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We received a visual inspection diagnosis 2 weeks ago. They scoped the stomach, said it appears to be adenocarcinoma of the pylorus. They took biopsies, but te results were inconclusive. Would the endoscopist really be able to have a good feel for the diagnosis?

The area had been bleeding....tarry stools, vomiting undigested blood, weakness, SEVERE anemia. Dog received two transfusions.

He is now on Carafate and Pepcid several times a day. He seems to be making a miraculous recovery. Gums are now pink, he is eating and feeling well.....

What is the deal? Maybe he doesn't have cancer after all. OR are the medications stopping the bleeding, giving him more time?

He is 14.....what if the Dr. made a mistake, and it is not cancer?

I now need to know how long do I keep him on these medications....I am afraid to stop them, for maybe the bleeding and anemia will return...

2006-10-15 10:04:17 · 5 answers · asked by NorthernCA/FL 2 in Pets Dogs

5 answers

The endoscope would be the best test (next to actual biopsy) because the vet can actually visualize the area in question.

Yes, dogs can feel MUCH better rather quickly once bleeding and anemia are controlled. Many palliative ("feel-better-without-curing") treatments will do a great job of helping the pet feel better. I recently had a cat with cancer in her chest who made a huge turnaround with prednisone. The pred helped reduce inflammation, but it didn't actually do anything for the tumors. She began to eat more and felt like playing again. Unfortunately, the tumors were still growing, and ultimately a clot broke off and caused her to have what could be called a "stroke". While it didn't kill her, it affected her to the point where she no longer knew us. Chemo was not an option due to the advanced state of her cancer at diagnosis-- we elected comfort care until the end (2 months).

As for your question, "How long...", that's almost impossible to say. How I wish veterinarians and doctors had a crystal ball. Much of that is going to depend on the speed of metastasis (spread) and how well the dog can be maintained. Many times an animal can be kept "ALIVE", but one would have to ask if the pet is really "LIVING". That question is one that only YOU can answer. Only YOU know your dog, not us here on Yahoo Answers. Only YOU know how his quality of life is from day to day. And, let's face it... 14 years is a long life for many dogs. It sounds like you have done well for him so far. You alone must decide what you and he are willing to go through.

Good luck-- wish I could have given you a magic answer.

2006-10-15 10:25:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

There is no set time frame for the growth rate of any cancer..as nurse, I have seen patients that were told they had only weeks to live, live andother 2 years, and visa/versa..So much depends on the dogs quality of life, happiness, and over-all health..
Just give the meds until the doc doesn't prescribe them any more, and enjoy your dog each day..
the diagnoses may be in error, not the first time THAT has happened...so live each day with joy, and quit worrying, as worry will do nothing at all for the dog or you..
You pray and I'll pray as well.

2006-10-15 10:14:57 · answer #2 · answered by Chetco 7 · 2 1

I just recently put our dog down due to cancer i you feel hes suffering and you have that choice only you know my dog stopped eating one day and had severe diareaha and then the day before the vet appt he started to eat i was so happy however the vet didnt see it that way and explained he is suffering and i made the hardest decision in my life knowing i didnt want him to suffer but deep inside he and you are the only ones who can tell each other how you feel.

2006-10-15 10:36:22 · answer #3 · answered by mygibson95 1 · 0 0

You need to ask the vet that, since he is the one to give you more of the meds. He can be on them long term. If that is what it is, the dog doesn't have a long time left, so if that helps, then keep giving it!!!!

2006-10-15 10:07:07 · answer #4 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 1 0

If he's doing OK on the treatment...STAY on it!!!
IF he goes downhill again,then you can decide.

*I* will NOT subject a dog to surgery & chemo. It HURTS & doesn't work anyway. WHY torment it? It's pure selfishness. When it's time...LET HIM GO!!! That's often the LAST "good thing" you can do.

2006-10-15 10:12:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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