoid the chemo. I think it would make your buddy more miserable than the disease. Stay with the holistic cures. There is plenty of info available on the internet.
When it is time for her to go, she will let you know.
I have had to euthanize my friends in the past. I will hold their head and talk to them and stroke them. I cry like a baby (like now thinking about it). I have to remind myself to do what is best for them and not to be selfish.
Pain sucks for humans and pets.
God bless.
Great dog of a great breed.
My condolences.
What a beautiful dog. Prayers for you in your decision.
That is one beautiful, wise-eyed dog.
All I can do is offer some prayers and add that I make my cat’s food (no store bought food except for a tiny handful of dietary kibble) and it has seemed to make a difference. She could never keep anything down, even prescription diet food. She has medical problems but her numbers improved when I moved to that diet years ago.
There is a lot of “stuff” in mass-produced pet foods, and I don’t think it helps.
While I cant offer you advice on the cancer, i can tell you a lot of GSD Breeder feed a RAW diet... I cant say whether or not it helps but our dog sure has a lot of energy and a shiny coat...
We were told later that pets are usually not given the same dosage of chemo that a human might get. The symptoms such as hair loss and dealing with nausea and other side effects generally are so hard on the owners that the dosages are limited. One would expect that would reduce the changes of survival, as well. You might want to discuss this with your vet. Things might have changed since then, too.
I have a friend diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma several years ago and he is now in complete remission, so don't give up hope.
She is a beauty. Sorry to hear about her diagnosis.
A friend is having great success with a combo of holistic and traditional medical care for her dog with cancer. I say go for it. Can’t hurt, and you are clearly level-headed, prepared to let her go when the time comes.
Best wishes.
A furry bundle of unconditional love.
By doing this can you make the dog happy without causing financial problems elsewhere?
I have no advice except it’s your money - spend it how you want.
As for the food, we adopted a puppy in February & I was stunned after researching pet food about the horrible ingredients. I feed our girl a higher priced dry brand but those who can afford a good quality raw diet report health improvement similar to what you are saying.
It’s no different with humans. I’m pretty choosey about what I feed my kids for the same reason. All the frankenfoods out there are not worth the convenience.
Avoid the chemo, but if the holistic diet helps, go for it. My standard poodles are 7 & 9, and so they are getting along. No serious health issues. I do not relish the day of the ultimate decision.