Dog Community

please help..my dog has a brain tumor

Posted : 9/26/2006 8:51:18 PM

My 10 yr old lab mix was diagnosed with a tumor on his brain stem 3 weeks ago. He's on pregnazone (20 mg 1/2 a day). The preg doesn't seem to be helping any longer. he vomited 5 times today. He has head tilt to the right. Seems very unhappy.

I know radation is an option but I'm at odds with the prospect of having him away for 4 weeks at a cost of $6,000.00 (plus, the average life span is one year, the tumors tend to grow back, i'm told).

I'm trying a homeopathic vet.

The dog is my son's best friend in the world. If anyone has any suggestions please send them.

neblizzard@gmail.com

dyan

Posted : 9/26/2006 8:57:08 PM

I am so sorry! Its so sad for you all. I wish I had help, I don't though. I just had to come here to tell you how sorry I am for you all. I bet someone will come along soon with a good idea or two.
Hang in there and good luck!

Rachel

Posted : 9/26/2006 9:09:24 PM

I really hope it turns out for the best.

Just going through cancer with my dog I know how horrible it can be. In the end though, I realized that no matter how much pain he was in, I was keeping him around for my benifit. I was trying crazy things just to have him another day. That being said, I think if your dog is in pain, confusion, or as you say very unhappy it's time to weigh your options. You can do radiation, surgery, make him comfortable for as long as possible, or let him go. Nothing like this in life is ever going to be easy. There is lots of support here in whichever direction you decide to go forth.
Personally, I chose to make my dog comfortable. He was on pain medication up until the day he just couldn't do it any more. It was hard, but he went on his terms. You can email me at [email=delphinestbien@yahoo.com]delphinestbien@yahoo.com[/email] if you have any questions, mine had a different type of cancer, but all cancer destroys the same.

jessies_mom

Posted : 9/27/2006 3:28:05 PM

Welcome to idog; I just want to echo Dyan's post; I'm so sorry, especially for your son. Whatever you decide to do, there will be people here to support you. I know that dogs usually don't get as sick from chemotherapy as people do but I don't know about radiation. Before you decide what to do you may want to ask your vet how hard radiation would be on your dog and how long it's likely to extend his life. I sure understand about not wanting to be seperated from him for 4 weeks at this point. I'm sending lots of healing vibes and some <<<HUGS>>>.