Should we put our dog through chemotherapy?

Question

6 months ago our German Sheppard died of lymph node cancer but we could do nothing for him, we loved (love) him so much. Now our rotweiler x has exactly the same cancer, we love him just as much. We have no money and are both out of work. My husband had a motorbike accident and work 1 day a week. I have been out of work for personal reasons. We have already borrowed money for vet fees from family, and have nothing of value to sell. The treatment will cost about 5000 dollars and may extend his life for a year or so, he is 9 years old. We don't have children, so our dogs are our babies. We went through a debt consolidation organization a few years ago, and they kindly slapped a bankruptcy act on us that we didn't know about ( currently fighting this) so we can't borrow against the house either, even though we have 150,000 equity. Hopeless situation? what did we do so wrong to deserve this. Our dog will have another 2 months if we do nothing and up to 18 months with chemo.

Answer 1

Nope......it doesn't work & just makes the dog feel like CRAP.
I've been there,etc.

Just keep it as comfortable as you can ...until you CAN'T. Then let it GO!

Answer 2

As a human, I would not take one chemo treatment if I was in that situation.

Your dog's fate is pretty much laid out before you. I'm truly sorry for your situation.

It's a tuff call but I personally think chemo is bullshit on pets AND humans that have to face death. You will watch your buddy suffer the effects of the chemo drugs and die a slow death. Then you have the bills that you will have to pay...
I wouldn't do it if I was in your shoes.

No one gives a damn about your pain, they just want to make money off of you even though the outcome will remain the same. The dog is your buddy, don't drag him through this.

Answer 3

I don't have children either but have a dog who I consider my baby. I couldn't imagine being in your situation. I think you should take the time you have left with your dog to make him comfortable. If he was only two years old I'd say go for the chemo, but since he is 9 I think it is too much money. There are always dogs at the humane society that need to be rescued. Not that one of our dogs can be replaced, but you can spend that money on helping another dog or two. I think your dog would approve. Good luck. xo

Answer 4

Chemo is so hard, and it may not even buy a year - and what will his quality of life be in that year? I think you know, since you just went through this with your other dog. Because of this, and your money situation, it would be kindest to keep the dog comfortable as long as possible then euthanize when it is no longer feeling well. I went through this hell with my 9 year old Rottie who had brain cancer many years ago, and looking back I wish I had not put her through so much pain to keep her with me longer - it was selfish of me.

It is hard to make these decisions, but realize even if you had unlimited funds you still could not buy much time, unfortunately. Make the best of the time you have, and do not let your dog suffer. I am so sorry.

Answer 5

I am totally discussed in some peoples idea of what a dog is or should be by some of the answers ( A DOG IS A FORM OF LIFE ) IT MAY NOT BE A HUMAN BUT IL TELL YOU NOW I WOULD SOONER HAVE AS A FRIEND THAN SOME OF YOU SO CALLED " SMART HUMAN LIFE FORM " IMAGINE ME BEING YOUR PARENT and saying shes cool I'm bit short on cash this week put it to sleep IL just get another one later. AGAIN DISCUSSED and a since sorry to you and the people who genuinely care for their loved companions and have gone through this or other heart wrenching problems. p.s best of luck its due !!!!

Answer 6

i know this is a hard decision. i recently lost a pet too. what i can tell u is to think of the quality of life he has. if u do it r u doing it just to make urself happy. will he be miserable. i know it seems sad but the best decision might be to just let him go. i went through the same thing. my vet said that my 16 year old cat might be diabetic. i made the decision to let him go. it was the hardest decision i have made in my short life. he was my best friend and it was hard,but the vet said that if we did the test and it came back negative for diabetes but positive for thyroid disease he would probably only live another year or so. i know how hard this is we didnt have the money to save him i wish we did cuz if we did my best friend would be sitting here right now with me. but u just have to think of whats better for the dog. will he be miserable after the chemo. will he survive it. sometimes it is just better to let them go. they know when its their time. but dont put him to sleep just cuz i am telling u too. he may have a chance if it hasnt spread very far. he could make it. have a little bit of faith he will tell u when it is his time

Answer 7

I'm so so sorry first of all. Our dog has possible tumors. We dont even know if they are cancerous. Our vet wanted to biopsy them, but we decided not to even put him thru that. He's not a person, so there's no way to explain what his going on, that he will feel awful, but may get better someday, and the chances are he wont get better. We decided not to put him thru that, just let him be a dog, make him comfortable, let him eat whatever he wants and live out his days (however long they may be) happy and peaceful. I wouldnt put him thru the pain and sickness of chemo. Let him go and wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge. hugsss... im so sorry.

Answer 8

I wouldn't.

Chemotherapy is a nightmare to go through; even to humans.

However, humans are blessed with the knowledge that it is being employed to benefit them, and most turn that knowledge into a reason to fight... a reason to hold on.

Your dog isn't going to understand why it feels so terrible; it's not going to understand that you're attempting to prolong its life.

I've included a link to a piece of writing called "A Dog's Prayer," by Beth Norman Harris. It's often found in veterinary offices, and you may be familiar with it, but even if you've read it before, it helps to put things into perspective. Just a forewarning, it's a bit of a tear-jerker.

http://www.chanton.com/prayer.html

You already know that the chemotherapy wouldn't cure him; it would just prolong his life. Even humans, in many cases, refuse chemo if they know that it won't do any good in the long run. They don't want their last few months on Earth to be diminished; they want to enjoy them as much as possible.

You might want to talk to your vet and see what they can offer as far as painkillers... anything that would diminish your dog's pain would be a blessing, I'm sure.

Take care, and trust your heart.

Answer 9

I am sorry to hear about your situation. You have done nothing to deserve this bad things happen to good and bad people alike. My mom had a dog with a similar situation. She was like her child after my brother and I moved out. And after alot of prayers she decided to have her put to sleep so she would no longer suffer. This is your call and I can't tell you this is the best decision, but ask yourself are you prolonging your pets life for you or yourself? The chemo will probably make him sick and what kind of quality of life do you want his last days to be?

Answer 10

I am so sorry for you and for your dog. I have read all of the postings and I would have to say I agree with the majority here. It is a very difficult decision and a decision that none of us ever really want to make. If I was walking in your shoes right now, I would love my dog for the next few months and keep him as comfortable as possible until his time comes. I really am so sorry for you and your family. God Bless.

Answer 11

i havn't heard anything possitive about chemo, to be honest. i have worked for vets and rescues in the past, i lost one of my dogs to cancer as well. the only thing i would try before you give up, is acupuncture. i know a lot of people think it sounds crazy but i have seen it work miracles. it's not super expensive, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than chemo. i know of one dogs i groom imparticular, an old shephard mix that was given a few months to live, and for the family, chemo was NOT an option. that was 3 years ago, and the dog is still alive and HAPPY using acupuncture therapy. look for one in your area. ask around at vets. it's worth try. good luck. my heart goes out to your family.