dog may have cancer in lymph nodes

[Benji_2000]

Benji - our 12 (?) year old [rescured so unsure of age] Lhasa Apso mix - has been part of our lives for 6 years. I have been quite ill the past 12 months having almost lost a round with a DVT/PE. I continue to suffer complications like another DVT 2 weeks ago (even with Coumadin and a 3.4 INR) so in a family with no children, my wife does not need to loose Benji right now. There has been a lot of crying already over the possibility that Benji could be seriously ill.

The vet saw Benji last week and said the lymph nodes in his hind legs were enlarged. He said this could be a simple infection, but it might be cancer. Benji is on an antiobiotic and will be seen by the vet again this week and if there is no improvement they will be a biopsy.

This vet has already said that if it cancer that chemo only extends a dog's life a few months and is never a cure. I have read about others that used Prednisone for a short term relief, but still no cure.

I am wondering about some of the newer medications for humans and if they could be used. For example, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist and a local one have tried to get me on Methotrexate. Would this be of any benefit to a dog?

We will be crushed if cancer is confirmed so where do we go to get a second opinion? Are there encologists that would talk to us?

Thanks for your help.

[talking-pets]

i am so sorry to hear about benji, i have 2 dogs and my youngest (14 years old) ha just been to see the vet and she thinks my dog may have cancer, and i know how hard and sad this is for you. but we are looking at the one thing that keeps us going "we have her here" [for now]. i hope things arent as bad as they seem for you and benji.

good luck and all i can say is try anything and everything that you possibly can, dont give up if benji is fighting; fight with him; fight for him.

[Jade]

I apologize for being short in my reply but I'm at work and only have a moment or two. Veterinary oncologists do exist - you can ask your vet for a referral. The other option is an internal medicine specialist, who often also handle cancer. I work in a specialty/emergency practice and our IM department handles any cancer cases.

Take care and good luck.

[Benji_2000]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jade I apologize for being short in my reply but I'm at work and only have a moment or two. Veterinary oncologists do exist - you can ask your vet for a referral. The other option is an internal medicine specialist, who often also handle cancer. I work in a specialty/emergency practice and our IM department handles any cancer cases. Take care and good luck.

Thank you for these promising leads.

[Benji_2000]

We will learn tomorrow the results of Benji's biopsy, but our vet is sending clear signals that Benji will test positive for cancer and may not last long.
So I called the leading veterinary center for dogs in OK (at OSU) and was told the initial consultation would cost $500-$600 and the treatments would be $100 a week.
I thought I saw someone here in another thread say the entire treatment for his dog with cancer would have been $1,000.
Does the cost vary that widely at some facilities? Is there something that OSU would do with the chemo therapy that could not be done locally in OKC?

[beaglebliss67]

aw poor baby! im so sorry she'll be in our prayers tonight
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

[Benji_2000]

Tests results came back negative - no cancer!! The problem has something to do with his allergies which are considerable.

Thanks much for all the prayers, good wishes and sound advice.

[beaglebliss67]

oh my gosh thank goodness. ide take alergies over cancer everyday! good for you!