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Was it the cancer or something else that killed my dog?
Colonel was diagnosed with cancer in September, I know the vet said that most dogs live three to six months and a year would be hoping for the best. His lymph nodes on his neck got swollen which was the reason why we took him in to see the vet in the first place, but after the first week on antibiotics, the swelling went down, but at the same time he lost 5 pounds in one week.
So we took him back the next week, the vet gave him a steroid shot and put him on medication (Novo-Prednisone 50mg), well that helped, he got his weight back up, but the only thing was that he started to drink alot more water and have problems urinating in the house, and that never used to be an issue.
So up until December 31, 2009 he looked perfecting fine, it was almost like he didn't have the cancer. The day before, he was fine, normal even. But on that day around noon, he was trying to stand up but his hind legs were just not sturdy enough for him to stand on, they kind of just flopped to the sides, and he was panting very heavily, he didn't want to drink water or even eat his favorite treat ( bread and cheese ). He did get up again about half an hour later but it was only to walk from one end of the room to the other and his legs gave out on him again, then again two more times, and at this time he also vomitted.
We called the on call vet (their office was closed), and he told us to give Colonel his meds and check back in 24 hours, well by 4:30 that same day Colonel died. His gums went white, and he was panting for air.
I dont know, I just wish I would have been more persistant with the Vet, the thing is they knew his medical history and told us there was nothing we could really do, I phoned the vet. 2 times that day, and well I dont know, I guess I feel angry, regretful, and lost.
I just miss my Colonel Puppy :(
If anybody has any answer or comments please email me
So we took him back the next week, the vet gave him a steroid shot and put him on medication (Novo-Prednisone 50mg), well that helped, he got his weight back up, but the only thing was that he started to drink alot more water and have problems urinating in the house, and that never used to be an issue.
So up until December 31, 2009 he looked perfecting fine, it was almost like he didn't have the cancer. The day before, he was fine, normal even. But on that day around noon, he was trying to stand up but his hind legs were just not sturdy enough for him to stand on, they kind of just flopped to the sides, and he was panting very heavily, he didn't want to drink water or even eat his favorite treat ( bread and cheese ). He did get up again about half an hour later but it was only to walk from one end of the room to the other and his legs gave out on him again, then again two more times, and at this time he also vomitted.
We called the on call vet (their office was closed), and he told us to give Colonel his meds and check back in 24 hours, well by 4:30 that same day Colonel died. His gums went white, and he was panting for air.
I dont know, I just wish I would have been more persistant with the Vet, the thing is they knew his medical history and told us there was nothing we could really do, I phoned the vet. 2 times that day, and well I dont know, I guess I feel angry, regretful, and lost.
I just miss my Colonel Puppy :(
If anybody has any answer or comments please email me
so sorry for your loss. i had to put my baby down in 2008 had him 17 years. they are our fur babies and our heart breakes when we loss them. i had to get anothe fur baby and now when the time comes i will go throught the pain of losing her, but with out them our life is less fun/joy. maybe in time you can get another one not to replace your baby but to give another baby a great home and lots love that it might not get somewhere elsa. hope your day is a better day
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Felissia,
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
In the absence of further information proving the contrary, it is logical that lymphosarcoma led to your dog's death. Your post raises many questions , however, and for the benefit of your understanding and that of other readers, perhaps with similarly ill pets, these questions are worth discussing.
First, it is important for all to understand that "cancer" is not a disease but a family of diseases with vastly different properties. The only thing that links the various cancers is how they begin, by a mistake in cellular division leading to numerous abnormal cells that reproduce uncontrollably. Prognosis and treatment vary widely.
Second, in the case of malignant lymphoma or lymphosarcoma, diagnosis is conclusively made by lymph node biopsy. This is perhaps the most common systemic form of cancer we see and treat, and it is very treatable. A year or more in remission is not unusual with aggressive treatment of these cases.
Third, while many dogs with lymphoma may live as long as a year or more with aggressive treatment, some won't, even when aggressively treated. We call medical therapy of cancers with drugs "chemotherapy" which is unfortunate as the word terrifies pet owners and results in many pets being under-treated due to a perception of horrific side affects. Indeed these rarely occur. I now avoid the term and instead simply say, we treat with drugs or medicines as that is the truth.
There is a large body of literature indicating that a regimen of several anti-cancer drugs given in combination is more successful than most single drug regimens. While they may be helpful, antibiotics and corticosteroids are not drugs that are specific cancer cell killing agents.
Cost limitations sometimes cause owners to choose a "less aggressive" approach using corticosteroids alone. This is a false bargain however, as it will not reduce the cancer cell burden for long or in a meaningful way. Antibiotics simply fight infection or prevent them, in theory. Too, not every general practitioner is comfortable with anti-cancer drugs. Establishing their approach in your mind and deciding whether you are comfortable with it should be done at the time of diagnosis. If you are not comfortable, seek a general practitioner who does treat cancers or see an oncology specialist (credential is "DACVIM- Oncology").
Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc) cause increased thirst, urine volume and perhaps accidents. Not unexpected from what you have said.
It is likely that your dog had some temporary improvement from the corticosteroids but in the end the cancer cells overwhelmed his body.
In sum, when receiving a serious or unexpected diagnosis or a treatment plan that leaves you uncomfortable or unsure, seek a second opinion to verify the approach is what you want. You can always return to the first doctor to continue as planned.
Again, my condolences.
Sincerely,
Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
MedHelp & PDOC
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
In the absence of further information proving the contrary, it is logical that lymphosarcoma led to your dog's death. Your post raises many questions , however, and for the benefit of your understanding and that of other readers, perhaps with similarly ill pets, these questions are worth discussing.
First, it is important for all to understand that "cancer" is not a disease but a family of diseases with vastly different properties. The only thing that links the various cancers is how they begin, by a mistake in cellular division leading to numerous abnormal cells that reproduce uncontrollably. Prognosis and treatment vary widely.
Second, in the case of malignant lymphoma or lymphosarcoma, diagnosis is conclusively made by lymph node biopsy. This is perhaps the most common systemic form of cancer we see and treat, and it is very treatable. A year or more in remission is not unusual with aggressive treatment of these cases.
Third, while many dogs with lymphoma may live as long as a year or more with aggressive treatment, some won't, even when aggressively treated. We call medical therapy of cancers with drugs "chemotherapy" which is unfortunate as the word terrifies pet owners and results in many pets being under-treated due to a perception of horrific side affects. Indeed these rarely occur. I now avoid the term and instead simply say, we treat with drugs or medicines as that is the truth.
There is a large body of literature indicating that a regimen of several anti-cancer drugs given in combination is more successful than most single drug regimens. While they may be helpful, antibiotics and corticosteroids are not drugs that are specific cancer cell killing agents.
Cost limitations sometimes cause owners to choose a "less aggressive" approach using corticosteroids alone. This is a false bargain however, as it will not reduce the cancer cell burden for long or in a meaningful way. Antibiotics simply fight infection or prevent them, in theory. Too, not every general practitioner is comfortable with anti-cancer drugs. Establishing their approach in your mind and deciding whether you are comfortable with it should be done at the time of diagnosis. If you are not comfortable, seek a general practitioner who does treat cancers or see an oncology specialist (credential is "DACVIM- Oncology").
Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc) cause increased thirst, urine volume and perhaps accidents. Not unexpected from what you have said.
It is likely that your dog had some temporary improvement from the corticosteroids but in the end the cancer cells overwhelmed his body.
In sum, when receiving a serious or unexpected diagnosis or a treatment plan that leaves you uncomfortable or unsure, seek a second opinion to verify the approach is what you want. You can always return to the first doctor to continue as planned.
Again, my condolences.
Sincerely,
Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
MedHelp & PDOC
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