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.  

[labdog]

Our 11yo Lab has hemanogiosarcoma. She had her spleen and a huge tumor removed two weeks ago.  Now her gums are white again and her abdomen bloated, which we were told were the signs that she would probably only live a few days.  We obviously want her to be with us for as long as possible but don't want her to suffer.  How do you know when the right time is with this disease?  Will the natural death be painful?

[cgilmore]

I miss you Hilde and will never forget you.  Your sister Molly looks around the room when I ask her about you.  She remembers you too.  I am grateful you were in my life, you sweet, funny girl.  Love you for ever Hilde,  Love, Mom and Molly

[bestsunny]

Hello, we put our toy poodle down who had this disease. He never actually cried when he was sick, but he couldn't have felt good, and I wonder if he was in pain. He was totally lethargic, would not eat, had watery diahreah and his eyes became sort of glazed over. After we put him down, his bowels released and a ton of blood came out of his rectum. I don't know if this is normal for this desease or not, but it was truly horrible. Because of this, I gave him a bath afterward in our kitchen sink, and dried him so that he looked beautiful on top of a blanket we put in a little coffin we had purchased from a pet cemetary. I wrote how we felt about him, and recited the words out loud in a little ceremony with my husband before putting him in a hole in our back yard. I cried my eyes out, but the ritual may have helped a tiny bit. A second vet we went to at the end gave us prednisone pills which actually gave Sunny a little rally for a week or so before we put him down. His eyes cleared and he definitely seemed happier. This is something  you might ask your vet about. Looking back on it, I don't think our vet was as good as he might have been in treating the diahreah or suggesting the prednisone. I also think it was rough on Sunny simply going to the vet and being poked, prodded, stabbed for blood tests and forced to stand or lay this way or that. All I can think about now, is how bad a body must feel going through any of that with internal bleeding, even without chemo or other heroic measures. So for me, I don't think I would do anything extreme unless it promised a complete cure or a long period of regression.  Give the prednisone pills a shot for a last rally, they really helped Sunny, and as much love as you can these last days.  Whatever decisions you make will be the right ones as long as they are made with love. Wishing you and Lockie peace.

[LockiesMom]

My furry baby was diagnosed on Thursday evening with this cancer. He collapsed and we rushed him to the animal hospital. My vet didn't think he would survive the night and said I could take him home if that's what I wanted to do as it would not make a difference if he was there or at home. The next day, Friday, he rallied a bit and started eating and drinking. He was still very weak though. Today he is off food again and not drinking very much. He is sleeping quietly and doesn't appear to be in pain. I really don't know what to do. Should I give him a bit more time so that maybe he can recover from this episode. There is no treatment or cure and I know that even if he rallies this time, there will be another episode. He doesn't want to leave us. He is fighting to stay. My heart is broke. I am devastated beyond words. He is an 11 and a half Labrador Mix and he is everything to me. I want to give him a chance but I don't want him to suffer either.

[Detrick]

Here I am 6-months after the passing of my dog from hemangiosarcoma, visiting this site again.  It is difficult to forget the past and each month is a small stepping stone towards recovery.

If you want to discuss your case involving your beloved GSD, we are here to help you cope.  I am sorry nobody responded to your post until now.

[Myjoshdog]

My GSD was diagnosed with inoperable hemangiosarcoma yesterday.  I cannot begin to describe the pain I feel at the moment - my heart is completely broken.  He is on pain killers at the moment but the vet has not given us much hope.  I am now faced with the most agonising decision of my life.  He is my best friend, my life.  Tears are streaming down my eyes as I look him in the eye and try to rationalise what needs to be done and when?  The pain is unbearable