Bad news....

broknlgs24 · #1 06-01-2006, 03:22 PM

my parents called me around 9 this morning to tell me that one
of our 2 rottweilers has bone cancer. the outlook is not good
at all. i'm besides myself as to what to do. it was only this
weekend that he was running around the yard chasing and
barking at planes. yes, i said planes. the vet is telling us that
the cancer is quite aggressive. it was only last month that we
had him there and there was no tumor. the vet says that the
1st step in treatment is to remove the leg affected and then
continue w/ chemo. this dog weighs 140+lbs. how is a dog that
size going to maneuver w/o a hind leg? even when healthy, he
had a hell of a time getting up. my father and i think that putting
him thru chemo and expecting him to maneuver on 3 legs would be
torture. the idea of putting him to sleep today is unbearable. we
could bring him home to live out the remainder of his life here, but
are we only making him suffer longer? the vet can give him meds
for the pain, but what exactly does that accomplish?

it's truly amazing how we, as people, can become so attached to
our pets.

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R8DX5 · #2 06-01-2006, 03:29 PM

Brian, sorry to hear that bro. That is a tough decision to make.

Roc3b · #3 06-01-2006, 03:39 PM

Sorry man! I am sorry for your pain, the one thing about these best friends is that the decision of thier fate rests in your hands. In my avatar is my best friend in the whole world, he just turned four yesterday, in Boxer years I am lucky if I get 4 or 5 more with him. I look at him sleeping or just being a goof ball and I think about it all the time. My only solace that conforts me that I want you to try and think about is that of all the different fates these animals can end up with, that for whatever reason you and that puppy crossed paths and formed a bond that can never be duplicated and to repay for his friendship you always made sure he was warm, you always made sure he had something to drink or eat and most of all you always made sure that he was safe. You held up your end and he held up his. If it were me I would keep him going until he started to feel any pain or discomfort. Also...I would seek a second opinion.

ekaz · #4 06-01-2006, 03:52 PM

Brian, don't know what to say, tough spot to be in. We're here for you, bro!

Wagner · #5 06-01-2006, 03:59 PM

Sorry about the news..... that's rough. Do what is best for the dog.

cmyX6go · #6 06-01-2006, 04:00 PM

Sorry Brian,
That really sucks. I agree with Rick, get a second opinion. I would take him home and let him live out his time. Although he can't tell you, I'm sure you will know when he is in pain and can then put him down if necessary. Whether it be human or dogs, quality of life is what counts.

A good friend of mine with a pit just had to make the same decision. Chose not to put the dog through the hell of treatments and let her live out her days. Tough call.

Hang in there.

Scottie · #7 06-01-2006, 04:01 PM

It's never easy. In fact it's awful

that's the trouble with owning animals you open your self up to a lot of heartache but the pleasure you get from having pets is enormous.

Only two months ago we had to go through something very similiar our oldest Scottie who is 11 years old has suffered liver failure and was taking loads of wee turns fortunately he has reponded to his treatment so far.

However now we both take each day as it comes and when the treatment stops working we will not prelong his life and let him go in peace.

Unfortunately as much as it pains me to say this I think you know what you need to do.

asawadude · #8 06-01-2006, 04:16 PM

Back in my childhood, one of the kids in my neighborhood had a 3 legged German shepard which had it's left rear hind leg severed at the knee. It was a fairly large dog, and despite its handicap, adapted quite well. It wasn't able to run and it had difficulties getting up, sometimes needing a pull on the collar, but it got around fine. It simply hopped on its rear foot, while its two front legs had a normal gait. A game of fetch would take a longer to complete, but the dog still enjoyed playing it. Outside of missing one leg, it was every bit the typical household pet. Did the dog have a good life? Absolutely. It was adored by all the kids on the block and it's family.

Your decision should be based on the expected quality of life. I would think that different breeds of dogs have different tolerances to various disabilities. The other factor is whether or not the type of cancer is expected to reoccur and if there is a chance of completely recovery after chemotherapy. A seasoned vet should be able to forecast your rottie's ability to survive this and have a fruitful, productive life.

Good luck to you. I hope your dog can be saved.

SuaveX5 · #9 06-01-2006, 04:22 PM

I`m very sorry to heard about your dog Brian, every terrible situation to be in.

X5Jay · #10 06-01-2006, 04:31 PM

Wow - sorry to hear that Brian. I love animals and dread these decisions too. I like the idea of getting a second opinion. I've also known a couple of 3-legged dogs who did very well too - but they were much smaller and lighter that your dog. Would the entire leg need to be amputated? Is there such thing as a doggie prosthesis? That may be something to discuss w/the vet. GL & hope it works out...

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