[Raine]

 
Unfortunately, our Lab X Timber is being tested for lymphoma.  The vet was pretty sure of the diagnosis anyway, but best to be sure.  She has been placed on antibiotics.  She is 13 years old and doesn't seem distressed at the moment.  Has anyone had experience of the illness?

[AnnS]

Sadly My beardiex had this, he was a similar age to your dog, this going back to 2002 though so there must have been changes to treatment plans. We went for the chemo which meant edinburgh vet school and then our own vets after that. He was diagnosed in jan and despite the chemo we had to have him put to sleep in may the same year so he didn't get much extra time. Keeping him comfortable without the chemo our vet said 6 weeks. Side effects were sickness and loss of appetite just after treatment and he had special medicine to protect his stomach from the drugs.


But every case is different there are dogs who get lots of extra time and it's a really hard decision to make re what to do. Hoping your dog is okay.


AnnS

[funkyfish]

Oh I'm so sorry to that.
Lymphoma is unique to each dog. I have seen some last a month and others 3 years. There are various chemo treatments around depending on the type etc.

I think I would opt for high dose steroids for mine. Yes there are side effects like   being very hungry and drinking and peeing lots.  But the dog doesn't know its ill usually until tbi gs are quite well gone. I personally would rather have mine for a short quality time then have them spend one day a week at the vets having chemo. Not that chemo is wrong!!! There are new protocols around and lots of research done. If your pooch is insured or you can spend d some dosh on pooch, then  work up at a referral centre with a chemo department would  be good.

Good luck!

[Raine]

 
I think, with Timbers age, steroids will be the best route.  If it was Amy, our 6 year old greyhound, I would have opted to pay out.  The research I've seen suggests that an older dog doesn't respond quite as well.


We will give Timber all the fuss, love and treats we can, until I have to make the sad decision that it's time to go. 


I have had 8 wonderful years with her and could never understand why someone wasn't looking for her at the council pound.  She was on her last week after 3 months there.  Obedient, quiet (well, sort of) and clean in the house all day whilst I was at work.  She does howl like a wolf (I think that's where her name came from) and was bright orange tan as a younger dog!  She sheds like nothing I have ever met, but I wouldn't swap her for the world!

[lachlanandmarcus]

She sounds lovely, and a lucky dog with an owner like you to care for her and love her 

[HelenVF]

Aww, I'm sorry   She does sound a sweetheart.  Her luck changed when she met you.  Good luck with the treatment.

Helen