I just found out that my 4 year old rott/lab mix dog has osteosarcoma. I am absolutely devastated!! We have about 4-5 months at best. :( I want to know if you have had to put down a dog and how you got through it because I don't know how I'm going to be able to do it. She is my baby.
Anonymous
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I am so sorry for your situation. My heart goes out to you and your dog. Yes, sadly we had to put our golden girl Missy down about 3 months ago - she was 13 1/2 years old and I can tell you it still is not easy for us. Everytime we have family gatherings, holidays or the kids come to visit and bring their dogs (our grand-dogs) it's hard for us. Not because we don't enjoy all of it because we do, but because Missy isn't with us and Missy's very favorite time was Christmas and all the family gatherings, she absolutely loved it. She'd smile and just have a blast. So I don't know that you ever really get over it - you do get through it but it is sad. Missy was such a huge part of our family - she was like you said - our baby - and everywhere you look you'll see your loved one. The thing that has helped us is to know that she knew she was deeply loved, she had a wonderful life and we were with her when she had to leave us. We try and focus on her happy days (not when she was sick) and we look at several pictures/videos of her and yes they'll bring a tear to your eye but it's mostly a laughing tear - not sadness. I couldn't put her toys away for the longest time but I finally did and I'm ok with that 'cause you don't forget them - you are just finding a way to getting through it. Missy left her paw prints on all of our hearts as I'm sure your baby has so there never will be a getting over it - just a getting through it. Speaking of paw prints I have to tell you that when we built our house a few years back we had a sidewalk just poured and here came Missy just trotting right through it and at first I was a little upset with her but I asked the guy to leave it, I wanted her prints there - afterall , that was a reflection of our Missy, always had to be a part of everything. I'm so glad I did 'cause now I look at those prints and just smile! God Bless you and your dog and I truly hope your dog has comfort in her last few months and you are able to find peace.
BYBs and Crazies rule DS
While I agree that you need a second opinion from a canine oncologist, it's not for the stupid "Playing God" reasons in the above answer. It's because specialists may be able to offer different options that may prolong life.
Unfortunately, Osteosarcoma is one of those cancers that often has a genetic property - meaning it can be passed on through bloodlines. Because your dog got dealt a crappy hand due to a backyard breeder, he now is sick. It's just so sad.
I strongly urge you to make many of the end of life decisions now so that you don't have to deal with them while you are grieving. Cremation, burial, at home euthanasia, will you be present, etc. Also, you need to plan out an emergency vet and know how to get there. Keep their number handy so if the time comes at 2am, you can call them and let them know what's going on before you make the drive. When they know the situation and know you are coming, they will usually immediately usher you into a room for your privacy during those moments.
+ Have your vet teach you the signs of pain in a dog so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes. Panting, refusing to get up, whining, laboured breathing, confusion, limping, etc. It's very hard when you are in the situation to be objective, so knowing what's normal and what's not is incredibly important so that she doesn't have to suffer.
In the meantime, you can look for pet loss support groups. Many humane societies and shelters have them.
I'm so so sorry that you have to go through this so soon. My thoughts are with you and your pup.
Leigh
It's very difficult to deal with. Osteosarcoma is a fast killer, and unfortunately, not very treatable. Most people hang on to their dog (out of selfishness/not wanting to let the dog go) for WAY too long. When the dog starts to show signs of frequent to constant pain, it's time to euthanize. Don't wait until the dog loses 25% of it's body weight and can no longer stand up-talk to your vet about pain control for now, and about how to tell when the time is right. I'm sorry about your dog-a family member recently went through this with their dog, too-it's very painful to watch your beloved dog waste away, and very difficult to make that final trip to the vet. Getting to and getting through the euthanasia is the hardest part-afterwards, you can feel good about ending your dog's suffering.
Anonymous
Have you considered alternative cancer treatments like dietary supplements? I found this website to be a great source for cancer and dietary information.
http://www.k9criticalcare.com
What are you feeding your dog? Many commercial dog foods are loaded with carbohydrates. Carbohydrates turn into sugar and that fuels cancers. So you want to find a food with no grain or other fillers like corn, wheat and soy. Or even better, make your pet fresh meals. Raw diets are great.
Dog Food Analysis is a great website for seeing how your current food looks. They offer completely unbiased dog food reviews.
http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog-food-index-a.html
Anonymous
Make her as comfortable as possible and have a close friend or family member to talk too. It is extremely hard I am sorry I will keep your puppy in my thoughts.