Advanced thyroid cancer in my 12-year-old golden retriever
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| Mary Jane, I am very sorry about your sweet Asher. I am in the same situation with my little sheepie, six year old, Heart. She was diagnosed with lymphoma a couple weeks ago and I too am devastated. At this time, our vet has decided not to put her on pred. yet, but I know it will be soon. She is snoring and her breath is hitching. At night she gets up and paces. She is eating well, and I am giving her anything....from donuts to pasta. I just want her to be happy. I have found that the cool air here in St. Louis, MO helps her breathe better, like a child with croup. So when she begins to pace at night, I take her out on the porch and sit there until she feels better. I really feel we will both know WHEN it is time. Both of us are very connected to our dogs, as most on this forum are, and we will sense when the moment is right. I tell Heart every morning, I will fight this horrible cancer as long as she will...and when she is tired of fighting, I will help her to Rainbow Bridge. I have to believe we both, you and me will know when that time will be. hugs and prayers..feel free to post about your pup...we are here for you. |
| Harry also has cancer in his throat. Don't know if thyroid, not that it matters. He too has trouble breathing (but he also has horrible hips so structural pain could be at play as well) Right now Harry is still wagging his tail and even barking in a whisper. He enjoys his food and being groomed. Needless to say he still loves his lovin' and barking at the garbage trucks. He will struggle to his feet and meet me at the front gate with his quarter tail way.....it's all he can manage with the arthritis. Friend lost her sheepdog this summer to thyroid cancer. While on a trip he started the heavy breathing. She insisted on surgery but the vet said the tumors are often so intertwined with blood vessels (as well as making new ones to feed the tumors) it was risky surgery. Still surgery was begun and the vet called midway through and told them how the cancer had spread. So the ended everything right there, the dog did not wake up. MO sheepdog passed last February probably from old age. We knew it was time when she ..........gave up. She had been having poop accidents, but did maintain control of bladder until the end. Still she just wanted to stay on her bed and finally quit eating even though husband tried hand feeding her lovely morsels. When a dog no longer enjoys life, then it's time to let them go. So to answer your question, like MO, the dog will let you know. It will vary. The breathing is a biggie. A few nights ago I figured Harry had reached his end. We sat together, me petting him and he huffy-puffy for hours. Finally he laid down and slept. Next a.m. he was much better. When they struggle constantly to breathe, when they have no joy in life, then it's time. I've heard, "look into their eyes." Yeah that has worked with a few, there is a distance in their gaze like they are already at the Rainbow Bridge. Others held onto me up until the end as I wanted to hold onto them forever. Your vet may be helpful as they don't want to end a dog's life prematurely. When Sonja, a Siberian husky, could no longer groom herself (they are cat like in keeping themselves tidy) and had that far away gaze, the vet simply said, "it is time." To say "You'll know"........yeah you will and then you'll wonder if you waited too long. There is no simple answer.  My condolences to you. |
| Cancer is such a difficult struggle for all of our family members, two and four-legged. As for knowing when it is time, I am convinced that our animals let us know when they are ready. Though sometimes it's hard for us to stop second-guessing ourselves when that decision is close. This is some very good advice that I got many years ago, and passed along to a number of folks when I worked as a vet tech. Think of three or four things that really show quality of life for your furbaby. Eating, playing with a particular toy, a special way they greet you every day, curling up on their favorite rug, even barking at mailmen and garbage trucks - only you can decide what these things are. As those things disappear, you'll know you're arriving at your decision time. Until then, love Asher - and Heart, and Harry - as you always have. Completely and unconditionally.  |
| That is very good advice. I hadn't realy realised but that is what hapened with Fred,our previous furbaby.x |
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