How long does my dog have?

Question

In a nutshell, my dog has just been diagnosed with bone cancer. He lost two of his friends to the same thing, so I know basically how it goes. Zeke has a great life and will continue to do so. He is a reading therapy dog and loves to sit and listen to kids read. I am trying to hold on to grieving after he is gone. I believe he is just a dog and lives for the moment. I am not going to treat him as a dying dog for remainder of his life. But as a human I am looking ahead and wondering how much time he has left. I know that no one will be able to give a definitive answer. And I know this goes fast. But how fast?

He is a very strong Rottweiler and rarely shows any discomfort. He is excited to go anywhere despite his major head bobbing when he walks. And please don't feel sad for us...we are going to have a regular great old time until the end.

Thanks for all the great thoughts! For those of you who asked....he is 7 yrs old and has gone through two torn cruciates with two surgeries for that. Some of that experience led me to opt out of any other treatment. He has been on Rimadyl and now we are adding Tramadol.

Answer 1

The best idea here is not to concern yourself with how fast or how slow your dog will succumb to disease. Instead take each day that you have with him as a blessing. With people and animals alike, more often then not, broad statements like "you have x number of days to live" provide nothing but negativity and absolutely no solace. Soemone could give you an average and you could count down the days, but what would be the point. You'd end up spending your time together focused more on the end then on the moment,a nd that would be a waste.

Instead, simply enjoy the time you have left, and as things progress I'm sure your dog will make it clear to you. Until then, be thankful for the time you had and whatever time your given, and don't focus on the future. Enjoy the moment.

Answer 2

The trouble with any fatal disease is that a dog (or human) can seem fine or relatively fine for quite a long time. Treatment of the disease or at least its effects and pain medication help considerably. But eventually the disease takes its toll.

My point is that your dog may seem fine now and fine for the next several months to a year. But at some point, the disease will overwhelm him. Suddenly, even though you knew he was sick, this outwardly "healthy" dog will rapidly go down hill. As you've endured this before with your dog's friends, you have an idea of what to expect.

You didn't mention the dog's age. If he's an older dog, chances are he will pass within the coming year. If he's a younger dog (under 6), he may be able to fight it a bit longer (as his immune system is stronger). It really depends on how fast the cancer spreads and how well his medications are working (assuming you are giving him treatment). If he's receiving no treatment, I would say his time is less. In general, I would say you have 4 to 8 months.

Just limit his climbing, jumping, going up/down stairs, etc. as much as you can. Lift him up, create pillows for him by the door, etc. The less walking/straining he does, the less likely he'll suffer a fracture and further complicate his illness.

I wish you the best during this difficult time. I recommend going to petloss.com. There is a wonderful moderated forum there where people share stories of their ill pets, as well as those they've lost. I found it very beneficial when I lost my dog last year. I've provided the link to the main page below.

Answer 3

How long he has with you depends on the type of cancer, the location, treatment, and his pain threshold.

Since he's a rottie, I'm gonna guess osteosarcoma. Without treatment, weeks. They become very painful and management with medications like Rimadyl, Tramadol, Fentanyl, etc only palliate the pain for a short period of time.

With amputation and chemotherapy, a couple months usually if the cancer has not metastasized.

If you are interested in treatment, I know the University of Illinois in Urbana is doing 2 studies on dogs with osteosarcoma. There are certain requirements, but it would help others. Talk to your veterinarian about options and other studies at other veterinary teaching hospitals and universities.

Answer 4

Lost two Dobermans to Osteosacoma (bone cancer) The one was diagnosed in February & passed towards the end of October. The other had a leg amputation in September & had to be euthanized in March. If I had to do all over again I don't think I would have done the amputation.So between the two it was 6-8 months. I hope the vet put your dog on pain medication because it is very painful. Both my dogs were put on Deramaxx as soon as they were diagnosed!!!

Answer 5

I have no clue how long, I'm sorry. But keep doing what you are doing, focus on the beautiful living dog you have now. I also have a dog with bone cancer, he is on pain meds and happy. And I am happy not knowing when he will go, I just keep doing what I've been doing with him (with some limitations of course). Enjoy your dog, and best of luck. I know how it is to fear the worst, and to lose your companion.

Answer 6

Hard to say. Two of my dogs died of cancer. One went a month after diagnosis. The other lingered three months. In both cases the dog was seemingly well and then suddenly went downhill. It was devastating for me.

Answer 7

It is in the lap of the Gods.
Just make every day count.You know really inside that there is NO answer.
Just give him all the tender loving care you can.
LIVE THE DAY.
Take one day at a time and every day he is with you is a bonus.
God Bless both of you.

Answer 8

I disagree, I say make every moment as special as possible. He knows he is sick, shower him with love (not that you don't). But know that he does know, and he does not want to die, just as any animal fights to survive. perhaps he does not "think" about it, but, he knows and...hug and love him, I wish I could tell you something you don't already know. I have been there and will be several more times, as I have many animals in my family...my heart to you and Zeke.

Work with your vet and let them help you keep reality in check, we tend to want to see their desire to live when the vet can see their suffering. This is very tough...you seem strong...all my best

Answer 9

i dont no dont treat him like a human give him treats kiss him love him but i dont think very long im sosososososo sry hell go 2 heaven he wont die in alot alot of pain if ur a christain pray over him God will help and tell u

Answer 10

I don't know how long, but I think you've got the idea. Enjoy your dog while he is here. I'm sure he's enjoying you, and will until the end. Good luck, and God bless.