My Dog Has Lymphoma

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W.,
I'm sorry.
No facts on lymphoma treatment.
We just lost our dog last month. He was 11 and had lupus.
All I can offer is that you need to recognize the time where the suffering is becoming undignified.
After 13 years, she deserves a dignified end to her wonderful life.
So sorry.

I'm sorry you are all going through this, it's is very rough. Her health issues could stem for the lowered prednisone dosage, or it could simply be she is older and the cancer is taking it's toll regardless of the medicine. The area and stage of the cancer also depends on the longevity of the disease. Prednisone can be very harsh on the body in both humans and animals and sometimes the dosage has to be lowered. Are there any other treatments your dog is undergoing? Chemotherapy, Doxorubicin, or a COP treatment? All of those treatments are pretty brutal. If she is only taking Prednisone, it is just a steroid and prognosis for survival is typically around 60 days. Which may be best for her if she is in a lot of pain.

I worked at a vet for years and have seen many aging dogs decline in health. It is the nature of them and so sad that they age so quickly. I cried for weeks when my 15 year old bichon had to be put down because her pain was just too incredible and treatments can only do so much to a sickly, aging dog. I hope you, your family and your beloved dog can get some peace soon.

from here:
http://www.caninecancer.com/Lymphoma.html

My parent's dog was just diagnosed with lung cancer. He is also 13 years old and was also put on prednisone. W., the only thing I can say is that my parents are ready to put the dog down when it gets too bad for him. Right now it's close. I have a feeling that in the next week or two their friend is going to be put to sleep. Love on your dog, take pictures. I am sorry.
L.

Our dogs health quickly went down hill, after diagnosis. Went from a chronic cough to horrible seizures. I couldn't take seeing him suffer & we chose to put him down. Sorry you're going through this.

I am so sorry for your dog not feeling well. Unfortunately Lymphoma can offer a poor prognosis. With Chemotherapy some dogs may go into remission and live upwards for 6 to 18 months. Without chemotherapy or treatment (prednisone is only palliative and does not get rid of the disease) the prognosis is 1-2 months at most. Your vet was probably trying to reduce the prednisone to the least amount possible (as it can have terrible side effects) and to make it last as long as possible. You may want to consult your vet and potentially increase the dose. Lymphoma responds to prednisone for a short time until the receptor on the tumor cells figure out how it works and then it stops working. I imagine that is what is occurring. Unfortunately with my experience 5 weeks is a pretty good time frame, I am so sorry.

I am so very sorry you are going through this. Our dogs are like our family too.
When our dogs were ill (for various reasons), they too were put on prednizone.
In my experience, that helps them temporarily.
They seemed to be getting better when in fact they weren't.....they were just more comfortable.
They would seem better, level off then quickly decline immediately.
At that point they were suffering and had to take them in to be put down.
I say spend time w/your beloved dog, spending time w/her and making her comfortable.
Keep in contact w/the vet to monitor her state.
When it seems like she is taking a turn for the worse (and/or not drinking or eating...some sure signs), take her into the vet to have her put to sleep to end her suffering.
again, I am so sorry you are going through this but my heart especially goes out to your pet.
I send you love and hugs!

I'm so sorry your family and your dog have to go through this. I lost my cat (16YO) 3 years ago to age/cancer/organ failure. I wish I would have asked the vet point-blank, "Should I euthanize her or continue treatments?" I was really not in the right mind to make that decision on my own. She ended up dying on her own at home on a Sunday and it was brutal and painful to watch. I wish I could have saved her that suffering by having had her euthanized a few days earlier but I was afraid to let go. I called all the 'mobile' vets available and none were responsive on an early Sunday morning. Anyhow, you have to consult with your vet on the choices you can make to either treat her or to end pain and suffering. Start making some emotional preparation now as no matter when or how the time comes, it will be difficult. I wish you the best of luck.

If she has lymphoma, the prednisone is only pallitative (sp? -sorry) therapy and the effects are only temporary - what you are describing is very typical and unfortunately to be expected. If they have lymphoma, and are only given prednisone (as opposed to more aggressive chemotherapy), they will do well for about a month, maybe 2, and then get worse again. I am sorry you are going through this but honestly, most likely the kindest thing you could do for her at this point would be to have her humanely euthanized. My friends went through this with their own dog a few years ago the same way - the dog did great for a month, then became worse, stopped eating, and they were figuring it was time. He ended up passing away on his own in his sleep - but if you feel that she is suffering in any way, it's not fair to keep her alive if her quality of life is that poor. I would talk to your vet as soon as you can. (((HUGS)))

Here's an excellent Canine oncology group in L.A. See if they can recommend anyone in your area.

Veterinary Cancer Group
9599 Jefferson Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
Neighborhood: Culver City
###-###-####
www.vetcancergroup.com

I am so sorry for your family's pain. We have lost 3 dogs in the last year to old age for various non-cancer reasons and it has been very hard. As for Lymphoma, I didn't notice any answers regarding experience with chemotherapy treatment. I thought I could share mine.
Six years ago our 9 year old beagle was diagnosed with Lymphoma, given a 4 week prognosis by our vet and we were referred to an oncologist in Tustin. They have several offices in CA. Their web site is http://www.vetcancergroup.com . I don't know what your financial situation is but if you can afford it, I felt it was worth an evaluation at least. They start with several tests to determine exactly which form (at a DNA level) of Lymphoma they have. One is more responsive than the other and has a better prognosis. They tell you upfront the cost estimate of the initial tests as well as any follow up treatment options you have to choose from. You can be very aggressive or more reserved in your choices. It is NOT a one size fits all. At the time, six years ago, I believe they had about 26 different drugs in a series that they used. They would start with one drug and would repeat it at a particular time interval (each was different). As each drug started to fail (the cancer would adapt) they would switch doses or drugs or alternate, depending on the schedule. Appointments could be from 2 weeks to 1month (unless it failed sooner). I would know if it were failing because her lymph nodes in her neck immediately became enlarged. I would also see it working in reverse, and they would shrink to almost nothing in 24 hours. She also remained on prednisone during the entire treatment.
The typical goal was to put the dog into remission and give them hopefully another 18 months - 2 years of quality life (not to "cure" the cancer). During the time she underwent chemotherapy she had no typical human sideffects. No lethargy, vomiting, hairloss etc. She had a very good quality of life, except for the numerous vet visits and pokes to check her blood count. (BTW not all chemotheraly is intravenous. Some were a single injection in a vein, but some were a liquid, or a single pill. But many were a prescription of pills you give at home over time.)
Unfortunately for my family, my dog was one of the unfortunate few who "failed" every treatment protocol they threw at her. The drugs did work but each for a much shorter time than they were supposed to and she never went into remission. She had the "good cancer" but her body adapted to the drugs very quickly like the "bad cancer".
All that being said, even though she "failed" treatment, we did have a little more than six extra quality months with her we would not have otherwise had. For the most part she was perky, HAPPY, slept and ate well, played with the other dogs normally. She and I spent a lot of special time together driving back and forth to Tuston (we lived in Palmdale at the time!).
I hope knowing you have options eases this decision for you. It might help to just talk to the oncologist. They will help you understand what is happening and come to terms with whatever choices you make. This is a personal decision for every family and my heart breaks for you.
K.

I agree with the others that the prednisone was probably just making her more comfortable...Perhaps they can adjust the dosage, or perhaps keeping it high will cause other problems? I would ask the vet to be sure.

I am so sorry you have to experience this. You sound like a great and caring owner to your dog. I am sure her life has been much better because you have been in it!

I lost 2 dogs to cancer :( I know what you are going through. I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

I suggest ES Clear for Dogs, it can make your dog more comfortable and may stave off the symptoms for a while. It's based on ESSIAC Tea ingredients, which have been known to slow the growth of cancer, and in some cases, cure it. Google Rene Caisse.

If you're looking to chance a "cure" then I suggest Cansema Tonic from Alpha Omega Labs. www.altcancer.com. It has pretty good results and they are very helpful.

Either way you're looking at taking a chance. I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through.

Not on Lymphoma, sorry....
Just wanted to send you out some cyber hugs...Our dog is 13 (will be 14 in Feb) and he has started to not eat anymore. We've tried homemade burger and rice, then can food and this past weekend he just started to barely eat the can food and this morning he didn't touch it :(
(he's NEVER been picky before so we know it's a bad sign.