Radiation is recommended for my Furbaby!

bichon mom · ‎04-18-2011

My almost 11 year old bichon was diagnosed with a mass behind her eye when I took her to Tufts Veterinary Hospital. They recommended surgery and the tumor as well as her eye were removed. The diagnosis came back as a benign cancer so does not metastasize to other organs but it is is locally aggressive. Radiation is now being recommended just in case any cancer cells remain. They are recommending 18-20 treatments. I am meeting with the radiation oncologist next Thursday. I am petrified of putting her through the treatments. They said the last couple weeks she may have burning on her skin and sores in her mouth. Plus, she will need general anesthesia for every treatment! Has anyone gone through something similar? We love her to death! I want her to survive but the radiation scares me!

NickNack · ‎03-10-2010

I'm really sorry that you and your bichon are having to go through this. My sister's golden retriever had a tumor on her leg years ago. They recommended either removing the leg or doing radiation treatments. My sister and her husband decided to do the radiation. I don't remember how many treatments she had. She did have burning on her skin. It was so sad. I don't think she would have done it if she had realized how hard it was going to be on her dog. I know this is a really hard decision for you.

The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau

eddyandme · ‎09-24-2011

So sorry for your furbaby. My baby girl, Jade, was at Tufts little over a month ago. In my case it was palliative radiation they recommended. (In case you're not familiar with this term - I wasn't - in her case the tumor had matasticized and the radiation would not cure her but would PROBABLY ease the pain.) I was told it would, most likely, not have ill-effects, yet could not promise since each dog responds differenly. I felt, since it would not cure her, nor abate the cancer, I personally could not see the benefit of having radiation for a month, making her swallow radioactive pills at home and not knowing for 10-14 days to see if the pain lessened. Therefore, I chose a different treatment (acupuncture) from a private doctor who also keeps the referring doctor and Tufts in the loop. This had worked out quite well for us. (If interested I have a few threads under My Furrybaby Has Cancer.) She comes to our home; Jade enjoys the treatments: today - her fifth treatment - she posted a pic of me and Jade on her professional Facebook page with Jade giving me lots of loving kisses during her session! .But, my goal is to keep Jade happy and comfortable (and pray the cancer miraculously disappears - real positive thinking!). But, your baby's tumor is benign: our situations are similar in that we both want what's best for our furbabies. I suggest you immediately look into all possible treatments; check with you vet for any recommendations, and go with your gut feeling. Cancer is scary and choosing how we deal with it for our loved ones is extremely difficult. But, quickly study the options then go with your intuition and, I believe, you'll make the right call for you and your baby. Love and prayers to you from me and Jade (woof! woof!).

hopi · ‎03-09-2010

So very sorry you have to address heartbreaking issue. Please carefully consider the actions that the Doctors have planned for your angel and consider all before you make this decision to go forward. You need to do what is best for the dog and consider the trauma, the outcome and the lenghth of time the torture the dog will have to undergo and how long of a life expectancy after the treatments and the chances of something else going wrong. All the money in the world to try and make an 11 year old dog last will not make it better if it is painful. Prayers for you and your Furbaby.

CrazyDaisy · ‎03-20-2010

Whenever faced with a decision such as this one, I always ask myself what will be the long term benefits/quality of life.

One dog I had requireded surgery. The first few weeks it broke my heart that I had put him through that, however as weeks went by he got better and was back to normal in no time. I also had a friend who put her dog through painful treatments to get "a few more weeks" with him.

Have a serious talk with you vet about your concerns so you can make the best decision for your pet. Vets (and doctors) often have a protocoal they follow line by line, that does not mean you cannot change the program to fit your dogs situation.

Someday, when scientists discover the center of the Universe....some people will be disappointed it is not them.

susan kay · ‎06-28-2011

bichon mom, I've had two dogs that had cancer, but your situation is very different than what I went through. You might try this website for more information about treatments.www.petcancercenter.org/Cancer__Types__eye__dogs. From the little that I just read, the radiation does not appear to be painful, but, of course, there are side effects as you mentioned.

It is very hard to make a decision when faced with tumors, I know. When my second sweetie was diagnosed, I bought a book written by Dr. Damian Dressler. It just dealt with cancer in dogs. One of the chapters had to do with decision making, and it ivolved the age of the pet, the health of the pet, the type of cancer, and other treatments that are available.

I'm sorry that you are going through this.

bichon mom · ‎04-18-2011

Thank you to all that responded! Your insight and support means a lot. Goldenlocks, they were talking to me about definitive radiation. They do this when the prognosis is good. I am just scared for my furbaby! I am going on October 1 to meet with the oncologist. Hopefully, some of my concerns will be addressed and I will have more info to help me make the right decision. Praying for all the other furbabies dealing with cancer or other illnesses. It is so hard to go through.

Mona_L · ‎08-07-2014

Dear Bichon mom,

So sorry to read about your sweet dog's diagnosis....I've owned dogs for over 30 years, and "at certain ages," I chose not to "follow-up" with treatments that might do more harm than good. My SIL owned Bichons her entire life, and spent thousands, only to be disappointed with the results. Radiation is only precautionary, not always mandatory. Prayers for you and your dog for many, many happy years to come!

eddyandme · ‎09-24-2011

@bichon mom wrote:
Thank you to all that responded! Your insight and support means a lot. Goldenlocks, they were talking to me about definitive radiation. They do this when the prognosis is good. I am just scared for my furbaby! I am going on October 1 to meet with the oncologist. Hopefully, some of my concerns will be addressed and I will have more info to help me make the right decision. Praying for all the other furbabies dealing with cancer or other illnesses. It is so hard to go through.

@bichon mom

Wishing you and your furbaby the very best. I've got Dr. Lew (Tufts Oncology) still in the loop. Tufts is the best animal hospital in the country - so you're in good hands.