My dog has nose cancer. Advice please.

lizzy85

OMG. This made me sad. Just ask a vet, though not really bringing her, on the best way to handle it. She can be put to sleep if this is really causing her so much pain. My heart is totally breaking since I love dogs so much.

Kinski

krlyr wrote: »

I would suggest joining the Facebook group "Turmeric User Group". I know that turmeric has shown help for some kinds of cancers - but even if it can't help this particular cancer, it's a potent natural anti-inflammatory, and may help minimise any inflammation in the respiratory system and help reduce symptoms.

I was just going to say the same thing, the Facebook page is wonderful with lots of support, information and help. I use the paste for my dogs and myself its been very helpful to all three of us.

MaLarkin

I have started using tumeric in the hopes it might alleviate her symptoms. I'm starting with small amounts 3 times a day and I will increase the amount if she is ok with it.

Meanwhile I am taking the advice of others and trying to make the most of the time we have left. We had a lovely little walk yesterday and today she came with me to get a paper and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now she is seeking out a patch of sun in the conservatory to lie in.

I still get upset from time to time when I think about it, yesterday it was hard when she was trying to pick up scents with her poor damaged nose but I know that is me grieving for something she doesn't grieve for herself.

I am now focused on the quality not the quantity of the days we have left.

Thankyou

chucknorris

MaLarkin wrote: »

The title says most of what I want to ask. My poor old girl has cancer of the nose. She is at least 13 years old, probably more.

I am now considering what is best for her and any advice on managing the end of her life would be welcome.

She will not be having any treatment, she hates the vets and has to be carried in panting, shaking and wetting herself. I won't put her through that and when the time comes the vet will come here and put her to sleep on her own bed with people she trusts around her.

What I would really welcome advice on is when to make that decision. My primary concern is that she does not suffer. At the moment her symptoms are restricted breathing (the tumor is partly blocking one nostril) and she is a bit thirstier than she used to be, presumably because she breathes through her mouth a bit more. Food and chasing squirrels in that order have always been her main pleasures. She can't do much of the latter now but while we always had to keep an eye on her food intake she now gets pretty much what she wants as I'm sure you can understand. Her appetite is still excellent.

So how do I know when the time has come? This cancer as it advances can cause seizures I don't want it to get to that point but nor do I want to deprive her of any days she can enjoy. She had a poor life before she came to us and she loves her home and family. I don't want that to end prematurely.

Any advice and guidance anyone can give would be welcome.

Thanks

I think you will know when the time comes.

If she hates the vets so much, when her time comes, you can get the vet to come to your house. That is what we did, not because Mills hated the vets, because I wanted to say goodbye to him in our home.

sheramber

Enjoy your time with her.

Have you discussed what will happen with your vet.

Speak to your vet about coming to the house, what will happen when he does and what will happen afterwards - will the vet take her away or will you bury her at home or take her to a crematorium yourself. Do you want individual cremation with the ashes back or a communal cremation.

What will happen if you need to call the vet out of hours- say at a weekend? Sometimes out of hours vets are not able to attend as there would be no cover left at the emergency practice.

These are not what you want to think about but it is better to do so now than when you are upset. If you are fully aware of what will happen it will make it easier for you when the time comes.

MaLarkin

Thank you that's a very good point. I will see the vet next week to find out all these things. I don't want to leave it too late so I hope I won't need the out of hours service but it's better to know just in case. It also occurs to me that I need to find out the cost so I can be sure of having the money in the house ready.

It's quite hard to prepare this way. I know it's done with love but it seems cold if you see what I mean. I look over now where she's asleep on her bed obviously dreaming about running as her legs are twitching and I can't bear to think about her not being here

sheramber

You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.

That strength is why I’ve followed you,Katie's Bear
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years….
My partner ‘till the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost.
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…..a young dog once again.

(Author unknown

jrtfan

MaLarkin wrote: »

Thank you that's a very good point. I will see the vet next week to find out all these things. I don't want to leave it too late so I hope I won't need the out of hours service but it's better to know just in case. It also occurs to me that I need to find out the cost so I can be sure of having the money in the house ready.

It's quite hard to prepare this way. I know it's done with love but it seems cold if you see what I mean. I look over now where she's asleep on her bed obviously dreaming about running as her legs are twitching and I can't bear to think about her not being here

If this helps even just a little bit, I discussed everything with my Vets while my dog was still alive and I also paid for the euthanasia and the cremation at the same time. The reason was that it meant not having to deal with any of this when the day arrived, and knowing that everything had been taken care of in advance left me free to focus on our remaining time with him without having to remember not to forget to do this thing, or that. Looking back, it was the right thing to do in my case.

MaLarkin

I just wanted to let all you kind people know that thanks in large part to the advice on here my little girl had a peaceful death today.

I was so worried I would wait too long or lose her too early but all the advice on here gave me the confidence to trust my own judgement on the right time to have her put to sleep.

I knew for 2-3 days we were approaching that point and this morning i spotted blood in her wee and knew it was time. She hasn't suffered at all, in fact this morning she had a full tin of meat, 3 sausages and a chocolate mini roll (the first one ever)

I'm sad of course and I will miss her terribly but I know today was the right day while she had no pain. The vet came out and there was no fear. She died in my arms while i told her what a good dog she was.

Thank you to all you good people who advised me. Your help was invaluable to allow her to have a good end to a good life. XX

Katiehound

So sorry for your loss, here I am typing with tears and it's not even my dog !

You now need to dwell on all the wonderful times you had together and remember all those happy events.

and of course you need to grieve.......the house will seem odd without a canine friend

Thinking of you
Take care