My dog (10 year old jack russell) just had a grade 3 mast cell tumor removed. The doctor highly recommended chemo. Do you have any experience with this? Is it very hard on the pet? How do they do it? Is it costly? Thanks for any feedback.
2006-07-31 02:58:32 · 8 answers · asked by Chgo1978 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Actually my last dog was diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma and we did try Chemotherapy(not spelled with a K ).It did give us a little more time with our beloved friend and I do not regret it at all.There are some side effects and different Chemo protocols depending on the type of cancer but all in all completely worth a try.Some animals have remission(free of cancer) times up to two years.It all what you are willing to do and how the individual pet reacts to the medications.Sorry to here about your Jack Russell,and let me know.-PS 10 years old is not too old , I have seen dogs at the age of 13 years , have one year remission times.If not treated usually in some cancer cases the pet is deceased in about 8 weeks.The best thing to do is speak openly and plainly to your vet about all possible treatments even if it is only prednisone.
2006-07-31 05:14:13 · answer #1 · answered by puupyluvtwo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to hear about the maladie of your pet. Don't give up hope! Depending on your vet's prognosis, you may want to evaluate both chemotherapy and alternative medicine to treat your dog. Chemo will definitly weaken your dog, and may cause additional complications as it does in humans. Alternative medicine may not be a cure-all, but may still offer some relief for your dog, and may prolong his/her life. Most vets do not subscribe to alternative medicine. However, there is a growing segment of vets who believe in a combination of chemo and alternative.
I am not sure where you live, and what facilities are available to you. The cost would depend on your provider, and the duration of treatment. There are facilities that specialize in animal care, from traditional to alternative medicine. I highly encourage you to call both, and also consult with your vet.
Do as much research as you can, ask a lot of questions, and then make a decision. Depending on the type of cancer your dog has, he/she may well be able to live for years to come.
I wish you and your dog the best of luck and speedy recovery.
2006-07-31 03:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by EDDie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago I had a Newf that had lymphoma and had chemo. It was costly, hard on the dog, and I am not sure if it got him anymore time. The time he had was spent at the vet. It seemed we were there every day.
THink long and hard about it first and have the vet get you all the information he can. Then you can make an informed decision.
I do not think I would do it again.
2006-07-31 03:10:54 · answer #3 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My shih tzu, Beans was a grade 4A if she would have been a B we would have lost her at that time.
We went though Kemo on her. It is hard on them but not as bad as it is for people. Yes it is very costly we did save a little money as my vet was able to do some of the teatments.
She lost some of her hair but still had a good amount.
2006-07-31 04:08:55 · answer #4 · answered by Justsomegirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chemotherapy is hard on an animals system, just like humans, I would research it a bit and then make the decision only you can - Good luck to you and your pet.
2006-07-31 03:11:34 · answer #5 · answered by Sal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very expensive and it takes a lot out of some dogs just like people some have trouble with it some dont. Here are some places to start searching info.
http://www.cancermba.com/content/resource_&_support/chemotherapy.html
http://search.onlynaturalpet.com/search.aspx?searchterms=dog-cancer&click=11&OVRAW=chemotherapy%20for%20dogs&OVKEY=dog%20cancer&OVMTC=advanced
http://www.askariel.com/pages.asp?pid=cancer
2006-07-31 03:11:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no but he sounds kinda old for it. And I thought u spelled it with a k like kemo...sorry but I had 2 say that I wasn't tryin 2 be mean.
2006-07-31 03:01:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds very expencive but think if it was your child would you do it?or let it suffer?
2006-07-31 03:09:17 · answer #8 · answered by ME 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋