How Long Does My Dog Have?
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Updated: January 10th, 2019
It is very important to do what we can to avoid ongoing depression when trying to cope with cancer in our dogs. Ongoing depression is exhausting, steals our reserves, and clouds judgment.
It decreases your dog’s chances of good life quality during a life with cancer. Yes, your ongoing depression.
Please do not misunderstand me. There are many legitimate reasons for guardians of dogs with cancer to be depressed.
Here are some of these reasons:
Take a look at median survival times with conventional care (chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery):
- Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen: median survival time after spleen removal without chemo is about 2 months, and with chemo is up to 6 months.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the bladder: median survival time on piroxicam alone is about 6 months.
- Melanoma of the toes: following removal of the affected toe, this cancer will take the life of half the patients within a year, assuming there is no evidence for spread at the time of surgery.
- Lymphosarcoma: patients receiving the Wisconsin chemo protocol have a median survival of roughly 6-10 months.
(For more specific data on median survival times with different cancers and protocols, see The Dog Cancer Survival Guide.)
So there is every reason to have sadness. But….continued sadness is not helpful to you or to your dog. After experiencing the grief, it is time for an expectation analysis. Time to organize yourself and move forward.
Suppose your dog was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, and seems to be having good overall life quality 6 months later. Guess what? This is very good news! Median life expectancy with chemo being 6-10 months, about half the dogs with lympho have passed away in as little as 6 months after being diagnosed.
And that is with chemotherapy!
If you have a dog with lympho and your dog is doing well 6 months after diagnosis, you are already beating the curve, since median survival is as low as 6 months in some cases with the chemo.
Get a copy of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide for more helpful information and tools
What if your dog has lympho and is on pred only? Median survival for those dogs is roughly 2 or 3 months. So you are ahead of the game if your dog has good life quality 2 months after diagnosis.
If you were to look at some of the other statistics above, you can see that if you had a dog who underwent spleen removal 8 weeks ago, is not on chemo, and is still maintaining, you are beating the odds. This is very, very good news. This is successful treatment!
An integration of these statistics in one’s mind allows for a realistic picture of where we stand with conventional cancer care.
We really must take into account how short these survival times are in our expectations! We need to redefine success in malignant cancer management.
An understanding of these figures also tells us how we are doing with the addition of our “outside the box” treatments discussed here and in The Guide.
Once we get past the grim reality of these numbers, we can alter our expectations and begin appreciation with gratitude.
The practice of gratitude for each of these days, realizing the odds, is they key to avoiding continued sadness.
Best to all of you,
Dr D
Dr. Demian Dressler is internationally recognized as “the dog cancer vet” because of his innovations in the field of dog cancer management, and the popularity of his blog here at Dog Cancer Blog. The owner of South Shore Veterinary Care, a full-service veterinary hospital in Maui, Hawaii, Dr. Dressler studied Animal Physiology and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis before earning his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University. After practicing at Killewald Animal Hospital in Amherst, New York, he returned to his home state, Hawaii, to practice at the East Honolulu Pet Hospital before heading home to Maui to open his own hospital. Dr. Dressler consults both dog lovers and veterinary professionals, and is sought after as a speaker on topics ranging from the links between lifestyle choices and disease, nutrition and cancer, and animal ethics. His television appearances include “Ask the Vet” segments on local news programs. He is the author of The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog’s Life Quality and Longevity. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association, the American Association of Avian Veterinarians, the National Animal Supplement Council and CORE (Comparative Orthopedic Research Evaluation). He is also an advisory board member for Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Dear Dr Dressler,
Thank you for your reply. My 17 y/o dog Zai Zai received doxo but failed the treatment according to the post 2wk f/u UTZ which shows the primary liver HSA remains the same size in left lobe of liver but with new mass in right lobe of liver with other diffuse hypoechoic nodules. The vet didn’t see it anywhere else in the body at this time. The vet gave us options: 1) add cisplatin to doxo 2) try carbo, 3) try palladia as if treating liver cancer since there is no definitive biopsy 4) do nothing except care. We started a new chemo Carboplatin (even if you mentioned the rescue chemo is not as good as I just read) instead of doxo+cisplatin as this new one is our last hope even if it has less successful rate per stat. She has started Apocap with her cancer diet. It is her day three on Carbo and she seems to tolerate it well except a bit nausea and decreased appetite but Mirtazapine helps. I am not sure if I make a right decision for choosing a rescue agent instead of combo chemo. Is Apocaps a good chemosensitizer to Carbo too? What is your thoughts about treatment failure with chemo? again any reply greatly appreciated.
Dear Catherine,
since you have started the carbo i think you should see how it works. Are you consulting with an oncologist? I would suggest this if not as they do chemo all day and can tailor the chemo to the dog pretty effectively. There have been no studies on carbo with the apoptogens in apocaps, although as you know the cisplatin and carbo are closely related.
I hope this helps-
D
Hi Dr. Dressler,
My 17 y/o dog is just diagnosed with probable hemangiosarcoma and confirmed IBD from her clinical presentation, blood test, x-rays, echo, endoscopy, fine needle biopsy result, and repeated ultrasounds. For 3 weeks she was started on prednisone and metronidazole for her IBD. Per repeated ultrasound the 2.4×3.2cm primary mass in the left lateral lobe liver doubled the size in 3 weeks with new cavitation shown after the biopsy. I was struggled to start the surgical intervention due to her age even if she had been in good health until the recent collapse this May. She recovered from the collapse but not eat as much as before due to her problem complicated by IBD (although she never had diarrhea prior to the collapse). I opt for chemo and she has gone through the first course well. I also have read your Dog Cancer Survival Guide and incorporated that into the cancer fighting battle. I have searched the web a lot and find little info regarding primary liver hemangiosarcoma. The question I have is do you have any cases with primary liver hemangiosarcoma without image evidence of met? Would surgical resection a better choice in the early stage of cancer developing in my dog’s case? Would prednisone for IBD interfere with Doxorubicin or simply promote the growth of HSA? greatly appreciated.
Dear Catherine, these tumors can increase in size a lot (and also sometimes shrink) depending on the amount of blood within the cavity of the tumor. Surgery is advisable if you want to deal with this as HSA in the liver and elsewhere can rupture and this by itself can be life threatening. I would not worry too much about the pred promoting the HSA. I would definitely consider the use of Apocaps (1/4 to 1/2 dose with the dox and a full meal if using pred) as well as yunnan baiyao for bleeding, all under veterinary guidance and contingent on liver function tests.
Best,
Dr D
Dr. Dressler,
Lola was diagnosed with mast cell tumors approximately 7 yrs ago. She is now 12 or 13 yrs old.(she was a stray and I’ve had her 11 yrs). During this course of time I’ve removed between 60 and 70 tumors. Approximately four months ago she began having problems; difficult swallowing and stomach issues. A new bump was diagnosed as soft tissue sarcoma. Given the area, the oncologist did not feel it would spread but it would become larger. Since then, the turmor has disappeared. Her overall health, blood panels, ultra-sounds and recent x-rays, normal.
When is it time to stop removing the tumors. She eats normal, has the energy of a younger dog, yet the mast cell tumor issue isn’t going away. I need advice.
As sad as this may sound to you but I love Lola more than I have anything or anyone in my life. So I am trying to be the best companion to her.
Thank you
Dear Russ,
you should read the life quality analysis section and also decide where you stand in terms of the kind of guardian you are. If you have not read the decision-making portion of the Guide, I would do so. I would also contemplate Neoplasene as an option, along with Apocaps and the Dog Cancer Diet, all under veterinary supervision.
Best,
DR D
HI Dr. Dressler,
On June 1st I took my very young,1 1/2 year old German Shepherd, Abby, to the vet for a swelling below her right eye. The vet did a biopsy and found the entire posterior upper buccal maxillary area rubbery.
The lab results showed a microscopic findings: Sarcoma, intermediate Grade with a prognosis of: Guarded. Comments from the Lab reports states the primary differential for this intermediate grade sarcoma is poorly productive osteosarcoma. Oncongenic stimuli for oral osteosarcomas are not known. Surgical excision, even radical, is the treatment of choice.
My vet is not giving much advice other than advising that treatment is very costly. I suggested surgery, he replied that he would not do it and that I would have to seek the advice of a veterinary oncologist. My Abby, at this time, is very active and eating well.
Would you please provide me with suggestions? Anything is helpful since I am just learning about this cancer.
Thank you.
Dayna and Abby Amsler
My 7 year old bulldog Sarge just had 80% of two liver lobes removed from two baseball size tumors. He was just diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Liver Cancer. I was told this is very rare cancer and not real sure how to treat. Sarge has had diarrhea since early May and since the surgery May 20th, still loose (soup) stools. He does have appetite and wants togo on walks and play. I wanted to know how long he may have (weeks?) and when and how do I decide to put him down. I do not want my dog to suffer. He is my friend and companion and I will be lost without my guy but I will not let him suffer. Please help guide me through the last weeks or days as to what to expect and how long. Thank you
Dear Priscilla,
I am so sorry to hear of your Sarge.
Although I would like to be able to tell you when your dog will pass away, I cannot, just as an MD cannot tell for a human patient. But, I would start thinking as you are- considering and preparing yourself. There are ways to help his diarrhea like metronidazole, tylan, slippery elm, and treatments in the Guide that can help like glutamine and diet change. Have your vet supervise treatments. I hope you have him on the Dog Cancer Diet?? Immune support? Also I would suggest some of the coping exercises in the Guide that can help a lot with the emotional aspects of dealing with this and clarify the when’s and why’s. I would also read this blog post (click here).
I hope this helps
Dr D
My almost 13 yr old maltese was just diagnosed with cutaneous t-cell lymphoma. She has sores and scaling pretty much all over. I have been told conventional chemo is not effective on this. She is on prednesone and pepcid at moment. The vet suggested palladia. What do you think?
Dear Barbara,
Lomustine gives us about 3 months of improvement but most dogs improve. But, Accutane helps dogs 40-50% of the time (less than Lumostine) yet we get a much longer interval of control when they respond (around 8 months). I would also discuss the safflower oil- print out this abstract for your vet- click here. Finally, I would definitely be taking the other steps discussed in the Guide, like apoptogens and diet change, under veterinary supervision.
Best,
Dr D
My 12 1/2 year old dog was kenneled while we were away. The second day at the kennel the vet called and said our dog was very anemic and need to be xrayed to determine if she had a tumor. My dog is short of breathe and has pale gums. Other than these two symtoms, my dog has no other changes in her eating or sleeping habits. I have been reading the various articles and blogs about anemia and possible results. Are there other alternatives that can be exercised other than surgery. Can my dog be given iron supplements?
Dear Cathy,
sorry to hear this news. In dogs, anemia is not a primary disease. The cause must be determined. Ultrasound is usually better than an X-ray for looking at the abdomen if we choose between them. Of course other blood work and a urine test was done?? Until the diagnosis is reached it is impossible to recommend a treatment since anemia is caused by so many different things in dogs..i am sorry..
D
Dear Dr Dressler,
My name is Diane and my big beautiful Great Dane, Tundra, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on Monday. Chest x-ray shows no masses in his lungs. His vet put him on 50mg Deramaxx 1xday and 200mg Tramadol 2xday. Yesterday I started him on Artemisinin, 200mg 2xday. His cancer (still hard to get that word out) is in his right front ankle. Now (past 2 days or so) he seems to be getting very weak in his back end. Is this a new issue arising? Is he too heavily medicated? Does he need that much pain medication?
I’m beside myself. He has always acted like a puppy, even at 8 years old! To see him hobble is heart wrenching for me. I didn’t see this coming and feel as though I’ve been hit by a truck.
Thank you for your time,
Diane & Tundra
Dear Diane,
I am very sorry to hear about this. Pain in the back end may or may not be cancer. Many times it is not. There are a variety reasons for it and you need to get it straitened out at your vet’s as unfortunately I cannot diagnose here.
Hang in there, but get it taken care of.
Best,
D
Dear Dr. Dressler, My 12 yr old italian greyhound has a large mass/tumor on his abdomen. the first vet we went to said it was very large and we should consider putting him to sleep. The 2nd vet we went to did blood work that showed he is very anemic (12%). The 3rd vet we went to did an ultrasound and said the mass was too large to operate. So, we don’t know if it is cancer or not…but the vet believes it is. Our initial visit was 3 weeks ago. I came close to putting him to sleep, but have opted to let nature take its course. He is not in pain, is calm, breathing normally, drinks plenty of water, eats yogurt which I forfify with fish oil and echinecia and goldenseal. He also eats fresh chicken and turkey and I give him a multi vitiman for senior dogs which he loves. He is very, very thin and weak, but is calm. He hasn’t had a bowel movent in 2 days, and he struggles to have a bowel movement with no results. Is there anything more I can do for him? At this point I feel like I’m providing him with palliative care, and would like to give him things to bring about relief. I’m scared that the mass will burst and he will suffer. Also, is there anything I can give him to help him have a bowel movement? Thankyou so very much…Kippy
Dear Kippy,
Sorry to hear this news. It sounds like you are in the “life quality care” arena. You should be thinking about Yunnan Baiyao, the dog cancer diet (free download), pain control (tramadol), fluids (your vet can show you how to administer them under the skin), apocaps, and the other steps for improving life quality in the Guide. You should find out if he is constipated or if he is passing less stool due to less appetite, or if he is straining to defecate because his colon is inflamed, or if there is less stool because of dietary changes. Certainly there are many stool softeners that can be used if there is constipation like lactulose, kristalose and miralax.
Best
Dr D
hi…my Italian Greyhound, spindle, is suffering with a very large mass in his abdomen. he is very anemic (16%), and his ultra sound, according to the vet, reveals that his tumor is too large and complex for surgery. He has lost alot of weight. Today is the first day he turned away from food…although I was able to get him to eat some yogurt. He can get up on his own for water and can relieve himself on his own. He is very, very weak though. I want to let nature take its course, but not if it means he will greatly suffer. Is it ok to wait this out? Is there anything I can do to relieve any discomfort. If he starts to struggle breathing…is there anything I can do to help? I am sad beyond belief…Kippy
Dear Kippy,
I am thinking that maybe these posts might help you in this hard time:
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/life-quality-in-dog-cancer-dr-dresslers-joys-of-life-scale/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/manageable-challenges-and-life-quality/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/time-and-the-joys-of-life-in-dog-cancer/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/pain-in-dog-cancer-and-life-quality-part-2/
https://www.dogcancerblog.com/blog/pain-in-dog-cancer-and-life-quality-part-2/
I hope these make things easier,
Best
Dr D