Sarahart

My Labrador Bran has just been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma which is described as a maglignant, rare and rapidly growing type of cancer which was shown by the fact that it doubled in size since first noticed three weeks ago.
When asked what they would do if it was their dog, three different vets have diagnosed chemo and radiotherapy to treat it. I know from past experience that it's easy to get carried along by vets enthusiasm as to what they can do to treat something, but my overriding concern is to limit Bran's suffering and do what's best for him. He is a really sweet and exceptionally sensitive dog - perhaps the most sensitive of all my dogs over the past 20 years.
Does anyone have any experience of this or any opinions, as they would be much appreciated?
many thanks
Sara

roomom

Dear Sara - I really couldn't give you any advice as far as chemo and radiation - my dog aussie has mast cell tumor and they want to do surgery then depending on the out come ( which doesn't look good to begin with as per the vet)then chemo and or radiation . I seriously doubt she would recover before she passed - but thats just my opinion . so I have decided to go with instinct and heart - research supplements to keep her strong and change her diet we all have different ideas. I have been using medcam ( for pain ) I use innova dry food (high protein low carbs) and have started poly mva (supplement ) and and trying to find low dose Q co-10 which is supposed to complement poly mva . I do think whatever you do though - diet and supplements are the first thing I'd chose to start . good wishes and many prayers to you and Bran - andrea & aussie

arniedlreyes

There's an ongoing study about this illness done by UNiv of Min. You can check the links here. Modiano Lab & Medical Dictionary

huskertrading

My dog was also recently diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. She is currently undergoing chemo and had her spleen removed. I've also altered her diet which I think has made the biggest difference. If you want to read more about her and her diet... Laura's Struggle with Hemangiosarcoma

rockytola

Hi:

Read your blog...good stuff and thanks for taking the time to do it. I was one of the first (I think) to post stuff about the cottage cheese and flax seed oil (Budwig Protocol). For best effect it should be blended until it emulsifies and not just mixed...the blending will help with it's ability to help the blood cells......

Good luck with Bran...prayers are with you all.

J

Wendy

Hi Sara,
My dog Tanner was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in Jan. 2010. The tumor on his back hip grew very rapidly and was to large to remove plus the factor of him bleeding out during surgery. So, after seeing 2 Oncologists I decided I wasn't ready to let go and proceeded with radiation and chemo. Tanner had no side effects at all. In Jan. 2010 I was told Tanner had 8 weeks left without treatment. It has now been 13 months and he is still happy and energetic. The tumor remained unchanged until recently but after his check up at the end of January 2011 the cancer has not spread to his internal organs. I am optomistic Tanner will celebrate his 13th Birthday this coming June. When I received the devestating news I found this site and recieved so much great information. I changed Tanner's diet to grain free, removed all sugars, put him on immune boosting supplements, omega 3 oils, filtered water,& steamed green veggies. I know I am missing something but these are what comes to mind. Tanner is currently on a low dose chemo drug which he will take for the remainer of his life along with an antibiotic and carprofin. He goes in every 3 months for blood work to keep an eye on his liver and kidneys.
I am now deep in debt but every morning when I wake to his beautiful brown shining eyes - It is worth it.
If your dog shows any signs of not handling the chemo you can always discontinue treatments. You won't know unless you try but it is very expensive. Thank goodness I found Care Credit with deferred interest.
Hang in there and keep up the fight as long as you can. I hope my story will help you. Let me know how it goes.

Wendy & Tanner