Canine Lymphoma

ugh -- some specialists can truly give you such a bad experience.  I would have suggested you go to your state's best vet school.  They aren't all wonderful but they are typically not overly expensive and you will get a real answer.

Where abouts are you?  Are you in the US? 

There are some good holistic modalities that deal incredibly well with this kind of thing, but I'd rather get some basics here first.  I am glad they at least ruled out some sort of systemic infection.  But I find it odd that you still don't have a diagnosis although at this point treatment is likely the best option.

When it comes to such stuff I have used TCVM before very very successfully (both in conjuction with chemo and alone).  But that kind of money is a LOT for chemo (particularly on such a small dog)

My instant suggestion is that you use milk thistle starting immediately to help protect the liver from the prednisone.  It will not only help protect the liver, but it will also help augment what the pred does (because milk thistle just plain helps the liver work better when under stress).  Even for such a small dog, you'll want to add about 1/2 teaspoon (to start) to her food twice a day.  You can do that with two milk thistle capsules (empty them in her food) or you can buy it in bulk. 

Feel free to email me -- I have dealt with stuff like this quite a bit in the past. 

AT the very least, I'd suggest you call your state's best vet school rather than going with such a high pressure specialist.  You'll get cutting edge treatment and often a much better result.

Mamajem, I am sorry you are dealing with this. There may be some things you can do and you have some tough decisions facing you. I know you don't want to lose your dog, but there are a couple of things I will mention: quality of life, both yours and the dog's is important; however, don't feel like you have to go broke to help her. If you can get to a vet school, they may have treatment at a lesser cost, though there is no guarantee it will be cheaper or helpful. I lost a dog to seizures and frankly, I ran up $4000 in debt trying to help him and then euthanized him anyway.  It was money I didn't have and am finally close to paying it off after 3 years (and working 2 jobs in order to do it). Don't let anyone pressure you; try to reason out your choices when your emotions aren't running quite so high.

It is never easy having to make such choices and it certainly doesn't seem fair. Try to take everything one day at a time and not imagine the worst. It will help you help your dog. 

Honestly, I think that's a good plan of attack. I hope you get to keep her for a very long time.

I'm sorry about your miscarriage. There are no words that can comfort you enough, I know, so please accept some gentle (((((Hugs))))).

 I don't have any experience.  Just wanted to send you hugs as you sort through all the options.  Dealing with so many things all at once is very tough.  Hang in there!

Mamajem

So I an just get the thistle from the store, like same same ones for humans?!

You can, but it's expensive that way -- I sent you a couple of links via email. 

I am so so sorry about the miscarriage -- been there far too many times, to be honest.  I can cry for you.  But it really leaves your emotions raw for a while.  *Hugs*  And then you get something like this added on!!

This is so very common in golden retrieversand we have SOOO many on my one golden forum that last dogs to it, have dogs battling it now, was just diagnosed.  Some went with chemo, but it didn't really prlong the dogs life that long, if at all.  There are a coule of exception and the dog has done well following chemo.

 So sorry you are having to go thru this.  I lost my golden girl, KayCee to gastrointestional stromal tumor 4 years ago lat month.  She had not been sick no hint of anything wrong til thre day of diagnosis and she threw up.  I took her to thevet--i always do--and he felt the tumor in her stomachthat I could not feel.  He did the surgery and it wa in a horrible palce and he wa surprised she mae it thru thesurgery.  But she ied 48 yours later as I held her in ICU.  Sometimes there is relaly no hint, the dogs act perfectlynormal an than the news like a lightning bolt. 

Wishing for the best for you wee one.

{{{Hugs}}} have been in your place with our Shadow.  Cherish all the good moments you have now.  Good luck with the treatments, good vibes coming your way.

My 6 year old Mastiff/Pit Bull mix was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma in October.  I was referred to UC Davis Vet Medical School for dogs with cancer.  I was overwhelmed with all the information and they were very patient and put it all in writing for me and I went home and read everything and thought about all my options and what I could afford and what would be best for Koda.  I was totally against chemo and swore i would never put him through that but after going over and over my options I decided to go with the Elspar chemo which was once every three weeks for 3 months and I was able to pay as I went and it was hard but doable.  It was approx $300-$400 a visit and he had a little diarrhea after each visit but other than that he really responded well.  The cancer went into remission right away and 8 mos later he is still with me.  I know our time together has been worth its weight in gold.  I know that I will never love another dog as much as I do him and I made a promise never to let him suffer.  Sorry about all you're going thru.

LoriT2012

I decided to go with the Elspar chemo

My gorgeous 9 year old (almost 10) cross breed called Lassie currently has lymphoma and is receiving chemotherapy. I have started a blog detailing her journey in the hope that it will help people in the same situation with their dogs and provide comfort and personal experience with the disease as opposed to reading up on statistics and drugs etc.

This is the blog address: lassiejourney.blogspot.co.uk

I am hoping by documenting the journey it will help others prepare for their own journey and help people with the difficult decision of what to do when faced with such an illness.

Amy xx