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Fight K9 cancer

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dog cancer support

Members: 40
Latest Activity: Apr 9

After losing our sweet Mouta (pictured here) on August 11, 2008 to cancer, my husband and I are still missing her terribly. She was diagnosed in February 2008 with a sarcoma in her spine. She was a trooper through the pre-diagnosis stage, when we initially thought she had a herniated disc in her spine, to the end. When aggressive steroid treatment only brought her from a stage 4 (almost no hind leg movement to a low stage 2...walking with assistance) we knew it was time for further testing. We drove 90 minutes away for her to have more test...a myelogram, which in turn led to surgery and the diagnosis of cancer. It was no doubt that we would pursue further treatment for her because out of the 4 pup-a-lups (my husband's term) she was our special baby...the calm in the eye of the storm, I always said. With the 4 dogs and cat, Mouta was always laid back and just really loved life. She was the ONLY one who could be off leash in the front yard and not run off 100% of the time! She LOVED being with us too much to venture off.

I did tons of research, talked to anyone who would listen, read everything I could find about cancer in dogs. And there's really not a lot of data out there. One of the deal makers for me when the subject of radiation treatments was discussed was that every question I asked about the success, the risk, the prognosis for Mouta was answered pretty much the same.."We don't know. There's not much data out there because most people opt for euthansia with the cancer diagnosis due to the cost of treatment." I felt that if by treating Mouta there was the slightest chance that we could have her in our lives a little longer and get her healthy again, it would be worth it. We had just bought a new house...I wanted new furniture, but you know, 'things' can wait...life can't. I still don't have the furniture, but we did have Mouta for 6 more months. We celebrated her 10th birthday with a cookout and I even baked a birthday cake for the dogs (you know there are lots of recipes online for homemade dog treats..even cakes!) When she finished her radiation treatments she was acting like a puppy again, not like the 10 year old that she was by then.

So, I started this group as a memorial to our Sharmouta. Anyone who has been through this, or who is facing this is welcome!

Discussion Forum

Murphy's mast cell tumor 9 Replies

Started by Lynne Gunn. Last reply by Andrew Hicks Feb 5, 2012.

Taz' mast cell cancer 25 Replies

Started by Cathy Turnipseed. Last reply by Jill Stout May 1, 2011.

Holistic Veterinarians 2 Replies

Started by Lori Lotts. Last reply by Lori Lotts Sep 28, 2010.

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Comment by Kelly Meyer on December 27, 2011 at 11:48am: Little late to the game--have been so busy and exhausted! I hope everyone had a VERY nice Christmas! Mine was so nice! I just love spending time with my family, and Christmas is the one day of the year that my WHOLE family is together!

Blessings to all for a GREAT 2012!

♥Kelly

Comment by Jill Stout on December 25, 2011 at 5:04am: Merry Christmas to all of my friends (and even to those who are not!). I pray that this Christmas will being laughter and peace to everyone and healing to those that are fighting this dreadful disease. Our prayers are with you daily. Merry Christmas to Mr. Bailey--Give Jesus a kiss from me and tell Him Happy Birthday and thank Him for watching over all of us.

Comment by Ellen Slater on December 24, 2011 at 10:59pm: Merry Christmas cyber sisters (and brothers). Kisses to all the pups and love to all of our angels.

Comment by Lynn Sexton on December 24, 2011 at 6:49pm: Merry Christmas on-line family! Hope everyone has a happy and blessed holiday! Hope Santa Paws is good to all the pup-a-lups!

Comment by Lynn Sexton on December 7, 2011 at 4:20pm: Ellen...I cry with you!

Comment by Ellen Slater on December 7, 2011 at 3:19pm: Crying a river tonight..it's been 6 months today, and it still hurts so much sometimes.

Comment by Lynn Sexton on December 5, 2011 at 2:54pm: Kelly,

No mention of surgery at this point. Trying to treat in less aggressively for now and manage her pain & maintain her mobility. Hopefully the Adequan will work!

Comment by Kelly Meyer on December 5, 2011 at 9:59am: Hi everyone,

Chuck, I too am glad that at least what Rusty has is manageable, and I agree with everyone else, if his cancer had returned, you vet most certainly would have told you. Keep us posted though.

Lynn, I too am surprised that a small dog such as Grisa has HD. I do hope that the med. cycle will show some improvement in her pain and mobility! Did the vet say anything about surgery? I know that is the last thing you--or Grisa--would want, but just curious if the vet thinks it would help?

I will keep Grisa--and you--in my prayers and hope that the meds do what they are supposed to do.

Comment by Ellen Slater on December 4, 2011 at 10:17am: Continued prayers for Rusty! So glad it's something manageable. Please keep us posted. Hoping for a fat happy Rusty soon!

Lynn, as you know, Sadie had severe hip dysplasia, Abby has it too, but much milder. I do notice her having a little more trouble this year with the cold weather. If you ever want to bounce things off or compare notes you know where to find me! I know for Sadie, sometimes me just putting my hands over the joint with very light pressure seemed to help. And she LOVED massage and heat. The big thing is keeping the other muscles strong for support. Poor Miss Gris, give her kisses from us

Comment by Lynn Sexton on December 4, 2011 at 8:58am: Well guys, we have gotten to the bottom of Miss Grisa's lameness. After a round of rimadyl and being on the glucosamine supplement for a few weeks now she was not much better. She was accidently stepped on Friday night on her "good" leg as we were leaving the house. When we got home she wouldn't even walk! So I took her in yesterday to make sure the left leg/foot was not broken. X-rays showed it was not. Because I was not sure what part of the leg got stepped on they x-rayed the whole left leg & pelvis. It was discovered that she has hip dysplasia in her right hip. She's on Rimadyl again for 10 days, keeping her on the glucosamine/chondrotin supplement and she got her first injection of Adequan, which is supposed to slow the cartilage from breaking down and actually support the repair process. The vet said she is to go back for another injection in a week, then monthly after that. But, from what I've read, the standard dosing is injections twice a week for 4 weeks, so I'll have to ask!

Leave it to my special-needs child to have something that is "rare" in small breeds!