GSD with Hemangiosarcoma

[Bonans]

My 9 yr old GSD was just diagnosed with splenic tumors. We have brought her home for now but are not sure what to expect. What have some of you done in this situation?

[Samba]

I spent all the time that I could my girl until the end. I am so sorry to hear of the diagnosis.

[Myamom]

Good quality time and...because I fight until I can't fight...a good cancer fighting diet and supplements.

http://www.eattheapple.com/ginger/

Personally...I have contacted Marina Zacharias in these serious situations. She was a wealth of knowledge to me and put me on a good path.
NaturalRearing.com ~ Contact

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Bonans

My 9 yr old GSD was just diagnosed with splenic tumors. We have brought her home for now but are not sure what to expect. What have some of you done in this situation?

What a bummer! Good luck to you.

[wolfstraum]

I am so sorry......My Kyra, who lived with friends the last 2 years of her life, started to have some problems last September - their vets puttered around and did not diagonse it then....at Thanksgiving she was bloated looking....mid December, she was in the ER, bleeding out - surgery was done - she did not make it to get the stitches out.....she had 9 days after surgery - I spent one with her adn she was happy and in good spirits..........she laid down and left a few days later...........there was no opportunity to do any chemo etc....so alot depends on how far it is progressed....and how deep your financial resources go....

Good luck - cherish the time you have left and love him...

Lee

[Bonans]

Three weeks ago she became lethargic and lost her appetite. We took her to the vet and she tested positive for lyme and erlichiosis. We went back after we noticed some regression and bloating. The other vet(who is the owner of the animal hospital) gave a preliminary diagnosis of HS. We had an ultrasound today that confirmed multiple masses in her abdomen and a large volume of fluid(most likely blood). He said that chemotherapy would be $7000/month and not extend her life past 6 months. We decided not to begin chemo because my fiancée and I both work in healthcare and are familiar with doxorubicin. We have decided to bring her home and treat her like a queen(like we have done for the past 9 years).

[codmaster]

Originally Posted by Bonans

Three weeks ago she became lethargic and lost her appetite. We took her to the vet and she tested positive for lyme and erlichiosis. We went back after we noticed some regression and bloating. The other vet(who is the owner of the animal hospital) gave a preliminary diagnosis of HS. We had an ultrasound today that confirmed multiple masses in her abdomen and a large volume of fluid(most likely blood). He said that chemotherapy would be $7000/month and not extend her life past 6 months. We decided not to begin chemo because my fiancée and I both work in healthcare and are familiar with doxorubicin. We have decided to bring her home and treat her like a queen(like we have done for the past 9 years).

Very understandable! Make the remainder of her time as pleasurable as you can!

[wolfstraum]

Originally Posted by Bonans

Three weeks ago she became lethargic and lost her appetite. We took her to the vet and she tested positive for lyme and erlichiosis. We went back after we noticed some regression and bloating. The other vet(who is the owner of the animal hospital) gave a preliminary diagnosis of HS. We had an ultrasound today that confirmed multiple masses in her abdomen and a large volume of fluid(most likely blood). He said that chemotherapy would be $7000/month and not extend her life past 6 months. We decided not to begin chemo because my fiancée and I both work in healthcare and are familiar with doxorubicin. We have decided to bring her home and treat her like a queen(like we have done for the past 9 years).

I am sorry - but this sounds like she is bleeding out!!!!! If so - you are talking days.....Are you keeping tabs on her capillary refill?? Are you planning on releasing her to the Bridge rather than just letting her pass from bleeding out...???

Lee

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I am really sorry about your dog. Read up as much as you can about it so you can be as prepared as you possibly can (though there is no real preparation).

I think Lee brings up some good questions.

As far as the chemo treatment it is much different in dogs than it is in humans. Just like feeding tubes in cats are different than they are in people. It is good to get species specific information - I am learning that more and more.

But this sounds so advanced - I am really sorry.

RebelGSD was able to go through the chemo with her dog to her great satisfaction with the outcome (yes, he still succumbed to the illness but had quality of life throughout the process).

I used prednisilone on my old dog as he was diagnosed with hours, perhaps days if we were lucky and I think it helped to give him 5 good weeks. They call that poor man's chemo.

Please take care.

[RebelGSD]

I am so sorry, this is a terrible cancer...
I elected to do chemo with my boy and I am happy that i was able to buy us 4 months. The cost was very reasonable, around $200/round and they cannot have more than 7 rounds, usually it is 6 - because of the toxicity. The bloodwork prior to the chemo was also reasonable. I did it at a univesity hospital, they are not-for-profit. I guess the sepcialists can rip you off.
My boy sailed through the treatments and we had wonderful times. He even enjoyed the hospital visits and all the attention, he was a ladies' man.

I documented our story and there is a lot of useful information in the thread.
Please say a prayer for my boy - HS