Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I'm new. Unfortunately, my dog's recent diagnosis (yesterday!) of hemangiosarcoma brings me here looking for support and any info I can find. My sweet blue merle Aussie, named Boomer, was acting very lethargic on 1-13-07. Took him to the vet and came home w/prednisone. He got better.

On 1-22-07, he was staggering to get up. I took him to the ER vet where they saw a tumor on his spleen; and ultrasound the next day confirmed it. He had surgery 1-23 and thankfully there was no visible sign of mets. Yesterday I get the path report confirming that the tumor was malignant. So, here I am. He is to see the doggie oncologist tomorrow. I'm at a loss of what to do...a speciual diet? Chemo? The ER vet said with aggressive therapy, he'd have 8 mos to live.

Just looking for any ideas or happy stories...I understand the surgery wasn't curative, but hopefully he'll beat the odds and be around a couple years.

Thanks for reading. He's my best friend and I am heart-broken. Hug your Aussies for me.

Sorry to be reading this news. It has to be very hard on you. The protocols are really all over the place when it comes to cases like this. The oncologist should really be able to help you come to a decision. Depending on the cancer and how it's graded and course of treatment... i.e. prednisone only or a pred/chemo treatment could yield anywhere from a few weeks to two years. Please keep us updated and feel free to post about your Aussie anytime. Good Luck to you both!
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Hang in there... I lost a golden due to cancer and I know how tough it can be. The main thing you should know is that your pup knows you love him. They are incredibly perceptive creatures and I firmly believe their family bonds are what drive most of their life. Take care and good luck.

Dylan