Canine Chemotherapy

[djlynwood]

Has anyone had chemo done on their dogs?

My 5 year old GSDx has just been diagnosed with Lymphoma. The vet has recommended chemo or steriods.

She is not insured and chemo is quite expensive. The vet has quoted about £250 for each chemo session and medications to be taken at home. She would need four weekly sessions to start then will see how she goes where it will be more weekly or reduced to fortnightly.

Im thinking of getting a loan to cover the treatment
The steriods are miles cheaper but will mean that she wont last as long.

Im interested to hear what others have been through with their dogs chemo and if it was worth it as I believe they can get really sick on it.

 

[SusieT]

Dogs don't get as sick. Lymphoma is about the only cancer I would consider it for-is she sick at the moment?
Steroids are a very valid option for providing quality and extending time for a short period, chemo can be intense, does she mind going to the vet?

 

[djlynwood]

Shes a very easy going, laid back girl. Does not mind the vets at all.

She does not look sick and no one would know she has cancer.

I only notice that she is out of breath easily and not as bouncy as she was.

She did not want to eat when her glands were swollen in her neck. But the lumps have all gone down on their own accord and she seems perkier now.

 

[SusieT]

IT sounds to me like you're not ready to give up on her yet. I think chemo may be a viable option, but bear in mind you may only get a short period of time, but you can always stop if it's making her sick.

 

[djlynwood]

Thanks SusieT.

Im really not sure what to do.

Im trying to be realistic and not put her through any unnecessary upset. It would be so much easier if it was to cure her but I know thats not possible.

Its just so difficult to believe and accept that she does not have long left as she looks completley unaffected and just looks normal.

Im worried that I will be throwing money at it just to make her miserable.

To top it all, Ive just had a quote done for work on my roof, its come in at £7042.

Im torn between getting finance for my roof or finance to help my dog. The reckless part of me is saying just go for the treatment and deal with roof later, Everything sorts itself out eventually.

The sensible side is saying dont go for the treatment and enjoy what limited time I have with her and start making plans for my roof.

Struggling to type now as cant see for tears.

 

[Booboos]

That is a terrible position to be in, I am so sorry.

As far as I know canine chemo doesn't have the same side-effects as it does on humans but I think you'd need to get specialist advice on how long your dog might gain from it. My friend's dog lived another 2 years which in doggie terms is a good deal, although I do not know what kind of cancer he had.

Is it possible that you would qualify for assistance with vet fees? Would the veterinary hospital accept some kind of payment plan?

 

[wyrdsister]

What a horrible situation, OP. A 5 year old dog, currently relatively healthy, with this cancer, who doesn't mind vets - I'd be inclined to give it a try. As SusieT said, you can always stop if it's making her miserable. Have a serious shop around for decent financing options and get some different quotes on your roof (when we had ours done, some differed by thousand*s*) and, as mentioned above, see if the vets will take a payment plan. It might help to know exactly what your options are before you make a call one way or the other.

 

[Puzzled]

My sister's dog is currently undergoing chemo and seems to be coping really well, as already stated it doesn't seem to have the same side affects with dogs as with humans. Good luck, I'd give it a go, and remember even an extra year or so in a dogs life is much longer than in a human one.