Osteosarcoma Help!!

My heart goes out to you about the diagnosis of your Shar Pei. I previously owned a black Labrador Retriever who was diagnosed with an osteosarcoma on her jaw. It too, started as a small lump that we noticed and when I brought her to the vet, this was the final outcome. The treatment of cancer in animals is not cheap. Animals respond better to chemo and other aggressive treatments much better than us humans do but nevertheless, it is still a very expensive and debilitating process to put an animal through. We had choices to make with our beloved pet. When she was diagnosed, she was nine years old. Labradors usually have a lifespan of 10-13 years and the 13 is really pushing it. We could not bear to treat the cancer and know that she would be sick and miserable while also growing older and more frail as her lifespan came to a close. There was also no guarantee to us that our dog would be cured and that the cancer would not spread. What we did was opt for the tumor to be removed, which was successful, and that was to bide her more time. The cancer would not be cured and she would have a relapse. Slowly, we saw that the tumor was resurfacing and when it got to the point where we knew there was pain for her or interference with her eating and her life, we chose to put her down humanely. At this point she was 11. We got to spend 2 more years with our lovely dog but no at the expense of chemo sickness and tons of drugs that would make her miserable. We did manage pain for her with a drug called Toradol in the end but not for long. The choices here for you will be difficult but I look at it this way....as a pet owner, I wanted my Lab to have a good life, to be and act like a dog, to not have to be poked, prodded, and surgically invavded over and over again. I also wanted her to die in peace and in my arms. That's exactly what she did. I would never try to tell you what is right for you to do but looking back on my decisions, I don't regret a single thing that I did. Once again, my heart goes out to you and if you need anyone to talk to privately, feel free to message me any time.

I'm sorry to hear of the diagnosis. I have greyhounds and they are prone to osteo. There is a vet Dr. Cuoto, who is an expert. Here is a link one of his articles...It's focused on greyhounds, but the info applies to all breeds.
Unfortunately, it is a grave diagnosis/prognosis. Keep that 4 legged baby comfy and love him to bits.

http://www.greythealth.com/osteo.html

Hello,

If you can't afford that bill than try the SPAC society they will send you a place that isn't expensive and can help you and your pet.

My dog has a lump on her bum too... but she's 17, so we're not bothering with it at this point. If that's what takes her, she's lived a long, wonderful life, as long as she doesn't suffer, of course.

I hope you find some better news for your other baby.