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Topic: Our Kuvasz has bone cancer - the last update

Posted By: sue.t on 01/20/06 07:02pm

Chaos, our Kuvasz, was diagnosed with bone cancer today. He's 9 1/2 years old and very fit otherwise, so this is a shocker, to say the least. The tumor is in his right femur. It can't be felt yet, but the vet thought this was because his legs are so muscular ... she simply couldn't feel through the muscle. Unfortunately, it's also those wonderful muscles that are causing most of his pain ... the tumor is pressing against the muscle. He's been limping for a few weeks now. The limp started at the same time he had a little accident on one of his hikes with DH, so we thought it might be a strained ligament at first. But it didn't improve. Then I thought maybe it was arthritis, but there was no improvement with aspirin. Today he had x-rays and the tumor is clearly visable. We've been told he might have two weeks or two months, but likely no longer than that. Due to his age and size, we're choosing to not amputate and pursue chemotherapy. Instead we have a strong painkiller (Deramaxx) and we'll see how that goes. He's still very happy, very busy protecting the property, and eating very well. We're the sad ones now ... When the pain is too much and he's not so happy, we'll have him put down. Not an easy decision for us but one that will be best for him. DH is very upset tonight. These two have been best buds, hiking every weekend, two walks every weekday, and camping (see the link for pics from a recent camping trip). It's going to be a tough time for a while ... very VERY tough. I'm just feeling sad and sorry for us right now ... * This post was last edited 08/22/06 07:04pm by sue.t * sue t. Pictures from our many RV Adventures to Yukon & Alaska

Posted By: kokosfriend on 01/20/06 07:25pm

You have my sympathy and empathy. We lost a beloved 12 year old Lab to bone cancer. There was also nothing we could do except keep her comfortable until the time was right. Bless you for your kindness to your companion and for his wonderful life. Barb kokosfriend

Posted By: Happytraveler on 01/20/06 07:34pm

I'm really sorry about your dog. What bad news you received. My prayers are with you and your family. * This post was edited 01/20/06 08:02pm by Happytraveler * Charlie- a Male Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Posted By: Camelot Mike on 01/20/06 07:42pm

He's a good looking boy, I'm so sorry. Mike, Wendy, and our mongrels, Nellie, Sarah, and Tristan. 2005 Monaco Camelot 38 PDQ, 400 Cummins ISL, 6 speed Allison. 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 6 speed.

Posted By: corgihauler on 01/21/06 12:24am

Sad news. My prayers to your family that the physical pain is minimal and the emotional pain is soothed by all the wonderful happy memories the three of you made together and will continue to make in your time left together. Jan

Posted By: Buzz-ette on 01/21/06 12:29am

Sue.t, I am so sorry to hear your news. What a beautiful boy he is! You are all in our prayers. 1980 Dodge Xplorer Pixie Honeybun (Rat Terrier) and Itsa (kitty)

Posted By: LeroyR on 01/21/06 06:22am

What a beautiful dog! Did your vet mention anything about peroxicam (sp?) ? When our Suzie had bladder cancer, we didn't go with chemo either. They had found that peroxicam (used for arthritis) was very effective against this type of cancer (a nasty, quick spreading one). She lived two more years. I know there are different types of cancers, but if it somehow had a chance of helping .... Just thought I would throw it out there. Leroy, Leona, Leroy Jr. Our Westie(s) - Bark Lee (Buddy) and Wuzzy Bear. G. Schnauzer/English Pointer mix - Teddy Bear '06 301BHD F R Sandpiper '06 Silverado 2500HD LT3 D/A CC SWB '06 Trailblazer SS

Posted By: chemisd on 01/21/06 06:54am

Sue, I am so sorry to hear about Chaos. I have seen his picture on here before and he is a great looking dog. If it is any comfort, a friend of mine had a very large male golden retriever with bone cancer. He had a tumor that eventually grew to the size of a baseball. Not nice to look at, and certainly changed what he did - no walks, playing in the fields etc., but he didn't seem in pain. It obviously didn't change the end result, but by the time they had to make that decision, the family had had time to grieve and prepare, so it was an easier decision. I will pray for you and your husband, and of course, Chaos. Jana Chemisd's Joe,Jana,Jarod,Jansen GS Allie and Sammi See you at the bridge Maddey&Maicey 2005 Rockwood 8318SS 2004 Dodge RAM 2500, 4x4, 5.7L hemi http://www.didomenicos.com

Posted By: Hoops on 01/21/06 06:57am

So sorry, I know how hard this is for you all. Been there. Our Prayers are with you and for Chaos to spend the rest of his time here in comfort and painless. Becky * This post was edited 01/21/06 05:05pm by Hoops * The Hoops. ED and Becky Missy our little Bichon 2004 F350 V10 2005 Jayco Legacy 38RDQS

Posted By: JanLiz on 01/21/06 07:38am

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. We were devastated when we learned our newfie Sere had osteosarcoma. We did the amputation and chemo and she had another eighteen months of a great life. We bought the motorhome so we could take her with us and she loved every minute of traveling. Best wishes at this tough time, you have a beautiful boy there. Jan & Liz 2005 FW Expedition 38N Cat 300 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited The Great Outdoors, Titusville, FL Villas, Cape May County, NJ Rupinski Blog

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