hemangiosarcoma of the spleen

[CMCoct]

We euthanized our 7 year old GSD this week who collapsed a few days prior.  He was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma of the spleen and had it removed in emergency surgery in August 2007.  I took him through chemo and he survived 6 months following the surgery.  On his last day, he was rebounding following a traumatic night a few days earlier vomiting and collapsing.  He couldn't get up the next day but was more responsive the following.  Although fatigued, he could walk the day after that and even began playing with his toys.  So he was recovering.  But he still had a nasty cough, no appetite outside a handful of food each day, and fatigue/anemia.  

I read the natural end was not painful-a collapse, shock and death.  But what I saw Saturday night was terrifying for us both.  He was so sick and scared so I made the decision to "help". I now I have huge regrets and need some answers or any information to deal with my devastation.  

How long does a dog having hemangiosarcoma typically have from the initial collapse to the final?  I understand the inevitable outcome of the diagnosis but loved him more than anything.  I'm tortured by my decision.  I did it for him but can't seem to find an answer.  Is there pain and suffering in a natural death in this case? What is typical?  Are there other regrets either way?  I know these are questions that should have been asked earlier but the entire experience has missed my expectations every step of the way.

I thought I had more time.  Thank you for any help you can offer.  

[Buckylove]

Thank you for your comment nicksbuddy.  He's been home for a a little over a week and recovering well from his surgery.  We did start him on the Yunnan baiyao, he's eating, going for walks, playing with his ball and enjoying being with us.   What a week of gratitude, every part of our day that I enjoyed before the diagnosis I can appreciate even more because of it's precious nature, a good lesson for all of life.  I'm inspired by Nick's resilience and yours, and I'm sending you guys blessings;  it sounds like you have loved each other well.

[Nicksbuddy]

I know how you feel and hope I can give you some hope. My Nick,a GSD mix?also had his spleen removed 8/15/13. He was 11 years old and the best dog I've ever had. I decided to try Coriolus versicolor & Agaricus Blazei Mushroom Extract supplements, changed his diet to a homemade dog cancer diet, adding turmeric and milk thistle to his food. He had 1 episode since when he collapsed, couldn't get up for several hours-but then came out of it fatigued but recovered a couple days later. On Feb. 4th he did it again but this time he also had a seizure. This time I checked his gums...they were very pale so I gave him the little red pill (in Yunnan Baiyao capsule package-you can get these online from ModernHerbShop.com ). He recovered within 15 minutes and showed no signs of problems afterward.
      Unfortunately we now know he has another big mass in his abdomen, probably connected to the liver. He has not wanted to eat for the past 3 days and is very lethargic. I'm sure he is failing and we will have to make that awful decision soon. I am very grateful for the 8+ months we have had him since this awful prognosis. Try to enjoy him while you have him and think positive. My best to you and all who have to face this horrible disease.   Nicksbuddy

[Buckylove]

I wanted to follow up on my post about Bucky;  I wanted to offer what I am learning from him to get beyond the fear and be with him in a positive, loving way that will help him make his transition.  He showed up in our life just in time, and he will leave when it's time.  My job is to be present with him, to celebrate the miracle that is every day with him as long as he needs us, and to let go of him when he needs us to.  I think he showed up to be my teacher, my friend and a soul mate, I am the luckiest being in the world to have shared this bond with him.  I will hold his love close, and hopefully find the courage to pass it on.  Buddhists believe that our positive state of mind approaching our deaths is incredibly important in our rebirth. I do believe in the power of energy as a tangible thing.  hope to offer him peace, I will let him know it's okay to go and not to be afraid.  See what a good teacher he's been?  Thank you all for sharing your stories, we are not alone in what we're going through.  Bless you all.

[Buckylove]

My beloved GSD Bucky was diagnosed with hermangiosarcoma after emergency surgery to remove his spleen on Friday.  We are bringing him home today and he's recovered well, but I'm aware his prognosis is 1-3 months without chemo, maybe a few months more with chemo.  My instinct is to make his last days as comfortable as I can and not put him through the trauma of additional treatment, especially given that no matter what, he will not have long.  I'm so scared.  This came on so quickly and unexpectedly; he's a very active and healthy 8 year old that we rescued just 3 years ago.  I love him with all my heart...I think he is my heart.  I'm filled with gratitude that he came into our lives, he has transformed our lives into something very meaningful.  He is the kindest and best of dogs.  I wish I were more confident in how to proceed, will I know when it's time?    Any words of advice or encouragement would be appreciated.

[Blackmoose]

Labdog. I know how you feel, My lab/shep mix is going through the same thing. I had her spleen removed 4 weeks ago and she was like a puppy afterward. A few days ago all the symptoms came back. The cancer is now in her lungs and on her heart. The Dr said less than 2 weeks. I want to do what is right for her. Every time I think OK tomorrow is the day she perks up and acts like nothing is wrong. Then the next day she is back to acting blah. It's a roller coaster of highs and lows. I want to do what's best for her and not me. It's just so hard. She is 14 and I've had her since she was 3 months so we have a very close bond. I just watch her and trust my instincts that I will see when it is time. I want her to go out with dignity and not when she is too sick to move. My heart goes out to you. Trust your instincts and do whats best for her.

[labdog]

I'm so sorry to hear this.  Our lab was diagnosed two weeks ago, had surgery and rallied. Now she's relapsing.  My heart goes out to you.