Ikaris Was Diagnosed W Cancer Today

[Guest talkintribe]

Our sweet dear ikaris hurt his rear leg yesterday so today it was to the vet. Sadly, he was diagnosed w cancer. Ik is 9 years old, 90 lbs (obviously a large gh) and a true family member. We have twin 3 1/2 year olds and a 6 month old. They all adore ikaris and he adores them. Our plan was to keep him comfortable until we couldn't any longer. However, I just read an article about the risk of him really hurting himself w this plan. I am curious what everyone thinks.

[galgrey]

I'm so very sorry to see this news about your boy.

[Guest talkintribe]

Thanks. I have tears right now

[Houndtime]

This is so sad. I am so sorry to read your boy's diagnosis. I can only offer what one of our vet's told us: better a day too early, than a day too late.

 

I do hate cancer. It is the thief who robs us, everyday, of those we love.

[Houndmommy03]

I'm so sorry that your pup has cancer. My first grey had osteo at 5 and we opted to keep her comfy as long as possible. She lived 5 months from time she started limping until we couldn't manage her pain. That said, we tried to be careful that she didnt jump in any way. We made a ramp for her to use with the few steps we had. I'd do the same thing if it happened again. But, I've heard a break is terrible. Good luck with your decision and again, I'm really sorry. I'm sure others will chime in.

[Walliered]

Mine lasted a few days from when he started limping. I took him to Charleston and the vet there said I should amputate his leg and he would live about a year after the surgery. I did not want to do this. Could not control the pain, so put him down about 4 days after the limping started. I am the school that a day too early is much better than a day too late.

[EllenEveBaz]

I'm so sorry about Ikaris's diagnosis. Your family must be in shock right now.

 

There is an ongoing thread, currently named "Osteo Thread Part 8", which I've bumped up to this first page of the forum to be easier to find. You can will find much information and support there, to start with. The most important priority, as you already know, is to make sure Ikaris is pain free starting yesterday.

 

Again,

[Guest talkintribe]

Thanks everyone. Yes. We are in utter shock. We told the kids to be extra nice to ik as he doesn't feel well. Thank you for the support and pushing that thread up for us.

[KristenMichele]

I'am so...sorry to hear the news. Im personally pro-amputation For a younger hound ages 10yr and under. I had 2 diagnosed with osteo one had it in 2 legs which comfort care or chemo but I very anti chemo with my previous experiences. So there for comfort care is what we did 2month was the most time we had with him. My other hound had it in the front leg and amputation was done and successful. The dog lived 1.5 yrs with no chemo. Its a really hard decision to make. Im sorry you have to through this

[spottydog]

So sorry. We are going through this too, although not with a greyhound, a big burly lab/pyr cross. She had every treatment going except amp and the cancer still came back at the site. We are still managing to control her pain with an extensive 'medicine kit'...but it won't go on too much longer. Greyhound bones are probably much more fragile...Best wishes...

[robinw]

I'm so sorry. I've been through this three times. I left all three go very soon after diagnosis, with being sent to the bridge at diagnosis. You'll see many opinions here, but I believe that if they are limping, they are already in a great deal of pain. I didn't want that for any of then.

[Guest normaandburrell]

So sorry to hear you are going through this. Whatever you decide will be right. You know your dog. Spoil your sweet boy as much as you can for now. We didn't know our grey had cancer until he broke his hip, and we will always regret that we didn't get to do that.

[fliggie]

I'm sorry for your family and your pup. No other advice, just lots of white light.

[Neighsayer]

I'm so sorry. I let mine go soon after diagnosis. The cancer had spread, and his shoulder looked so fragile. He had been limping off and on, was treated for a sprain, and then we did the X-rays. He still acted fine, except for the limp. I had four other large dogs, a doggie door, and I was at work all day. I knew someone who came home from work and found her dog with a broken leg in the yard. I didn't want to take that chance. Lots of good info in the osteo thread. It wasn't around when I went through it. Remember, it is YOUR dog, and YOUR decision. Don't let anyone try to make you feel guilty, or change your mind when you make your decision. We all love our dogs,and should be allowed to do what we feel is right for them. You will find that some folks in the osteo club are very passionate about their own choice, and sometimes a little rough on folks who make a different choice. Take what you need from that group, and make your own decision. Love and spoil your dog in the time you have left. Take lots of pictures, and make sure that someone takes pictures of you and the dog together! Good luck! Hugs!

[Guest talkintribe]

My wife and I really appreciate the comments. I am so darn sad about ik. Neither of us are ready to say goodbye! 24 hours ago this was not even in a remote possibility. Thank you, especially neighsayer. We feel guilty for even considering all of the possibilities.

[MP_the4pack]

I had a 12 yr old that I did a front amp to. She did very well for 6 mos, enjoyed life to the fullest, even chasing deer, until OS hit a back leg.

 

but remember whatever choice you make, it is out of love for him

 

[robinw]

Remember, it is YOUR dog, and YOUR decision. Don't let anyone try to make you feel guilty, or change your mind when you make your decision. We all love our dogs,and should be allowed to do what we feel is right for them. You will find that some folks in the osteo club are very passionate about their own choice, and sometimes a little rough on folks who make a different choice. Take what you need from that group, and make your own decision. Love and spoil your dog in the time you have left. Take lots of pictures, and make sure that someone takes pictures of you and the dog together! Good luck! Hugs!

Thank you, Neighsayer. This is so important. You know your dog. We don't. I stayed away from the osteo club because of some strong opinions. Do whatever you think is best for all of you and do not feel guilty.

[Guest giantsfan]

I am so sorry! I have not had to make this decision, but wanted to echo what others have said in that the only right decision is the one you and your family come to which you think is best for the hound you love.

[tra708]

So sorry about Ikaris having this. I feel deeply for you.

We were going through the same thing here, one month ago. Mine was 10, and we did not choose amputation. I know others have gone that way, even with dogs older than she was, but I knew it wasn't right for her. I agree with others...you know your dog best. In my experience, I got a lot of non-judgemental support from the Osteo thread. So many people here have had to make these same hard choices. With Jackie's situation, we let her go about 4 weeks after she started limping, but only several days after official diagnosis.

I don't think there's a "right" and "wrong" way to deal with this. Just do the best you can, and we will support.

[a_daerr]

We are just about nine months post-amp with Henry. He was 5-years-old at diagnosis, otherwise healthy, and a very laid-back guy... all things that made him a great candidate for amputation and chemo. His cancer (although it presented just like osteo), ended up being a less aggressive type. There's no way we would've figured that out unless we did the amputation. I do believe, however, that the course of treatment or palliative care you decide upon is entirely a personal decision. I'm just putting it out there that, although rare, some dogs can beat the odds.

 

 

[Guest beetle_slayer]

I am sorry about your pup. I am going through this also. Our 6 1/2 year old girl had amputation earlier this month and first chemo last week. Please take this to heart. Do NOT underestimate the physical, mental, and emotional toll it will take on you and your family which ever way you will go. It has not been an easy route that we took. I am still questioning if we made the best decision for her. Chemo last Thursday and Hasn't eaten since Tuesday morning. Vomiting for 1 day, diarrhea for several days, lots of money, worrying, etc. Is it worth it? She's still here with us and we hope to soon be past this. It is not to say that you should just give up and say goodbye either. Either way, please look at everything involved: money, living style, emotional and physical strength.

I wish you and your family the best in making choices for your loved one(s). I don't regret our decision but question it.

[Guest talkintribe]

Well...thank you all for your thoughts a few months ago. Today, we said goodbye to our dear ikaris. We kept his leg wrapped and on pain meds the last several months. He'd been visiting the vet every few weeks for checkups. On Saturday, his leg looked terrible so it was time. We are heartbroken but know he's not in pain any longer.

[Houndtime]

So sorry for your loss.

[seeh2o]

I'm so sorry. Cancer is just pure evil.

[spottydog]

Cancer is such a terrible thing to watch progressing. Very sorry you lost your Ikaris.