What would you do? Need some advice...

On Friday we found out that our dog Fergus has thyroid cancer. We're both upset, but DH is really upset. Even though we've only had Fergus for 2 years, he's really become so important to our family. And since we adopted him as an older dog, well, he's really old, maybe even 15, according to one vet.

The vet suggested an oncologist- but I am not sure. I know that Fergus is too old and weak to withstand any treatment. For now, he's acting normally, so we're not going to rush to euthanize him. But I don't know if there's any benefit to seeing an oncologist, even though my DH wants to. Fergus hates going to the vet, and at this point I don't know what to do.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

I'm so sorry!
What did the vet say about him being able to handle treatments? He might be better off if you just give him a lot of love and let him live his last days comfortably.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

Posted by SweetTooth

I'm so sorry!
What did the vet say about him being able to handle treatments? He might be better off if you just give him a lot of love and let him live his last days comfortably.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

Posted by MsMBV

Posted by SweetTooth

I'm so sorry!
What did the vet say about him being able to handle treatments? He might be better off if you just give him a lot of love and let him live his last days comfortably.

I have to say I agree with this. Especially in an older dog the treatments might do more harm than good. I am so sorry to hear about your dog.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

I'm so sorry to hear this!!

Personally I'd want to do every possible thing for my dog, but the other posters make a good point, he's already lived a full life and would prob be more comfortable living his days in peace.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

I'd at least consult with an oncologist. You don't have to commit to further testing or treatment. I know that such a consult would be an expense and somewhat of a trauma for the dog, but I still feel that it is best.

Message edited 9/24/2007 11:13:47 PM.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

I don't think Chemo for pets has the same positive outcome that it does for humans. WHy put the dog through that?

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

Posted by ssdbk

I'd at least consult with an oncologist. You don't have to commit to further testing or treatment. I know that such a consult would be an expense and somewhat of a trauma for the dog, but I still feel that it is best.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

This is so hard. I know when my dog had lymphoma, we did consult an oncologist. It was a Very Very difficult decision, but with lymphoma, they still could not lengthen his life by much, and those last few months would have been a LOT of Dr. visits and procedures. SO we decided to do steroid treatments, and keep him home and comfortable. He did live a few onths longer than the Vet said, but I think it was due to lots of love.

I am sorry you have to go through this...

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

I'm very sorry for your news. WE had a dog that was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 12 or 13. We did all treatments we had to for her although it was very expensive we went ahead and did it. She beat the cancer and lived for a couple of years after that. She still ran around like a puppy.

I would aleast consult the oncologist and talk with them and your vet to see if they think the treatment would be worth it.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

wow, that is tough...I never want my dog to suffer and if the prognosis wasn't good that I would put them down...just make sure you give him lots of love and make him comfortable.
I'm so sorry you are going thru this.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

Posted by ssdbk

I'd at least consult with an oncologist. You don't have to commit to further testing or treatment. I know that such a consult would be an expense and somewhat of a trauma for the dog, but I still feel that it is best.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

Thanks everyone. We have an appt. next Tues. with an oncologist. We are not going to put him through any treatment, we knew from the start that it would not help. But we want to see how agressive the cancer is, and roughly how long we'll have before we have to make that other decision.

Re: What would you do? Need some advice...

First I wanted to say what a great thing it was for you to adopt an older dog. As far as his condition, I would honestly think he is too old to withstand any kind of intensive treatments. I would make him as comfortable as possible, love him lots, and when it comes time for him to tell you he wants to be relieved from his pain, he will tell you. Good luck.