2 1/2 year old bulldog with Lymphoma
Submitted by abynan on September 5, 2010 - 10:02amOur beloved 2 1/2 year old English bulldog, Cocoa, was diagnosed with lymphoma on Tuesday. We are all in shock and heartbroken. Does anyone have any experience dealing with this, especially in such a young dog? The vet is saying chemo is the best option but is no cure. It would prolong her life an average of 13 months. Without treatment it would be weeks. We spoke with the breeder and she advised not to put Cocoa through chemo and she would recommend steroid treatment. She received one does of chemo before she left the hospital on Tuesday night and seems to be doing fine. We meet with the oncologist on Tuesday to see what she would advise. I've also heard there are some holistic treatments. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
I am very sorry
I can only imagine what you guys are going thru...
I don't have personal experience with lymphoma, but from what I've read, dogs don't have the same reaction to chemo as people. They deal with it much better.
Kathy (with Olie and Chester) had a boy who had lymphoma. He was treated and it bought him 8 months. There was another poster who had her girl treated, and she went into remission. Your girl is pretty young, but the (really difficult) decision ultimately rests with you. I'm sure you'll make the right one.
PS - you may want to do a search of the old archives for more info. Also, you'll probably get more responses after the holiday weekend.
Olivia
I am terribly sorry about this.
Poor baby, so young to have to go through this. I only have experience with my older dog, and it isn't good. He lived 2 weeks from diagnosis.
My heart goes out to you. Do what you feel is the right thing. 13 months is 13 months, and if your pup is able to take the treatments well, I would try it. Even 6 months would be wroth it. Just my opinion.
Amy and Sophia
i am so sorry...
my best friends lab had this.. and he did to chemo, but it was pill form. he was doing good for about 3 months, then it was time to say good bye. but at least, my best friend had the chance and opportunity to say and do everything she wanted to do with him before he left. :( we took him to the beach, favorite parks, and let him eat like a king until it was time. i am so sorry and good luck.
sincerely, christine
I lost one at a year and a half of age
We did three chemo treatments and she didn't last two months. It was very stressful for both the dog, us and our other dog at the time. I'm so sorry for you. We wouldn't do the same treatment again if it ever came up. Wish I could be more encouraging.
Barbara
Our boy had lymphoma when he was 5...
We did chemo for him, he had a lot more good days than bad and he lasted 8 months after diagnosis. Some dogs do have longer times, I know one who had 18 months and then passed from something else. Once in a while one of them will have a complete remission. It is quite expensive. Try to get him on a low carb diet, no sugar, to help not feed the cancer. Your oncologist will likely give you a list of supplements also. Good luck with whatever you decide. We were glad to have the extra time with Oscar, in the end his lungs failed and we had to let him go.