I dealt with GI lymphoma in my Kipp a couple years ago.

I opted for a "rescue protocol" chemo treatment/prednisone as full chemo had a poor prospect of buying him much time.

Chemo for him was one pill every 2nd or 3rd week. I filled the prescription at the drug store and gave it to him at home. He had a bad day about two days after pill - nausea and vomiting - that was managed with cerenia. He got pretty anemic but otherwise had good quality of life after the drugs kicked in. He was pretty happy to play, hang out, eat and try to work sheep up until the last week.

I also know of other dogs who have handled chemo well and had a good remission period afterwards.

So much to consider. Your finances, your dog's current health and activity, how visits for care would affect your dog (Kipp would not have done well with multiple visits to busy hospitals) the amount of time treatment would likely buy and how your individual dog handles the drugs.

Cancer just sucks. I'm sorry that you're dealing with this.

ETA - a cursory internet search mentions that lomustine is sometimes used to treat cutaneous lymphoma. That is the chemo drug that Kipp took. It was simple and he handled it well. FWIW, a Walgreens prescription saver membership saved me about 50% on the cost of the drug and it ended up being around $20/dose

As a follow up- I took Jake to see a local veterinary oncologist. I was really impressed with Dr. Howard- although I thought it was a bit strange that the hospital's protocol is to examine your pet in the back and then come and talk to you. I'm sure there are good reasons for this- probably because at the point you take your pet to see a specialist you're beginning to panic a little and the pet can tell.

Turns out it was not lymphoma, but a re-occurrence of the melanoma that had since metastasized. The vet gave us four options, although she warned that on this type of cancer, at this stage, none of the treatments are particularly effective. We are going to try the low dose (kind of like the rescue protocol Mara noted above) option for a month or two and see how it goes... this was one of the two that were unlikely to have any side effects and the only one that I could afford. At best this will just slow the cancer down a bit. Based on xrays it had not yet invaded his lungs and he is still moderately active and always hungry so we felt like it would be worth it.

In the meantime he has turned 11- not a bad life for a dog

 Quote: Carolyn Pike

As a follow up- I took Jake to see a local veterinary oncologist. I was really impressed with Dr. Howard- although I thought it was a bit strange that the hospital's protocol is to examine your pet in the back and then come and talk to you. I'm sure there are good reasons for this- probably because at the point you take your pet to see a specialist you're beginning to panic a little and the pet can tell.

Turns out it was not lymphoma, but a re-occurrence of the melanoma that had since metastasized. The vet gave us four options, although she warned that

on this type of cancer, at this stage, none of the treatments are particularly effective.

We are going to try the low dose (kind of like the rescue protocol Mara noted above) option for a month or two and see how it goes... this was one of the two that were unlikely to have any side effects and the only one that I could afford. At best this will just slow the cancer down a bit. Based on xrays it had not yet invaded his lungs and he is still moderately active and always hungry so we felt like it would be worth it.

In the meantime he has turned 11- not a bad life for a dog

I'm very sorry to hear your sad news, Carolyn -- Metastasized Melanoma is an unfortunate diagnosis with a poor prognosis, as you already understand, so at least I'm glad to hear that you have found a good Specialty Vet ... I would just take things with Dear Jake one day at a time, as you are planning to do, and at the 1st sign of any distress (if it were me) I would help him to cross the Rainbow Bridge in peace with dignity, and do my best to take solace in the fact that he has Enjoyed a Great long life in your care.

The beautifully moving lyrics to "Love & Mercy" by Brian Wilson sprang to mind just now -- You can hear him sing it personally in many wonderful online videos ... I hope it may bring you some small comfort, Carolyn, when that time arrives for extending your last measure of love & mercy to Sweet Jake.

Carolyn, I'm sorry for what you and Jake are facing. He's a lucky dog to have someone like you looking out for his best interests. Yes, eleven years is a good long age for a large breed dog, and I sincerely hope you will have many more quality months with him before the time comes to send him lovingly to the Bridge.

Sorry to hear this news. Cherish & enjoying the time you have left together.

Carolyn, this must be an awfully difficult decision for you. I feel so sorry, that you have to go through all this. I personnally can only agree with the many comments you already recieved here.

Although I had once a cat who survived because I mistrusted the diagnostics of two Vets and lived then without any health problems 6 years more, I think it is absolutely the better choice to put an animal down, if it has to suffer a lot just for gaining a bit of life time. It is all a question of how well you can trust the Vets you have.

There is also another aspect to consider. The animal might not only suffer from the illness itself, but perhaps from you having to force him to take medicaments. With my cat it was like this. We had to force her 3 times daily, we had to hold her tightly, so she couldn't flee, and she always looked at us like saying "Why are you doing this to me?"

Well she regained her trust but it took some time. I wouldn't do it with an animal who has no chance or anyway hasn't much more time to live. If it is like this, try to give him some a last good time or let him go without suffering.

It is very difficult I know and I wish you so much can find the best decision for your individual situation.