I did not like the looks of it when I saw it, but I was looking at it from a human perspective, and I wasn't sure if it was something more typical in dogs. It isn't, and this type of cancer is not terribly common in canines.
So, based on the literature his prognosis is for another two years, which is not too shabby, especially considering the typical lifespan of a giant breed dog, but we certainly didn't expect this. The vet wants to check him every 2-3 months to see if there is any recurrence, and handle it surgically. This is not anything that would be treated by chemotherapy.
We will, at some point, have to decide how much intervention we wish to do for him, and I am of two minds on the issue. I have always said I would not go to heroic efforts to save an animal, considering that they won't understand why they are always at the vet, always feel ill, having anesthesia and recovering from surgery, but at the same time you love your pet and don't want to lose them.
I remember clearly when Stella died, and she knew she was dying; and all she wanted in the world was to go off to the most remote part of our wooded back yard to be alone. She did not want us to hold her or comfort her at all. I think animals have a better understanding and acceptance of death and they don't fear it and don't have emotions wrapped up in it. It is a normal aspect of being on this planet. The comforting is a human behavior, and is for us more than for them - we can't help it!
We will simply have to play it by ear and do what we can to keep him comfortable if it comes back. We can't know if it has invaded or spread, since the pathologist did not provide information about the margins of the tumor, which annoys me. Maybe in the veterinary world they don't typically ask for margins (a determination of whether there are healthy cells surrounding the malignant ones to indicate that all of it was removed) but in my line of work margins are the basis for decisions on whether or not further treatment is indicated.
In this case the vet will simply monitor the area and check for recurrence, and handle it surgically if so. She mentioned an "extremely radical" surgery would need to be done if it recurs, and I'm not sure I'm up for that - a dog with a colostomy? I don't think so! We'll see how it goes and cross each bridge as we get to it.
We are obviously gluttons for punishment, with our new large breed addition to the family, but in spite of their issues we love having them. Our entire family has perked up noticeably since Boo has joined us, and even Sirius is more lively. We will soldier on!
No comments:
Post a Comment