Making the right choice for a dog with cancer
October 21, 2020 7:52 AM Subscribe
Our amazing rescue dog, who we have had for less than a year, just a had a small growth removed from his elbow. It was biopsied and turned out to be a soft tissue sarcoma (specifically, a hemangiopericytoma), grade III (the worst/highest/most malignant grade). He is only about 6 and has absolutely zero symptoms or pain, but the oncologist tells us that the median survival time for this type of cancer is 8 months. We don't know what to do next.
The surgery was successful in removing all the detectable cancer, but because of the location, it had what they call "narrow margins." The oncologist called this type of cancer "sneaky," and said that with surgical margins this narrow, there is almost certainly at least a little cancerous material left -- it tends to have roots, like mold. Between that and the high grade of the tumor, it's almost guaranteed that it will come back at the same site, at which point it's likely to spread very quickly to other areas that are untreatable (usually lungs). They did x-rays and it hasn't spread YET, though there could be cancerous cells elsewhere that are currently undetectable.
The oncologist essentially gave us four options:
1. Chemo. Apparently there's no evidence that chemo prolongs survival time with the type of cancer, but people sometimes choose it anyway to feel like they're doing whatever they can. Very well tolerated in dogs.
2. Radiation therapy at the site of the tumor. The goal would be to kill whatever cancerous cells might be lurking post-surgery, to decrease the chance of the tumor re-growing and then spreading. VERY expensive ($8,000 or more), and the closest facility that offers radiation is two hours away. We'd have to go there for treatment every single day for 3-4 weeks.
3. Amputation. Same goal as radiation -- get rid of all remaining cancer at the original site. "Affordable," as these things go, and would (obviously) ensure the tumor doesn't grow back. (They'd prefer to do a second surgery to get wider margins, but can't in our case because the tumor was right on the elbow and there's nowhere else to go. So wider margins = amputation.)
4. Do nothing, watch him closely, bring him in for chest x-rays every few months to monitor potential spread.
Apparently with treatment that's considered "aggressive," which would be radiation or amputation, the median survival time is potentially a year+. But all of the numbers we're getting are SO frustrating, because ultimately they don't really know a ton about this type of cancer and the studies that have been done were really small. Like, one paper says that tumors reoccur at the original site in 75% of dogs with a grade III sarcoma... but if you look at the actual data, it was 3 out of 4 dogs. So who even knows! The whole conversation feels a little bit like one giant shrug emoji.
We'd love to do the radiation, and we can technically afford it. But our dog is highly anxious, and he's pretty sure that being in the car is actual torture. He paces in the backseat, whines, cries, and is clearly super unhappy. We just don't think driving him four hours a day for 3-4 weeks is the right call (even if we could figure out the logistics, which would be complicated with us both working).
Given that, it seems like amputation is the best option. Dogs do well on three legs, we're told, and this guy is also totally, completely lazy. A ten-minute walk is the upper limit of what he's interested in doing, and he pretty much just wants to spend his life on the couch halfway in somebody's lap. So we wouldn't be robbing him of his favorite activities or anything. But still, it feels absolutely WILD to consider removing a leg from a young dog who at least SEEMS 100% healthy and happy. But that's just me projecting my own feelings onto him, right? And if it gains him any extra time at all, surely it's worth it?
I'm trying to write this clearly and concisely, but the truth is we're just absolutely gutted. Exactly one year ago literally TODAY, we had our previous dog (a greyhound) put down because he had really aggressive bone cancer. We got our current guy just a few months later, and he's been such an unbelievable joy. He was very obviously abused in his former life -- he cowers if you pick up a broom or gesticulate too wildly, and the vet found BB pellets embedded under his skin when they did chest x-rays recently. But even after all that, he's the sweetest, most cuddly dog I've ever met. All he wants is love, and it breaks my heart that he had so many bad years and now will likely only get a couple of good ones.
I'm sorry, I realize most of this is not really a question. So I guess -- has anyone else dealt with this kind of cancer before? And what would you do here?
The surgery was successful in removing all the detectable cancer, but because of the location, it had what they call "narrow margins." The oncologist called this type of cancer "sneaky," and said that with surgical margins this narrow, there is almost certainly at least a little cancerous material left -- it tends to have roots, like mold. Between that and the high grade of the tumor, it's almost guaranteed that it will come back at the same site, at which point it's likely to spread very quickly to other areas that are untreatable (usually lungs). They did x-rays and it hasn't spread YET, though there could be cancerous cells elsewhere that are currently undetectable.
The oncologist essentially gave us four options:
1. Chemo. Apparently there's no evidence that chemo prolongs survival time with the type of cancer, but people sometimes choose it anyway to feel like they're doing whatever they can. Very well tolerated in dogs.
2. Radiation therapy at the site of the tumor. The goal would be to kill whatever cancerous cells might be lurking post-surgery, to decrease the chance of the tumor re-growing and then spreading. VERY expensive ($8,000 or more), and the closest facility that offers radiation is two hours away. We'd have to go there for treatment every single day for 3-4 weeks.
3. Amputation. Same goal as radiation -- get rid of all remaining cancer at the original site. "Affordable," as these things go, and would (obviously) ensure the tumor doesn't grow back. (They'd prefer to do a second surgery to get wider margins, but can't in our case because the tumor was right on the elbow and there's nowhere else to go. So wider margins = amputation.)
4. Do nothing, watch him closely, bring him in for chest x-rays every few months to monitor potential spread.
Apparently with treatment that's considered "aggressive," which would be radiation or amputation, the median survival time is potentially a year+. But all of the numbers we're getting are SO frustrating, because ultimately they don't really know a ton about this type of cancer and the studies that have been done were really small. Like, one paper says that tumors reoccur at the original site in 75% of dogs with a grade III sarcoma... but if you look at the actual data, it was 3 out of 4 dogs. So who even knows! The whole conversation feels a little bit like one giant shrug emoji.
We'd love to do the radiation, and we can technically afford it. But our dog is highly anxious, and he's pretty sure that being in the car is actual torture. He paces in the backseat, whines, cries, and is clearly super unhappy. We just don't think driving him four hours a day for 3-4 weeks is the right call (even if we could figure out the logistics, which would be complicated with us both working).
Given that, it seems like amputation is the best option. Dogs do well on three legs, we're told, and this guy is also totally, completely lazy. A ten-minute walk is the upper limit of what he's interested in doing, and he pretty much just wants to spend his life on the couch halfway in somebody's lap. So we wouldn't be robbing him of his favorite activities or anything. But still, it feels absolutely WILD to consider removing a leg from a young dog who at least SEEMS 100% healthy and happy. But that's just me projecting my own feelings onto him, right? And if it gains him any extra time at all, surely it's worth it?
I'm trying to write this clearly and concisely, but the truth is we're just absolutely gutted. Exactly one year ago literally TODAY, we had our previous dog (a greyhound) put down because he had really aggressive bone cancer. We got our current guy just a few months later, and he's been such an unbelievable joy. He was very obviously abused in his former life -- he cowers if you pick up a broom or gesticulate too wildly, and the vet found BB pellets embedded under his skin when they did chest x-rays recently. But even after all that, he's the sweetest, most cuddly dog I've ever met. All he wants is love, and it breaks my heart that he had so many bad years and now will likely only get a couple of good ones.
I'm sorry, I realize most of this is not really a question. So I guess -- has anyone else dealt with this kind of cancer before? And what would you do here?
I'm so sorry.
If you have facebook, the Pet Vet Corner group can be really helpful for getting second opinions from other vets (strictly enforced commenting only from confirmed vets, the only downside is not all questions get answers due to the volume received).
If my own young dog was in this situation I would definitely go for amputation. Dogs adjust very well to losing a limb, and it sounds like that's also the best chance to stop the cancer from coming back, if I'm understanding correctly. Many dogs live long and happy and healthy lives after amputation for cancer or other reasons. It's probably harder on the owner than the dog, psychologically speaking.
posted by randomnity at 8:11 AM on October 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
If you have facebook, the Pet Vet Corner group can be really helpful for getting second opinions from other vets (strictly enforced commenting only from confirmed vets, the only downside is not all questions get answers due to the volume received).
If my own young dog was in this situation I would definitely go for amputation. Dogs adjust very well to losing a limb, and it sounds like that's also the best chance to stop the cancer from coming back, if I'm understanding correctly. Many dogs live long and happy and healthy lives after amputation for cancer or other reasons. It's probably harder on the owner than the dog, psychologically speaking.
posted by randomnity at 8:11 AM on October 21, 2020 [7 favorites]
I have not dealt with this and there is no right answer, except what's right for you.
I am so sorry that you're going through this, a year after losing your other dog. I have had dogs, and hope to have another real soon. I think about these kinds of decisions, a lot.
Amputation sounds like the best option to me.
posted by vitabellosi at 8:13 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
I am so sorry that you're going through this, a year after losing your other dog. I have had dogs, and hope to have another real soon. I think about these kinds of decisions, a lot.
Amputation sounds like the best option to me.
posted by vitabellosi at 8:13 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
I don't have a specific answer to this, but a similar situation. My sister's beloved cat had cancer in her eye. She had a lot more time to consider as apparently that type of cancer spreads very slowly. The vet gave her the option of removing the eye or doing a laser treatment, which could theoretically put a stop to the cancer spread but always included the risk of the cancer spreading anyway. I remember telling her that I personally would just go ahead with the eye removal for my own peace of mind, but she was very nervous about her cat living without the eye.
She went ahead and did the laser treatment, multiple times, over the years, and ultimately the cancer kept on growing and spreading and she had to get the eye removed anyway – and once the eye was actually removed, the cat was MARKEDLY happier and more playful. The eye was probably bothering her pretty badly over the years and it just happened slowly enough to not be so noticeable until the source of pain and irritation was removed.
All this to say in this case I would also amputate. I bet the pup in question would be running around happier and healthier sooner than you'd think!
posted by caitcadieux at 8:15 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
She went ahead and did the laser treatment, multiple times, over the years, and ultimately the cancer kept on growing and spreading and she had to get the eye removed anyway – and once the eye was actually removed, the cat was MARKEDLY happier and more playful. The eye was probably bothering her pretty badly over the years and it just happened slowly enough to not be so noticeable until the source of pain and irritation was removed.
All this to say in this case I would also amputate. I bet the pup in question would be running around happier and healthier sooner than you'd think!
posted by caitcadieux at 8:15 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
This is so hard! Poor Mac.
I would go with the amputation. It sounds like it's got a good shot at extending his life, and he'll probably tolerate it better than the radiation.
Hoping for the best, you all deserve it -- especially Mac.
posted by rue72 at 8:16 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
I would go with the amputation. It sounds like it's got a good shot at extending his life, and he'll probably tolerate it better than the radiation.
Hoping for the best, you all deserve it -- especially Mac.
posted by rue72 at 8:16 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
Best answer: I likely would choose amputation as well in this case. I did have a greyhound with lymphoma for whom I did not pursue chemo or anything other than palliative treatment but that didn't have amputation as an option, her cancer was aggressive and had already spread, and she was 11 years old. I am so sorry you have to go through this.
If it helps, an Instagram account I follow features a dog who just went through amputation due to cancer a couple weeks ago. Beatrix is a 10 year old Bernese Mountain Dog (so not nearly as young as your pup) and seems to be doing really well. (Midge is her cat sister and Buster is their new Berner puppy.) It might help to watch a success story about amputation in real time. I think more of the Bea updates tend to be in their stories than the regular posts, FYI.
posted by misskaz at 8:19 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
If it helps, an Instagram account I follow features a dog who just went through amputation due to cancer a couple weeks ago. Beatrix is a 10 year old Bernese Mountain Dog (so not nearly as young as your pup) and seems to be doing really well. (Midge is her cat sister and Buster is their new Berner puppy.) It might help to watch a success story about amputation in real time. I think more of the Bea updates tend to be in their stories than the regular posts, FYI.
posted by misskaz at 8:19 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Hi. I'm so sorry. I've had two pets with this type of cancer (although not sure if it was specifically a hemangiopericytoma). The vets explained it to me in the exact same way.
I would personally do the amputation. You're right that dogs bounce back very quickly from it, especially young dogs. One of my pets had to get his leg amputated, it was the front leg which is harder for them to deal with than the back leg, and he was overweight and HAD to lose weight to ever be able to walk again - which he did! It took a while, but he got used to it. And a dog that likes to chill and cuddle sounds like a great candidate for it.
If you are leaning towards radiation though, is there any way you can each take a week or two off and stay in a hotel or airbnb near the vet there? Or work remotely from there? Obviously highly dependent on your jobs/PTO, covid logistics make it hard, and would add to your expense, but just an idea.
I'm so sorry. Wishing you the best, memail me if you want more information.
posted by sillysally at 8:21 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
I would personally do the amputation. You're right that dogs bounce back very quickly from it, especially young dogs. One of my pets had to get his leg amputated, it was the front leg which is harder for them to deal with than the back leg, and he was overweight and HAD to lose weight to ever be able to walk again - which he did! It took a while, but he got used to it. And a dog that likes to chill and cuddle sounds like a great candidate for it.
If you are leaning towards radiation though, is there any way you can each take a week or two off and stay in a hotel or airbnb near the vet there? Or work remotely from there? Obviously highly dependent on your jobs/PTO, covid logistics make it hard, and would add to your expense, but just an idea.
I'm so sorry. Wishing you the best, memail me if you want more information.
posted by sillysally at 8:21 AM on October 21, 2020 [4 favorites]
Best answer: One thing that helped me a lot when I was thinking about putting my own dog down was the idea that dogs don't wish for long, happy life- they just want to be happy and comfortable TODAY. They're not sitting around hoping that they'll still be here tomorrow, and that's part of what's so special and precious about dogs. When we want them to be around longer, we're really wishing that we will have them longer. Which is okay! But I found thinking about it this way clarifies the cost/benefit analysis in terms of whether "more time" will be time where they are comfortable and happy.
It sounds like you think the amputation is the best choice because that'll be the one that keeps him healthy and comfortable for the longest amount of time. I want you to know that that's an okay choice to make. You're not removing a leg from a young, healthy dog. You're removing a cancerous leg from a middle-aged dog. All of these choices suck and that's the reality of having a dog with cancer, as I know you know all too well. But you came to this conclusion based on his quality of life in the day-to-day, which in my opinion is exactly the right way to handle this.
I wish you all the best in this shitty situation. Please give him a scratch from me.
posted by quiet coyote at 8:35 AM on October 21, 2020 [22 favorites]
It sounds like you think the amputation is the best choice because that'll be the one that keeps him healthy and comfortable for the longest amount of time. I want you to know that that's an okay choice to make. You're not removing a leg from a young, healthy dog. You're removing a cancerous leg from a middle-aged dog. All of these choices suck and that's the reality of having a dog with cancer, as I know you know all too well. But you came to this conclusion based on his quality of life in the day-to-day, which in my opinion is exactly the right way to handle this.
I wish you all the best in this shitty situation. Please give him a scratch from me.
posted by quiet coyote at 8:35 AM on October 21, 2020 [22 favorites]
Hey so, first thing, I went through this with a cat, and I have friends going through similar with a dog right now. So I have been here. I'm sorry, it all very very much sucks.
Long story short with my cat they recommended amputation and then chemo, which we did. We also did a second surgery later on.
I do NOT regret the first surgery or chemo, but I do regret the second surgery.
I would do the amputation. It's a good intervention to try to ensure that you're getting the cancer and you won't regret it. He will be fine on three legs. If chemo is not indicated, then don't do it, but if it is, chemo is not a huge deal and it's been well-tolerated in every animal I've known to have it.
Enjoy your dog, help him have a good life, but be pragmatic, is my advice, having been through something similar.
posted by Medieval Maven at 8:40 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Long story short with my cat they recommended amputation and then chemo, which we did. We also did a second surgery later on.
I do NOT regret the first surgery or chemo, but I do regret the second surgery.
I would do the amputation. It's a good intervention to try to ensure that you're getting the cancer and you won't regret it. He will be fine on three legs. If chemo is not indicated, then don't do it, but if it is, chemo is not a huge deal and it's been well-tolerated in every animal I've known to have it.
Enjoy your dog, help him have a good life, but be pragmatic, is my advice, having been through something similar.
posted by Medieval Maven at 8:40 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Oh, this sucks a lot. We had an older dog with a similar tumor and went the amputation route; it definitely bought her time, and mostly good time. However, because she was already older (14) and arthritic, and a very large and active dog to begin, her difficulty getting around on three legs eventually caused other problems. But we had about a year and a half with her when otherwise we would have had a month or two. Would choose again.
Your lil' guy is still young and as you say, not super active, so I would imagine that the outcome from amputation would be even better than that and possibly give you many more good years.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:44 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Your lil' guy is still young and as you say, not super active, so I would imagine that the outcome from amputation would be even better than that and possibly give you many more good years.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 8:44 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
My wife's dog (45 lb pit bull/border collie mutt) had a fast growing sarcoma on her back leg. Like, it was big and showed up fast. She elected to amputate which I was a little concerned about as she's an older dog and not good with change. And I mentally prepared myself to spend the rest of the dog's life holding her up to pee. This was not the case. At all. She was self-supporting before the anesthesia fully wore off and can go up and down stairs with only moderate problems and can jump in the car fine. The 3/4-ton pickup, not so much...
This was just about four years ago. She's having a harder time getting around nowadays, but she is at least fifteen so that's to be expected. The vets and techs were all super happy that we went with amputation. The joke in vet circles, apparently, is that all dogs are three-legged dogs, they just come with a spare.
And no, they won't let you keep the leg. I was going to make a lamp!
posted by stet at 9:20 AM on October 21, 2020 [11 favorites]
This was just about four years ago. She's having a harder time getting around nowadays, but she is at least fifteen so that's to be expected. The vets and techs were all super happy that we went with amputation. The joke in vet circles, apparently, is that all dogs are three-legged dogs, they just come with a spare.
And no, they won't let you keep the leg. I was going to make a lamp!
posted by stet at 9:20 AM on October 21, 2020 [11 favorites]
Best answer: Hi I am stet's wife and I'm SO GLAD we did the amputation. SO glad.
Ruby is also nervous, like your buddy, and the vet visits for chemo or radiation would have been awful. I don't think hers was a hemangiopericytoma but other than that, it was very similar to your situation -- soft tissue sarcoma, zero symptoms or pain, right over her knee joint (though in our case, tumor removal wasn't an option because of its proximity to the joint), primary concern is/was sneaky spreading to lungs.
But like stet says, it's been 4 years. (The surgery was on inauguration day 2017 so I will never forget its date. A terrible day for several reasons!) They did want to do lung xrays more frequently for the next little bit -- maybe every six months I think? I can't quite remember now. But not like, offensively frequently, not monthly or anything. Obv ymmv on this.
Everyone at the specialty vet clinic visibly relaxed when I said okay, let's do the amputation. They couldn't tell us what to do and they couldn't quite say we made the right choice, but they were definitely thinking it very hard.
As stet says, she's at least 15, so while she has some mobility issues and joint pain, it's hard to know how much she would have had regardless, and how much is because of the amputation. I DO think that she has more hip and back pain than she would have otherwise, because her posture changed with only one back leg. She gets a dog-specific NSAID and gabapentin daily. But again, 15, so some of that might have been necessary regardless. But, since your guy is younger, be prepared to keep an eye on that and maybe needing to do some long-term daily meds if he ends up with shoulder pain or other incidental situations after the removal.
I honestly don't know if she even really realizes this MAJOR CHANGE happened in her life. She is an anxious little critter and she does not like change, but I didn't detect any personality change or apparent worry. She definitely had to adjust behaviors and what she could do (jump up on furniture, jump on people, etc. Oh, and sitting took a while to get the hang of, poor thing!), but that just didn't really seem to bother her, like, emotionally.
Anyway, in your case I think I would go for the amputation or the wait-and-see. Maybe you could ask how frequent the vet visits would be for each approach? If it's, say, monthly visits with the wait-and-see approach, and every 3-6 months after amputation, that might factor into that decision.
Also, what quiet coyote said. Your sweet pup wants a good day TODAY. I don't think amputation will get in the way of many future good todays with him.
Best of luck, please keep us updated, and feel free to memail me anytime.
posted by librarina at 9:45 AM on October 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
Ruby is also nervous, like your buddy, and the vet visits for chemo or radiation would have been awful. I don't think hers was a hemangiopericytoma but other than that, it was very similar to your situation -- soft tissue sarcoma, zero symptoms or pain, right over her knee joint (though in our case, tumor removal wasn't an option because of its proximity to the joint), primary concern is/was sneaky spreading to lungs.
But like stet says, it's been 4 years. (The surgery was on inauguration day 2017 so I will never forget its date. A terrible day for several reasons!) They did want to do lung xrays more frequently for the next little bit -- maybe every six months I think? I can't quite remember now. But not like, offensively frequently, not monthly or anything. Obv ymmv on this.
Everyone at the specialty vet clinic visibly relaxed when I said okay, let's do the amputation. They couldn't tell us what to do and they couldn't quite say we made the right choice, but they were definitely thinking it very hard.
As stet says, she's at least 15, so while she has some mobility issues and joint pain, it's hard to know how much she would have had regardless, and how much is because of the amputation. I DO think that she has more hip and back pain than she would have otherwise, because her posture changed with only one back leg. She gets a dog-specific NSAID and gabapentin daily. But again, 15, so some of that might have been necessary regardless. But, since your guy is younger, be prepared to keep an eye on that and maybe needing to do some long-term daily meds if he ends up with shoulder pain or other incidental situations after the removal.
I honestly don't know if she even really realizes this MAJOR CHANGE happened in her life. She is an anxious little critter and she does not like change, but I didn't detect any personality change or apparent worry. She definitely had to adjust behaviors and what she could do (jump up on furniture, jump on people, etc. Oh, and sitting took a while to get the hang of, poor thing!), but that just didn't really seem to bother her, like, emotionally.
Anyway, in your case I think I would go for the amputation or the wait-and-see. Maybe you could ask how frequent the vet visits would be for each approach? If it's, say, monthly visits with the wait-and-see approach, and every 3-6 months after amputation, that might factor into that decision.
Also, what quiet coyote said. Your sweet pup wants a good day TODAY. I don't think amputation will get in the way of many future good todays with him.
Best of luck, please keep us updated, and feel free to memail me anytime.
posted by librarina at 9:45 AM on October 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
Having known so many tripod dogs, I would do an amputation ASAP. I think it's the best chance of stopping spread without the question marks that chemo or radiation would leave. It also leaves the dog with a great quality of life and ability to be active. If you do decide to do it, schedule it quickly as an aggressive cancer doesn't rest. Your dog is adorable and clearly a special being. I know the road of having a dog with aggressive cancer is a terrible one that I hope I never have to revisit it. Good luck and I'm wishing you all the best!
posted by quince at 9:58 AM on October 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by quince at 9:58 AM on October 21, 2020 [5 favorites]
Ack, this is so hard. Having lost 2 pets to cancer over the last couple years, I would not wish this awful disease on anyone. That said...if this were my pet, I would opt for the amputation in a heartbeat. Dogs and cats adapt very well to physical disabilities (better than many humans); they don't worry about what they look like, they just figure out how to get around and get on with their lives.
posted by aecorwin at 10:41 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by aecorwin at 10:41 AM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
I am so sorry you're going through this. If it were my dog, I'd opt for the amputation, if this will be a one-time stop to the cancer. Your gorgeous dog is still young and, as others in this thread have said, dogs adapt very quickly to this situation. I regularly see two 'tripod' dogs when I'm walking in the forest where I live and they are as bouncy and active as their four-legged pals. I've also had three friends with tripod cats (two of whom lost their limbs to cancer, one to a car) and they've been fine too.
Also, fuck cancer.
posted by essexjan at 10:48 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, fuck cancer.
posted by essexjan at 10:48 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
I agree that amputation seems like the best choice here. I had a similar situation with a cat, and the reason I didn't go for amputation is that she was very elderly. If she had been younger, I would have made that choice.
Also, my cat considered being in the car the vilest torture, and the best thing I did for her was switch to a mobile vet. In our case, it was a hospice situation, but if I'd known that option existed earlier, I would have used it whenever possible, and it would have made both of our lives much happier. When I eventually had her put down, she was resting in her favorite chair without all the trauma of a visit to a vet's office.
posted by FencingGal at 10:49 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, my cat considered being in the car the vilest torture, and the best thing I did for her was switch to a mobile vet. In our case, it was a hospice situation, but if I'd known that option existed earlier, I would have used it whenever possible, and it would have made both of our lives much happier. When I eventually had her put down, she was resting in her favorite chair without all the trauma of a visit to a vet's office.
posted by FencingGal at 10:49 AM on October 21, 2020 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you all so much. I think I just needed some outside reassurance that amputation will be a good thing for him and not some kind of torture. I do think we will end up going ahead with it.
I will try to come back with an update a little later, in case anyone is ever in a similar situation and finds this post.
Here is a bonus video of Mac being inexplicably excited to have his collar put back on after getting new tags. I am obviously biased, but I think he's a strong contender for cutest dog in the world.
posted by catoclock at 11:23 AM on October 21, 2020 [14 favorites]
I will try to come back with an update a little later, in case anyone is ever in a similar situation and finds this post.
Here is a bonus video of Mac being inexplicably excited to have his collar put back on after getting new tags. I am obviously biased, but I think he's a strong contender for cutest dog in the world.
posted by catoclock at 11:23 AM on October 21, 2020 [14 favorites]
Also someone here that dealt with a dog with cancer. So very sorry you have to go through that. But sounds like it being in his leg is the best thing. Ours had it in the roof of his mouth, and it metastasized after the surgery to remove it, and radiation, chemo and drug therapy.
Regardless, the extra 7 or 8 months we had him, he was happy and playful, until one day he stopped eating and we knew it was over after a day.
He was fine in the car, and we only had a 30 minute drive to the hospital, and I actually knew the radiation tech who set up the ward (who use to work at Sloan Ket, but got tired of dealing with people).
I would say amputation seems a good option.. but I would be vigilant with followup, and there is a non-chemo drug therapy (forget what its called) that is supposed to help suppress the cancer migrating and spreading. Again, unknown effectiveness overall, though. But it wasn't too expensive as an add-on protection.
posted by rich at 2:18 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Regardless, the extra 7 or 8 months we had him, he was happy and playful, until one day he stopped eating and we knew it was over after a day.
He was fine in the car, and we only had a 30 minute drive to the hospital, and I actually knew the radiation tech who set up the ward (who use to work at Sloan Ket, but got tired of dealing with people).
I would say amputation seems a good option.. but I would be vigilant with followup, and there is a non-chemo drug therapy (forget what its called) that is supposed to help suppress the cancer migrating and spreading. Again, unknown effectiveness overall, though. But it wasn't too expensive as an add-on protection.
posted by rich at 2:18 PM on October 21, 2020 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Hi all -- just a quick update that we ended up doing the surgery a week ago. The first few days were sort of scary and sad (he was pretty confused at first, and had a couple moments of yelping/howling in pain that were awful), but he's already back to acting like his normal goofy self. Also, the biopsy results on the leg came back today, and there was no cancer present in the lymph nodes. Between that and the clean chest x-rays he had before surgery, the oncologist doesn't want to see him again for 3 months. It's an immense relief and I have zero regrets. Thank you all so much for the kind words and encouragement.
Also, in case this is useful information for anyone else in the future, this whole ordeal ended up costing us around $6,000. The initial tumor removal at our regular vet was $1,500, and the amputation at the specialty vet was just over $4,000. We probably spent another few hundred on random stuff, like a special harness and a ramp (!) to help him get in and out of our bed. I'm in a moderately expensive part of New England, but not in a city, so I'm sure costs can vary a lot in either direction depending on location.
posted by catoclock at 11:05 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Also, in case this is useful information for anyone else in the future, this whole ordeal ended up costing us around $6,000. The initial tumor removal at our regular vet was $1,500, and the amputation at the specialty vet was just over $4,000. We probably spent another few hundred on random stuff, like a special harness and a ramp (!) to help him get in and out of our bed. I'm in a moderately expensive part of New England, but not in a city, so I'm sure costs can vary a lot in either direction depending on location.
posted by catoclock at 11:05 AM on November 10, 2020 [7 favorites]
Thanks for the update catoclock, I've been thinking about you and Mac. I'm so glad everything went well.
posted by essexjan at 11:49 AM on November 11, 2020
posted by essexjan at 11:49 AM on November 11, 2020
So glad to hear it went well. I've also been thinking of you all. <3 here's to many more goofball years of cuddles!
posted by librarina at 1:04 PM on November 12, 2020
posted by librarina at 1:04 PM on November 12, 2020
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posted by cakelite at 8:10 AM on October 21, 2020 [17 favorites]