Rolls...
 

He has been diagnosed with spinal cord cancer, second stage. Injections and medicines for 15 days - if that doesn't work, chemotherapy. Which is extremely risky, if he doesnt respond to the treatment.

11 years.

Cant even imagine him not being around. Every morning, evening, night...

I read so many similar threads here in HDC from other members, but never thought I would be passing through the same stage myself...

Sorry. I dont know what to say.

He sleeps near my legs as I type this.

Damnit...

Im guessing Rolls is your dog?
Im really sorry to hear about that, my Cat of 15 years is battling cancer right now, so i know how shitty it is to go through.

I had cancer take one of my favourite dogs...had him 3-legged for 11 years before it came back and took him.
At least (from what you've said) the professionals are entertaining the possibility of a recovery right? I mean it probably feels pretty hopeless right now, I've been there recently myself.
Exactly the same thing went through my mind.
To throw in something maybe a little "cold" - Just make sure if it's down the the surgical/cure option that the quality of life will be good thereafter, you don't want to just draw something out, if you know what I'm saying.
I'm sure though that if everything goes according to plan, better chances are that your pet will be fine.
Best wishes.

- B.

I'm really sorry to hear about Rolls and the cancer. Don't lose hope! Keep encouraging him and loving him and doing the best you can for him. You know he'll feel all that and it will help make him stronger. The will to live is a very strong influence in both humans and animals.

The final end result is horrible to think about, very frightening and sad, but try not to think about that now, it may be years away. You'll deal with that when you have to. Right now, just love him and be there for him and take care of the medical appointments, making sure he's not too freaked out by whatever treatments he has to go through and comfort him. Please keep us posted on how he's doing. Take care V.

Aw that sucks man. Sorry to hear it. And here I was expecting an ecstasy discussion.

I went through this with my daughter and her dog and its probably the most saddest thing i had ever witnessed.
My girl was only 8 when we made the decision to have her dog put down..and she tried to run away with him but they only got as far as the letterbox cos her pet was in too much pain to go any further.
I know u dont want to hear the inevitable..but ..if u can imagine how painful this disease is for a human...then just think how much the dog is suffering and because they cannot tell you but you can see it in their eyes.
The thing with pets [especially a dog]..he is so faithful to his master and would be trying as hard as he can to fight it , so as not to let you down as his owner.
Don't let him suffer for too long..its worse watching him deteriorate right in front of your eyes than anything else.
Em sorry about that V..and god bless.

I know it's by no means the same, but my guinea pig devloped cancer when I was 4. That was difficult. I can't imagine what you must be going through though, and I wish the best for your dog.

Very sorry to hear about Rolls.

Ive always been around pets, currently have three dogs and four cats, but nothing prepares you for when they get ill.

Hope the treatment goes well, all the best to you and Rolls.

I'm sorry to hear about your dog, V.

I know this is going to sound horrible, but I don't think you should go through with treatment. 11 years is a long time for a dog, I think you should think about having him put down.

I mean how much would that cost? vets charge ridiculous fee here in Canada, I bet it's more expensive in the US. Also there is probably a small chance it would be a success, and if it was I mean he's an old dog he would probably be more susceptible after the treatment to other ailments. :(

dogs don't fear death, they fear pain. so don't feel bad about putting him down, it might be for the best.

Depending on how far gone he is, I think I might agree. When he starts to show signs of bad pain, maybe it is time to say goodbye. But also, don't you live somewhere in India, V? How much do vets cost over there?

That's horrible. So sorry about your dog. :(

My cat is a temperamental bitch, but I dread the day I lose her.

I might also come off as a dick saying this, but imo you should try to preserve your dogs life as long as you can. If he's in too much pain to eat or has any other telling signs of pain, you should probably do the humane thing and put him down, but give your dog a fighting chance at least. My cat was predicted to pass away from his mouth cancer quite some time ago, but he's still fighting, eating greedily (as usual :) ), and running around. Im so glad we decided to keep him around, because there's a very slim chance he might pull through for about a year or so, and I'm hoping for the best.

Animals in pain is on of my weak spots, especially dogs. We all know it just boils down to quality of life for the poor guy. Can he/she still do of the things he/she loves to do?
Good luck, and best wishes.

Sorry to hear that. Jesus, that sucks. Whatever happens, you'll make the right decision and your dog won't die unloved or unappreciated. That's what's important.

Everyone take note. Posh and V are about to relate on something.

Sorry about your puppup :( My dog is also 11, and she's been very clumsy lately. My guess was some kind of tumor, and it got worse when she fell down the stairs (hard wood, 15 steps). We found out that it was just a hypo-thyroid problem, so that makes me thankful that shes going to be fine. Hope your dog responds to treatment. 11 is 3 years too early for any pet to go.

I completely agree. Quality of life is the key. If he's still enjoying life and the treatments are a temporary uncomfortable time that is going to let him live longer, possibly beat the cancer at least for a while, give him a fighting chance. You'll know by looking at him. It's hard, but you'll know in your heart what to do. Don't be afraid to help him fight it if he will bounce back and is still enjoying some of his favorite things. And don't be afraid to let him go when that time comes. You'll know what to do when you weigh things out. Give him a good scratching behind the ears (my dog loves that) and keep telling him you love him. If you know you've done all you can do for him, you won't have as many of those regrets after he's gone, and you won't give up prematurely.

I'm so happy to hear your kitty is doing better! Like I said before, the will to live is a strong thing in both humans and animals. It can make or break a treatment. Sounds like it's working for your little guy. I'm so glad you get to spend more time with each other. :)

His first day treatment is complete.

Limp is still there (front left leg and back right leg), but he is as spright as ever. The vets said they would be back on the 4th morning from today to check on his progress, before deciding a further course of action.

Malignant genetic nodular cancer of the spinal cord, they say. It is of the spreading type, so there's no chance of recovery from surgery.

2 medium-sized nodules on the top part of his tail (where it joins with the body). No bleeding. Just hard to the touch, and somewhat dark bluish-black in color.

If he responds to the initial treatment, no further nodules will be formed. The medication and shots will continue for 3 months, which will slowly suppress the nodules.

If not, there will be more of them, dotting the spinal cord, and paralysis will gradually set in from the waist onwards (attacking both hind legs first). Chemotherapy will be a must then. No gurantee of any response, let alone recovery.

I can only pray and hope it doesnt come to that.

Thanks for the kind wishes.

Oh, Honey.

*HUG*

That is all - I am so so sorry. Not easy at all. Chin up and good luck. And make sure to hug him a log.

Ah, V.
My thoughts and prayers are with you two.

Thanks! he's not doing better actually, because he was never really in bad shape from the first place, his condition just isn't deteriorating like the Vet predicted. Sadly i dont get to spend more time with him because I'm living in New Zealand right now, but if i'm lucky i'll see him when i get back home. Either way i couldn't be happier for him and I hope he keeps holding strong.:)

Sorry to hear this V. I wish you two the best during this hard time.

Thanks, bud.


Update :- He is responding to the homoeopathic treatment being given to him for the past 21 days. The nodules have grown softer and there is a very slight receding in size. His limping has improved slightly and he walks a bit more freely now. Still cannot run as yet.

The vets were here this morning, and have prescribed that the meds continue for another month. Also they said he wont need chemotherapy if he continues to respond to the meds and improve likewise.

First bit of good news I ve had in 2009 so far.

That's great V, hope your puppy continues to do well.

Don't know how I missed this earlier. My sympathies are with you, V. That's encouraging to hear he's responding to homeopathic treatment. Wishing you both well.

good to hear that V.

Best wishes.

Thats great to hear mate!

I hope Rolls continues to do well.

Good news V.


Lets hope he "ROLLS" on for quite a few more years.







get it.....Rolls on
sheesh

Glad to hear your dog is doing better V! All the best! :)

Awwww, V - I'm so glad that he's doing better. It's tough; it's really really tough to be there for your pets when they're sick.

Good luck. *HUG*

much love to rolls

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

--Beth Norman Harris

Touching.

Thanks guys.

Here's to his health, V.

To Rolls the pup!

hopefully he continues to get better.

Glad to hear it.

I'm confused now. Is this a dog or a cat?

Thanks for the update V. Oddly enough, I was just thinking about Rolls the other day when I was reading some stuff on HDC and was wondering how he was doing. It just popped into my head for some reason. I'm so glad to hear he's responding well to treatment. Hope he keeps getting better!

novakru - that is beautiful, made me all teary-eyed and had to go hug my little buddy (which of course he enjoyed, he's such an attention sponge :) ).

Avi, I'm so sorry about Rolls. Part of the reason for the deep funk I've been in is that we found out one of our cats has cancer. She has months left, there's nothing to be done but give her medication (Lord, if that isn't fun! NOT!) to help her appetite for the time she has left. So far she's not suffering....we'll just keep an eye on her and when she starts to show signs of suffering, she'll go for her last vet visit.

Welcome back, HF. I sent you an email in-between. Got worried about where you were.

Sorry to hear about your cat. I am basically going through the same situation right now so I can totally relate to it.

Rolls has taken a turn for the worse. One of the nodules which is under his tail has started bleeding. The vets say its cancerous bleeding so it cant be stopped, but they cleaned it and bandaged him anyway. Also, he hasnt been eating much the past 3-4 days. Hoping this is just a temporary phase.

You sent me an email? I didn't get it.

I'm praying for Rolls even harder. That's not good news.