Hi Amy, welcome. Thanks for registering. Your future posts won't require approval so post away.

Yes, we have had many members become long-term survivors and go beyond the statistics, with chemo and without chemo. Examples include these members, and these, and so many more I can't name them all here.

I'm guessing that you are looking for some signs of hope because your dog was diagnosed? Tell us more about your situation, and we can try to give you more specific input. 

We look forward to learning all about you and your dog or cat!

Hi Amy,

Thanks for sharing more details. I'm so sorry about this sitaution, Bertie is sooooo young! Ugh!

I had one vet say amuputate only because chemo will lower her quality of life. I had another one say do both and yet another say don't do anything and let her enjoy herself. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thank you. 

I can see why you are so overwhelmed. It's hard enough when you have all the vets on the same page but when you get conflicting advice, it's whiplash. So, I'm not a vet but I'll give you my input on the feedback you received.

1) As for the vet who said don't do anything ... ! Honestly. That kind of advice is from 30 years ago. Treatment has come a long way! There are things you can do to help your dog and not doing anything at all is not something a vet practicing modern medicine would ever say to a client these days, especially when a younger dog is overall healthy.

2) Ditto for the vet who said amputate only. While they are one step ahead of vet #1, because they understand the importance of removing that painful leg, they are behind the times or just not experienced enough with chemotherapy (or willing to refer their clients to specialists who know more). Chemotherapy in pets is not what it is in humans, quality of life is #1 and oncologists always keep that at the forefront IF a dog has side-effects. Usually any side effects are managed with medication for a few days, and the treatment gets dialed in so that they don't happen again.

3) The vet who said to do both is the one you want to work with. However, I'm of the opinion that chemotherapy is always optional, you should not feel bad if it's out of reach for your budget, or if you just don't want to do it. That's perfectly fine. Just know that statistically, chemotherapy does give a higher chance of longevity, especially in younger dogs.

The prognosis for very young dogs is not good, you are correct. But there are new treatments that have upped those survival rates to amazing highs, like in Dexter's case, and now, Whiskey's.

So here's my input:

Seek a consult with a board-certified veterinary oncologist so you can get all of the most current information and then make a decision. Do you have an appointment lined up?

 Has anyone done that Elias immunotherapy

Absolutely! But it must be arranged before amputation. See all of our posts about immunotherapy.

And pick up a copy of the Dog Cancer Survival Guide too, it's indispensable. 

I'm so glad she is out of surgery! Hope she gets to come home as expected! YAY! How's your house? Is it prepared?

Yeah it's very young to have that cancer, but not unheard of here in our community. It sucks! I'm so sorry. This is not what anyone ever expects, especially when the dog is are so young.

Sally gave great examples of dogs who lived a very long time after a diagnosis. You just never know what this cancer will do and you just gotta keep the faith that it will behave itself and not come back. Focus on here and now with your #1 girl. The only way cancer can "win" is if you let it steal time from your relationship with her. I know you won't do that.

Sounds like all your bases are covered with her oncology stuff. Good job! Take a deep breath and know that you and Bertie have this covered. You can do this!

Ohhhhh Bertie is so so so cute! Thank you Sally, this made my morning, and I'm sure everyone else's.

Hope you get to come home today sweet girl!