Toby's Cancer-Spindle Cell Tumor on left hind upper leg
Me and my dog Toby
September 21, 2009 -
My dog Toby has a large spindle cell tumor on left upper leg. These tumors rarely metastisize and usually are surgically removed with wide margins. Unfortunately, due to the size of the tumor and location the oncologist said his tumor can not be removed safely and would not be able to get clean margins. She is recommending amputation of his leg and possibly some of his pelvis if the tumor has spread into it. My dog Toby is not in any kind of pain from this tumor right now.
I am getting help from The Magic Bullet Fund to help pay for his treatment. You can go to www.themagicbulletfund.org and click on Toby, I am raising donations for his oncology care.
I must make hard treatment decisions and that is why I have come here for some feedback on what you'll think or may know to help me. Please leave some advice for me. I just don't want to put my dog through unneccesary pain from surgery and see him without a leg, but on the other hand I don't want his tumor to become a major problem for him in the future. It is rough making decisions for Toby cause I love him so much. I have had him since he was two months old and he is now 9 years old.
Thanks for reading my story. Have a great day.
Comments
28 Oct 2009 10:24 pm
cubbybear said:
This is to both Tobydog and Deanna123. The decisions we have to make for our pets are so hard. When things happen to our 2 legged children they can talk to you and no matter what you do what you can to make them better. Our 4 legged children are the same. Though they cant talk, they still communicate with you. You just have to learn how to listen differently. Look in their eyes, they tell all. Watch them closely and read their body language. Its not about the quantity of years, its about quality. I too will have difficult decisions to make. My 9 yr old shepherd nova has hip displaysia. Good days and bad. When they're all bad and nothing will help, I will have to make that decision. And keep remembering their life with us was the best they could ever have. Please keep me posted if anything its helpful to talk but for another I have a deep love for animals and I care.
28 Oct 2009 4:04 pm
deanna123 said:
I have a 14 year old who has SCC I am facing the decision this week to either put him down or amputate as my vet won't debulk any more. Which is what I have been doing the past 7 mos. since its discovery on his foot. The first time the vet completely removed the tumor, a month later we debulked (just removing the excess as it was growing up and not out). Now his entire foot has been invaded with this tumor. I don't even see his pads he is walking on the tumor. The only toe nail I see is his second toe the others are squished off the the side. Because of the way it has spread that is why my vet is saying no more to debulking. I cannot put him through amputation at his age, he is a doxie with arthritis in his spine as well. The only thing left is to put him down. Are you getting anyother kind of treatment options as I dont want to put him down. Keep in mind he is almost blind, hearing is not so well, I have to carry him in and out. Am I being selfish for wanting to keep him alive? Let me know where you are at with Toby.
23 Sep 2009 12:15 pm
TobyDog said:
Thanks Cubby Bear Please pray for Toby. It does help talking with other people about Toby. It's so hard when our pets get sick. Just know that if you have a dog who is sick that their are things out there to help such as The Magic Bullet Fund who helps dogs with cancer. I will let you know what happens. Have a good day!
23 Sep 2009 12:03 pm
cubbybear said:
I wish you both the best and hope it turns out well. Toby and you will be in my prayers.
23 Sep 2009 9:32 am
TobyDog said:
It seems like they unanimously agree with the oncologist I took him to except one who will remove the tumor. My gut instincts tell me that amputation would be to much for my dog despite the overall positive recommendation for it. That is why I am considering tumor removal even without a good success rate and then perhaps changing his diet and enlisting holistic remedies. My regular vet declined tumor removal even though I wanted that to be done. There is another vet that I am not so sure he will be safe at due to the low costs, but I am weighing out each and every option. Its stressful so hopefully I will do what's right. Thanks so much.
22 Sep 2009 10:17 pm
cubbybear said:
Have you looked into any alternative medicine? Maybe something like accupuncture could help? I would definitely get a second opinion. It would be a shame to put him through that at his age if it didn't need to happen. I would check out other options. The internet is a vast world of information. I wouldn't go with just one vets opinion.
You must be a registered user to post comments.
Sign up › or Sign In ›