Jaxx has bone cancer

[Anne]

Gina I agree with some of what you are saying.
As I mentioned, my dog is seeing an oncolgist and they did apply pressure at the initial consult for amputation of her mandible followed by chemo and possible radiation. I flatly refused and wasn't interested in their statistics. I knew how far I was prepared to go for my dog and what they were pushing was not on my agenda.

I want my dog to feel well for the time she has left and pain free is my priority. They decided to trial her on a metronomic protocol of drugs. I administer the tablets at home.

I'm achieving my aim for Sophie, she was not expected to live beyond the middle of January and she's still here, still feels well and her life is much the same as it was prior to her OSA. I'm not prepared to do nothing for her except pain relief when there is an option that will give her quality of life, however short that life may be - on the proviso that the treatment does not make her feel unwell. I will not put my dog through any painful procedure.

It is expensive but affordable. I would rather spend money on my dog than on other things such as going out for dinner etc,. Sophie runs in the park, her appetite is good, she is happy, playful and she's even gained weight on her cancer starving diet. She is as bright as she's always been though I know her cancer is progressing.

When her quality of life is compromised I will put her to rest. In the meantime we are enjoying every day. We have a large off leash park near me and we rarely see another dog there. To see Sophie running around that park at full run today, rolling in the grass and enjoying herself is worth the cost of her treatment.

In the end, if people have the money, and it makes them feel better thinking they have done what is best for their pet....that is what is important to them

I'm not thinking I'm doing what's best for my dog to make myself feel better, that's not important. Her general state of health and happiness is important. Please don't judge the motives of those of us who are trying to give our dogs quality for the time they have left. This is hard enough as it is without judgement being passed.

[tom134]

Everyone makes very good points and your input is appreciated. The treatment we're pursuing is two shots of radiation on back to back days (next week). Our vet actually suggested it and referred us elsewhere. The vet we were referred to suggested to put it off because our dog was not in any visible pain BUT if you wait too long, the success rate delcines beacuse the pain is harder to treat. He was very honest and straighforward. We just didn't get the feel that he was steering us one way or another - he just stuck with the facts.

My wife and I are concerened because there's no visible pain but, with these dogs, you just can't really tell for sure. We're going to our primary vet today to discuss. He's very straightforward and we trust him. He wanted to think about it for a couple of days.

This is it - we're trying to do the best we can for her and when the pain returns and can no longer be managed, we're putting her down.

[Anne]

Tom you will make the decision of what is best for your dog. I did not consider radiation treatment for pain because it can be painful and there are excellent medications available to deal with pain. My dog is taking Tramadol and Piroxicam for pain and they are very effective. If I think she is suffering any pain I increase the dose.

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best. You clearly have the best interests of your dog at heart.

[Tihanna]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

I do have compassion, but I am a realist also.
It bothers me when vets give statistics .... that are so high. I mentioned to Tom to find out about the statistics on pain relief. Pain relief can be given with medications also, at a fraction of the cost, and less side effects then radiation.

Veterinary hospitals are in business to make money. They will offer whatever treatments they can to a pet owner....but it does not mean that it is what is best for the pet, or the owner.
Gina

Again, ignorant message. I would like to know what veterinarian you see because you obviously need to make a change.

Let me make one thing clear, Veterinarians, Technicians and anybody else who works in the Animal Health industry DO NOT get in it because of the money, IN FACT, it is one of the most least paying jobs - please do your research before you open your mouth. People who work in the field do so because of their love of animals and their welfare, not because they want your money.

Perhaps you have had a bad experience, I am in no way saying every Vet out there is perfect, however in my experience, they only suggest the options available with the advancement of new technology. 99% of the time, the suggestions made are in the best interest for the dog, however you are given the option to MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION. They can only give you the options. In fact, legally, they cannot tell you what "they would do if it were their dog" due to the liability factor...

Please do some research and get more info before you make comments like that.