DerRottweiler

Glad to hear that Struppie is still doing well. Chemo truly is a god send.

How is Struppie going gwp4me?

Wow Emma looks great! Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas SC and Emma.

Sorry for late reply I deliberately avoided this thread for a while. Too painful. Although, it does get easier with time, as cliche as that sounds. I can safely say that he had a great life, I'm trying to focus on the positives as opposed to the cancer. I highly doubt I'll ever get another dog again. As much joy as they do give you, you really do get attached, it is in many aspects like losing a family member and isn't just a matter of getting another dog to replace the void.

Glad to hear Emma is doing well. :)

I'm sorry to hear that the cancer is back. I hope the rescue protocol works. Best of luck and do keep us all updated.

Thanks for all the support everyone. I'm doing pretty well, thanks for asking. :) As mentioned, I knew it was coming so it wasn't a big shock, but what was really amazing how fast he went downhill. He did seem sluggish, but was still interested in exercise/food the day before he was PTS. Then over the next 12 hours he went from sluggish to not being able to get up easily and generally looked sad/tired. So the time was right. Such is life.

Thanks again everyone. It helps to have like-minded people understand what I'm going through. :). I have also started a thread in marketplace, with all proceeds going to charity. Please check it out: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/243011-charity-sale-lots-of-dog-stuff/

Thanks for the well wishes everyone. It didn't come as a shock but it has been very depressing for everyone. It feels strange when I come home and he does not come running towards me. It feels strange that I don't have to worry about locking the gate. It feels strange that I don't have to feed him his favourite foods. It all feels strange, now that he has gone. . Also, I would like some guidance as to the donation of his items. I have a huge kennel that could suit 2 dogs, it is only 1 year old. I also have an outdoor mesh bed, a few big dog beds, a winter coat, lots of toys, worming tablets, some other medication etc. Ideally I'd like to donate it to some sort of organisation that would be in need of them, or maybe a family that is doing it tough etc. Thanks.

Glad to see that Emma is doing well. You're doing very well for her. :)

Sorry for your loss. She lived a happy long life indeed.

26/10/2012 Last night Bison's condition rapidly deteriorated. I took him to Lort Smith emergency and they advised that he seemed fine, perhaps his leg was injured (he was struggling to get up/sit down etc). I was mentally prepared to PTS but the vet advised to give it another day or two. He was prescribed tramadol. This morning his condition was even worse. I got up serveral times last night to check on him and he was sleeping fine and he had changed spots a couple of times. But from about 6am to 10am he did not move. I encouraged him to get up/move etc, he would not. He was not interested in food nor was he interested in coming outside. It was then when I realised that he actually could not move. So my brother and I as well as a friend put him on a sheet and carried him into the car and then took him to the vet. It is with a heavy heart that I inform you all that Bison has been PTS, he went peacefully in my arms with his favourite people surrouding him. I thank you all for the support that you have offered over the last 8 months. RIP Bison, you were the best dog ever. 05/11/2006-26/10/2012.

Sorry to hear. I would at least try and investigate the matter fully before coming to a decision. As you've said, the mystery is the problem, at least get a firm diagnosis and take it from there. Good luck tomorrow. She is a beautiful dog.

Also, K9angel sent Bison some biscuits which he absolutely destroyed. I thank her kindly for that. I was meant to take pics and post them, but he got to them somehow and literally ate them all. :laugh:

Hey guys, 13/10/2012 Things are as they were last update. Bison is still well, he is eating well and seems himself, his medicine is working in that his lymph nodes are under control. However, he is more sluggish. His abdomen also seems bloated, the vet said that this is because his liver and spleen have grown on the medication, there could also be cancer involvement. He does not have long left, when the meds stop working the cancer will hit hard and fast. I am keeping a close eye on him, as soon as he stops eating/drinking and is no longer interested in going for walks or playing, then I will PTS. Sad because he doesn't really look sick at all. Will keep you all posted. Thanks.

Where is it located? I didn't know that there was a pet shop @ HP.

I agree with those suggesting a secnod opinion. Good Luck Bianca with your stunning black GSD.

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. Bison has responded well to his drugs over the last few days and the swelling is down again, he is eating again and seems quite a bit better. Although he is still a little down and everyone that knows him can tell he isn't 100%. Don't fret. The chemo did buy Bison time, don't forget, untreated he would have died in about 6 weeks. Furthermore, every dog is different, it really depends on how aggressive the cancer is. Some dogs live for 2 or 3 years after treatment. So I see no reason as to why one wouldn't pursue this avenue. If you want to put a positive spin on it, all dogs die, some go earlier, some go later. I think in the future, once I'm over the fact that my dog was the unlucky one that got Lymphoma, I'll be happy that I spent a lot of time with him and got to say an extended goodbye.

Hi everyone, 28/08/2012 A sad update. Over the last few days I noticed that Bison's lymph nodes were starting to swell again. Last night he had difficulty breathing. I took him to the Oncologist today who confirmed that Bison has indeed relapsed. I was given two options. 1: Chemo again. However, this time, there was only a 50% chance of it working and if remission is achieved, it is usually only 2/3rds of the first remission in length. (Thus around 4 months max). 2: Prednisolone. This should improve his quality of life and is administered twice daily. Although it is short lasting and in the vets opinion will work for 6 to 12 weeks. Given that the odds are now stacked against him, I've decided that I won't pursue further chemo in the hope to get a few extra months, I'd rather give him a higher quality of life for a slightly shorter period of time. Either way, it seems my friend doesn't have long left on this planet. I've come to terms with the imminence of his death, so I'm just going to focus on enjoying the time that we have left. He has been spoilt these last 6 or so months and I'll continue to spoil him further. When the time comes to say goodbye, I won't hesitate, as I've read a few times on this forum, better to be a minute too soon than a minute too late. Thanks all.

Glad to hear that Emma is doing well. She sounds very naughty though lol...and extremely fussy.

Hey SC. How is lovely Emma going? :)

How are things Kaffy? :)

Happy Birthday to Takoda. Nice pics as well. :D

Sorry to hear Kaffy. I was in your shoes not too long ago. I know exactly how you feel and how confused you are in terms of your options. It will also be important to find out if the Lymphoma is T cell or B cell. In terms of treatment, if your dog is healthy and budget allows it, I suggest you go for it. After quite a bit of research, you'll find that many dogs live for quite some time after treatment. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Keep us updated. Good luck. :)