My doggy friend is ill.

[loulisnowdrop]

I have a truly heart wrenching situation on my hands and I hope that some of you could help me with my readings.

At the start of the year, my dog went to stay with my parents for a few months so I could focus on my studies (I live alone and he is a large, very active dog who seeks lots of attention). My parents are returning him to me tomorrow as has been planned for a few weeks, I'm looking forward to getting him back and have missed him greatly.
Last week, my dad took the dog to the vet as he went off his meals and became lethargic. He was given antibiotics for an infection and went back this morning for a follow up visit. He has now been diagnosed with cancer of the lymphatic system and there is no real cure.

Chemotherapy is an option but he is 10 years old and this may give him aother 10 months to live if it is successful. The alternative is steroids which will increase his comfort to a certain extent but not treat the cancer. On steroids his expectancy is approximately 8 weeks. My other option is euthanasia.

Until last week, he was a fit and healthy dog with people still mistaking him for a pup. I just want to do what is best for his happiness and comfort so I asked ...

What is my best action for his happiness? 46.1>11

I can't seem to get an action out of this reading. This seems to say set a goal, keep an open mind and take things step by step. I'm struggling to put this into context. Am I missing something here? I think I'm too close to the situation to think straight and I'd appreciate any input. Don't worry, I am taking advice from the vet and I'm not basing decisions solely on responses here.

L x

 

[pocossin]

What is my best action for his happiness?
46.1>11

Pushing Upward suggests steroids. Go with steroids as long as there is some happiness in his life. When sickness dominates, then euthanasia.

 

[meng]

My heart aches for you. I mourn the loss of my dog friend every day. What you describe describes him too. Came on suddenly, vet said we could do a thorough biopsy, chemo, the whole thing, if you want to go that route. She said she believed it to be breakdown of his immune system. He was 9. I was shocked even that morning because his ear tissue was breaking down and bleeding as were his gums, anus, eyes, everything shut down. I tended him for a couple more days, he stopped taking food and kept vomiting. Enough! If I knew this was coming, I would have had the vet put him down at that visit. But this "thing" had taken him over everywhere, and that morning she advised to put him down, and I did.

I'm sorry, but I interpret this as moving quickly and giving your dog peace.

And I pray peace be with you. It's painful, but it's the only way to learn certain things that life teaches, certain truly spiritual connections. It's humbling, if you have that special kind of connection with the dog. I deal with losing people easier than losing my dog.



Carved into the cement back porch are the names of Toughie and Fluffy, dated when the house was built in the 80's. Nice memorial.

 

[loulisnowdrop]

Thanks for your supportive replies.

I've got him with me now and he's having a sleep (on the sofa which is now allowed).
At the moment, he seems happy enough, just quieter. I've gone for the steroids route and I'm watching him closely x

 

[meng]

I hope it works. Prednisone/steroid was my first line of defense too, had some left over from an earlier ear infection. The vet supported the decision. Unfortunately, his symptoms didn't respond to it. I really hope yours does.

 

[loulisnowdrop]

A little after the event now but I do feel I should update this. Unfortunately, Bobby passed away mid September.

I went for the steroids option as suggested by Pocossin. The steroids almost turned him into a new dog for the last of his days. He had a happy life and his zest for living returned. When he did take a turn for the worse, it was very sudden (a few hours) and we acted quickly. Bobby didn't suffer and I feel the best choice was made for his happiness. Thank you all again for your input on this. x

 

[meng]

My condolences.