Chemotherapy for dogs.

[jtuck004]

3. That's a hard one.

We have never pursued it. We give them a good life as long as we can, even giving up the bed once in a while . But when that diagnosis comes about, and it has twice now, (we foster dogs, so we deal with more than most people) we elected to euthanize them when they became too uncomfortable beyond good pain pills. I now always hold them when they go. I took one in, and it was a miserable experience - before I learned about sedating them beforehand. The other passed away at home, perhaps a combination of a long-time enlarged heart and pain medication.

I have a vet friend who said he would never put his dog through the treatment. And, true to his word, his long-time friend got cancer and he waited until that time came about, then euthanized him. He said the length of time in treatment, their sickness, pain, what your dog actually gets out of it, the cost, etc, all combined to make him less of a believer in that for his own (And most) animals, although he does tell clients to speak with a specialist for their own decision if they have the resources.

On the other hand, I saw several people bringing their dogs, who mostly didn't look miserable, in to Washington State Vet School when we were having knee operations done on two of our dogs, so there are people who go that route.

But I am not the type that looks back and wonders what difference it would have made, or need them to undergo this because I can't make a decision. (It's the only time I drink any more, after it's over - 'cause sometimes it's more than I can stand. But that's just me. It doesn't really help, though, it's just a reflex).

That's such an intensely personal decision, however, so I am just speaking about myself here. Don't read anything else into it, and don't take it as advice. Just look on it as someone else's experience, because you have to live with whatever you do.

We wish you well.