Shelby has osteosarcoma, bladder cancer & renal failure

[apandres]

My beloved Rottie Shelby will/may be 10 in October. She almost died from pancreatitis last summer, but miraculously pulled through. Last fall she was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer) and this summer with osteosarcoma (she has a calcified tumor on her pelvic bone). On top of this she has some renal failure and arthitis. Miraculously, none of these ailments are bothering her too much. She is on Purina NF for her kidneys, tramadol and Robaxin for pain plus Pepcid and thyroid meds. She was on Piroxicam & Tetracycline for her bladder cancer, but we have discontinued those for a while trying to improve her kidney function. We walk a fine line on her food because we don't want to re-trigger her pancreatitis by feeding her too much fat, and we try to keep protein down due to her kidneys. The tumor on her pelvis is visible, but not causing her any pain at this time. I feel like I am not doing enough, but she is happy and "healthy" with this protocol and has a good appetite. My vet feels that chemo would be detrimental to her kidneys and not significantly increase or improve her life. He said she has 5 to 6 months left. He has taken care of her for her entire life and I trust him to do what is best for her. I know her remaining time with me is limited and I want her to have the best quality life possible, even if it means having a little less time. I would rather have 3 really good months than 6 really bad ones.

Has anyone dealt with all three of these conditions at the same time? I would appreciate any words of wisdom from anyone who has been here. Money is not an object. I would pay anything to make her well, if only that were possible.

April & Shelby

[Troy]

I wanted to reply here because I'm sure it's a very difficult time.

I was going to PM you, but your profile doesn't allow personal messages to be sent to you.

I have no experience with those conditions being simultaneous. I hope you have Googled extensively.

Hopefully someone here who dealt with these conditions will throw some advice your way.

My heart goes out to you during this struggle.

Troy

[Sharon Marples]

I've not had all of these problems arise at the same time in any of our dogs. I just wanted you to know that I am so sorry for everything that Shelby is going through.

God Bless, I know that you will do what is right to keep her quality of life as nice as it can be for as long as possible.

[pazzo]

I have also not delt with these things simultaneously, although I did lose my boy to several types of cancer, he was riddled with it and I never knew as he showed no signs. I gave him back to god within a week of finding out. It as very devastating. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this and I agree with you as far as quality of life not quantity. When our dogs lose thier dignity and strength and can no longer enjoy life, for me it's time. There is a great web-site that is all about cancer in dog's, very informative. it is as follows: Caninesincrisis.com
My thoughts and prayers are coming your way. Stay strong.