Bad news

[Julia423]

My "nephew" doggie, Sage, has just been diagnosed with cancer. He is about ten years old and has, over the years, had many fatty-tumors removed. Well, the last one unfortunately was not just fat...it's malignant. The vet removed some of the tumor yesterday, but was not able to remove all of it as it was too near a nerve. Sage is pretty special to me. He (and his 'sister') often stay with me whenever my brother and his family are traveling or away for a weekend. Sage likes to curl up and take naps with me on my bed...and he's no little guy! I feel devistated about the diagnosis. There is chemo and/or radiation, but those are pretty intensive for aging dogs and my brother doesn't think Sage would do well with it. I'm not sure yet what route they will decide to take, but we'll see. I'm not sure what breed he is...he's a mutt...definately some kind of hound in there. I'll see if I can get a good photo of him, but for now, here he is taking a little nap at my house.

[lindsayanng]

Ohh.. I'm soo sorry to hear about that! It must be awful. We had a dog who had a similar fate. He did not suffer long after the diagnosis. I dont know if thats really GOOD news, but once it takes over, it happens very fast.

At least he had an amazing, long, and happy life with TWO families who loved him. He can live out his days in comfort and peace i'm sure.

Chemo is not really a good option, especially for older dogs. I know a pretty well known vet in NYC who actually specializes in cancer in dogs. He is a general vet, but does a lot with doggy cancer patients, and even he told me that chemo ends up being more for the humans and less for the dogs. He said that there are SOO few cases where chemo actually clears the cancer before it kills the dog. Chemo usually just gives them a few more months to a year, and its usually not the best.. So make sure that you AND your brother know that NOT choosing chemo is not really a bad thing and never think of the "could haves and should haves"

I am very sorry about all this..

[Julia423]

Thanks Lindsay. I know about the chemo route...so does my brother. I think he'll do what I did when Max got his cancer diagnosis - to just make their lives as happy and easy as possible. Sage is still really active. Not right now, post-surgery, but once the wound heals I'm sure he'll be ok for now. The really interesting fact of doggy life is that the other dog in their family is older, but doesn't seem to have anything wrong besides cold bones! She likes to sleep near the fireplace.

[dlaura]

I am very sorry to hear about your bros dog. It is so sad when this happens - there are not words.

[nanamouse]

Aww, so sorry to hear about it. If chemo is a rough on dogs as humans, it would be really difficult to put one through that. We have a very close friend who has been going through it for over a year now, and I believe that were it not for the fact that his wife will be so devastated to lose him he would have chosen to quit it long ago. I cry every time I see him after a round of treatments, it would be even worse with an animal who didn't understand why he was going through such discomfort.

[katiem]

That's so sad, the poor old dude.

I agree with letting nature take its course instead of going for chemo. Its too much on an old guy. Keeping him happy and comfortable for the next stage of his life is the best thing your brother can do.

[GeorgieGirl]

Oh Im sorry to hear about your nephew doggie. I had a dog that got Lymphoma and it went sub-q after we had a tumor removed which was benin. The vet told us our options and chemo was one but we elected not to do the chemo. I had a co-worker whose Aussie had cancer and she did chemo. Saddest thing I've ever seen. That vet in NYC is right its more for us then the dog. The dog does not understand.
I think that as long as his quality of life is good, then let him enjoy his golden years with love and comfort! AND with two famillies who love him! How cool is that!!!

[jacko]

Awww.. poor dog... sorry to hear that.. prayers for Sage..

[DachshundDuo]

Oh, Julia. I'm so sorry. This must be so hard for you since you watched Max struggle with cancer. Hugs and prayers for you and your brother's family - and especially for Sage.

[Julia423]

Thank you all for the really kind and supportive words. They mean a lot. I'll probably be seeing Sage within the next week, so I'll get to love-him-up a whole lot!

[Catslave]

So sorry about the little doggie at least he is loved, I had a dog that passed from cancer it was long time ago and I still get upset, give him a cuddle from Australia for me.