Lymphoma

[Vicki]

I took my baby to the vet because he had a lump in his throat; he has lymphoma. The vet didn't recommend chemo, but he's only 5, and he seems fine, I never dreamed he had cancer.

I'm sitting here with maps trying to figure out if I'm closer to the veterinary school in VA or the one in PA. Do you think that is the best place to have him treated? The web sites say dogs tolerate chemo pretty well, but the vet I took him to seemed to think he'd have a problem because of his size (133 pounds) and because he is a Rottweiler. The vet said Rottweilers have "shaky" immune systems.

I hope this is coherent, I'm just so desperate and scared I'm not doing very well.

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[Nancy Estes]

I've not heard of Rotts not tolerating chemo because of immune problems. I do know people who have had their dogs treated with chemo without the severe side effects that are more common in humans. The size of the dog would have a bearing on the cost of the chemo. I would check with the vet schools and see what successes they've had, what the projected cost of treatment would be, etc. And, most important, what the estimated life expectancy would be with and without treatment.

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo@hotbot.com

[katheyt]

God must have guided me to your post. I just lost my Rottie to Lymphoma on Tuesday. I feel your pain. Nikki's first tumor was removed from her gums in Oct 97 and was pre cancer. Again in Jan'98 she had one removed from the same spot. In April '98 she developed a lump in her neck. I switched vets because I wanted to fight the disease as my research showed that is is very responsive to treatment. My girl was 7 when this ordeal began but in great health. I opted to have her undergo chemo. She went straight into remission and remained there for 7 mos. There were no side effects from the treatment. When she came out of remission I opted to only use prednisone. Most dog dies between 30-90 of untreated Lymphoma but my girl lasted nearly 7 mos with only Prednisone. When you consider that added nearly 1 1/2 to her life, I'm glad we did it. The chemo agents run about $160 per month plus what your vet charges so it is expensive. Please email me if you want more info or just want to talk about it. My prayers are with you.