My lab/shepherd mix has cancer, how long does she have.......?

Question

She has lymphoma cancer and was treated with chemo two weeks ago, had terrible reaction, but did NOT go into remission (80% of dogs do!!). Has anyone had experience with this, and how long does she have?? She seems to be happy and playful (she is 13 years old). Will her dying be painful or will she suffer?

Thank you all for your anwers and help, I needed to hear, "I will know when the time is right". Especially thanks to Wendy and Micky. Exception: Brock, you are a pig, money is no issue when it comes to my family member, which my pet is. By the way, I donate a great deal of money and volunteer my time to those in need. I believe that the 500 dollars I spent on my pet Lucky, to try and save her life is nothing compared to what you may spend on booze, drugs, television set or personal items. You unfortunately are an example of pathetic human life taking needed space on this earth.

Answer 1

Its hard to tell how long she has. Typically an untreated dog would have 4 to 6 weeks. Chemo can extend the life for about a year. Since your dog was the exception, the chances are that she as the same life expectancy as a dog without the treatment. For quality of life, a pain management regiment will help greatly. Talk to your vet about what kind of pain management they'd recommend.

You should probably start coming up with a check list, of signs to look for to help you determine when to euthanize so that you don't extend her suffering. Things to consider would be: no longer eating well, depression, no longer wanting to play, excessive vomiting/diarrhea, etc.

Answer 2

On the downside, cancer is painful. The good news is that they do have good pain medication for you dog. How long she has to live depends a great deal on how advanced the cancer has become and the type of cancer. There are different kinds of lymphoma.

Let your vet be the guide. He can tell you when it is time to let her go to a better place. She will be waiting there for you to join her when your life is over. There is a poem called the Rainbow Bridge. Just google Rainbow Bridge. It will make you cry, but it will be a comfort too.

Answer 3

I have been doing a lot of research on cancer because my Mom has terminal lung cancer which has spread to her bones. We are undergoing treatment at a clinic in the Bahama's and thankfully she has made improvement since we arrived.

In my research I have found a treatment that works for dogs as well as humans that I am very interested in and have research extensively for a few weeks.

It is cesium chloride/DMSO. You mix the two together and spread it on the skin, it is quickly absobed in to the body and has been proven to have profound results.

The best supplier I have found is www.essence-of-life.com. More specifically for a dog is: http://www.essense-of-life.com/info/phth...

But, I would say call first. Larry, is very knowledgeable and will tell you how best to use it for your specific case. It seems a little expensive, but nothing more than your vets have already charged and cheap when it means you could have your beloved baby for years to come.

Good luck to you and your best friend!
Kris

Answer 4

I'm sorry about your loved pet. My dog had cancer in jawbone. We treated him for 3 months & hated to put him down. Nobody can give you a date of death, as thats in Gods hands. And don't let anybody tell you cancer doesn't hurt, b/c it does.

Answer 5

If the vet did not tell you this information then you need a new vet.Only the person who examine and treated the dog can answer these questions.

Answer 6

my boyfriends dog had cancer. they ended up putting him to sleep because he was in a lot of pain. having a hard time walking, going to the bathroom, thank kinda stuff. if you know your dog, you'll know when she's in pain, and you'll know when she cant fight it anymore. i'm sorry about your puppy sweetie, but do the right thing when its time.