| Re: Osteocarcinoma of the Jaw
I am so sorry your introduction to RDN is on such a sad, unhappy note. I feel for you and your dog.
I've had Rotties as my only breed of dog since 1984. All my Rotties, with the exception of one, including one foster (we're active in Rottie rescue) died from various types of cancer, mainly osteo. We kept our dogs comfortable, then put them down when their quality of life clearly was compromised.
The average life span of a Rottie is 8-10 years, making your Sheva an old dog.
Based on my experience, I will not pursue aggressive methods with future dogs, should they be inflicted with the scourge of cancer. Neither I or my DH regret following the path we did with our past dogs. In our minds, since there's no cure for osteo, surgery and other aggressive treatment only buys time and for whom would this be done?
I am a big believer in quality of time.
If Sheva was my dog, I'd treasure every moment we have together, treat each day as a gift, love and spoil her, and then let her go.
I am so very very sorry for you.  |