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Old July 8th, 2008, 12:47 AM
Bayan Bayan is offline
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ddd

please delete this post

Last edited by Bayan; July 11th, 2008 at 09:15 PM.
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  #2  
Old July 8th, 2008, 08:46 AM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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I'm sorry you're going through this, Bayan. It's always so difficult to know what to do.

When we've been faced with this situation in the past, we try to weigh the cost to the dog with the benefit. How much benefit will surgery give vs. how much time lost in recovery from that surgery? ... How will treatment affect quality of life--if it will extend his life but make him miserable, is it worth it? ... Questions like that will help you get your mind around what's happening.

If you find a benefit outweighs the cost, then go for it. If you're unsure, a second opinion never hurts.

The extra testing (MRI, CTscan, etc.) might help you in your decision, but be aware that the results are often inconclusive. (I'm not saying don't do it, just not to be surprised if you don't get too much more information from them.) If you consider doing a biopsy, remember to factor in the recovery time from the surgery.

This post sounds like I'm discouraging you from doing these things...and I don't mean to be discouraging. Just pointing out that if you can take a step back and look at the pros and cons, it may help in your decision-making. And if you see a benefit, don't hesitate to have it done! The decision will have to be yours. As long as you make your decision based on what's good for Pepper, and out of love for him, then it's not a wrong decision.

As for pain--decreased activity, 'neediness', panting, decreased appetite, all can be signs of pain. The good news is that there are many meds out there that can help control pain. So if you begin to see signs...even just a slight decrease in activity, talk to your vet about starting pain meds.

I wish you and Bayan the very best! So many members on this board have been through this and understand what you're going through. Please keep us posted on Bayan's progress. We're here if you want to talk.
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Old July 8th, 2008, 11:38 AM
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Dr Lee Dr Lee is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayan View Post
My questions are:
Is it worthwhile to do some additional testing (MRI, CAT scan, etc) to get a better picture, determine his stage?
Is it worthwhile to do chimotherapy/radiation?
Are there any holistic remedies to help our baby?
I am very sorry to hear about Bayan. This must be a very difficult time for you.

I think you and your veterinarian have done the first best step by referral to an oncologist. I think the oncologist may be the best to answer the first two questions. Unfortunately, the answer to the first two questions will only be ultimately answered in hindsight. Typically the choice of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy will depend upon many factors but importantly on the histopathology results of a biopsy. Some tumors respond well to one and not to another, some respond to both and some respond poorly to all.

Having seen many dogs undergo chemotherapy, I am still a supporter of it, in the right circumstances. It is not for every family or for every pet. I hear often that we are only 'prolonging the inevitable'. This is true; but no more so than with treatment of renal failure, liver failure, etc... Some pets can have a very good quality of life on chemotherapy. Again, it depends on the type of cancer, its grading and the existence of pain and its ability to be managed. Again, it is not for everyone.

As far as other options,while Hill's Science Diet foods are not generally liked on this forum; they do have a cancer diet called N/D which in testing has been shown to increase quantity of life by 17% in a wide variety of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It works on three main principles. First it is a high protein, high fat, low carb diet (like Atkin's diet). The concept is that cancer cannot process or metabolize anything other than simple carbohydrates; so by feeding the patient simple carbs, we are feeding the tumor first and pet second. If we feed a high protein, high fat, low carb diet; we are feeding the patient first.

The next aspect of the food is the addition of arginine. Arginine is a protein that becomes gobbled up by most tumors and is one of the main reasons for the generalized muscle loss seen of many cancer patients. By supplementing this we can help prevent this and help maintain proper muscle mass and overall strength. Arginine can be obtained at any health food store. The last aspect of the diet is the high levels of omega 3 fatty acids (fish oils). They help with overall health but also stabalize cell membranes and facilitate the body's ability to deal with chemotherapy.

So you may want to ask your veterinarian (regular or specialist) about N/D food or a similar food type. Some patients, such as those with certain kidney, pancreatic, or liver disorders, may not be candidates for a high protein/fat diet. Hope this helps.
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Old July 8th, 2008, 04:22 PM
sways_bodyguard sways_bodyguard is offline
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my thoughts are with Bayan, wishing the puppy the best
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Old July 8th, 2008, 05:55 PM
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Sylvie Sylvie is offline
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:sad: My prayers are with you
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  #6  
Old July 9th, 2008, 09:59 AM
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Big Dog Mom Big Dog Mom is offline
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While making the right medical and life decisions for Bayan, the one thing I would say is this...

ALWAYS BE POSITIVE AND UPBEAT WITH BAYAN. When you are low, I would try to not let him see that. I am a firm believer in the power of positiveness, conversely equivalent to damage that negative thinking can bring on.

Every day you wake up and Bayan is there in a relatively healthy frame of mind and body, be grateful and be positive.
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Old July 10th, 2008, 03:35 AM
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rainbow rainbow is offline
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I am very sorry to hear about Bayan.

Mary Straus (contributor to The Whole Dog Journal) has a lot of good information on her website for different types of cancer:

http://www.dogaware.com/specific.html#cancer

You can click on anything that is highlighted in blue for further information.
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